WHAT WE INSPECT

WHAT WE INSPECT

WHAT WE INSPECT

CODE CHECK

This check will alert you to any codes present at the time of the inspection. When the service engine light is illuminated it is often times emissions related and will cause you to fail any state required testing. See our full vehicle scan add-on to access pending and manufacturer specific codes.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE TEST

We ensure the engine is performing as it was designed to. We put a trained ear to the engine looking for things like misfires, backfiring, engine idle, rpm fluctuations and anything else we can tell at the time of inspection that may be symptomatic of a larger issue.

COOLING SYSTEM INTEGRITY

The first thing we do upon arrival is start the vehicle. We then proceed to checking the other things while the vehicle gets to operating temperature. After we have test driven the vehicle and the system is pressurized we check for visual leaks, monitor temperature and thermostat operation.

EXHAUST SYSTEM  

From the exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters to the muffler we will perform a visual and audible inspection of the system for leaks. Strange smells and engine stumbling are a few signs that the exhaust system is in need of repair. .

TRANSMISSION AND DRIVETRAIN

Automatic or manual we will make sure that shifting is smooth and responsive. Checking for slack in U-joints on the drive shaft, transmission shifting, CV axle failure, wheel bearing fatigue and leaks.

WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEMS

Ever driven in the rain without wipers? What a blinding experience! We will make sure your wiper controls, fluid disbursement and linkage are ready for the elements.

TIRES AND WHEELS

You can tell a lot about a suspension by the wear on the tires. We will check the tires for uniform size, tread depth, inflation and wear patterns. We also inspect condition of the wheels.

ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS 

 Heated seats, cooled seats, entertainment systems, navigation systems, auxiliary power sources, remote controls, keyless entry, sunroof, back up camera, A.D.A.S. (advanced driver assist systems). We test all accessories and options the vehicle comes with and document results on your report.

BODY AND FRAME INSPECTION

This inspection will check for visual damage to the frame. We will check for body filler, unusual discoloration or ripples in the paint and panel lines. We have several techniques we use to identify different types of damage. We provide a visual frame inspection only .

LIGHTING AND HORNS

We inspect the headlights, tail lights, fog lights, running lights, cargo lights, stop lights, turn signals and interior dashboard indicators as well as horn function. All of these things are important considering most states require annual inspections.

WINDOWS AND DOORS

We will inspect the glass for cracks and the tint for scratches and air pockets. We’ll ensure windows roll up and down and doors lock properly. We will also make sure automated rolling doors and child safety locks are in good order. 

CRUISE CONTROL

On our highway test drive we will check the acceleration and deceleration control as well as the brake pedal initiated controls and the resume feature. Cruise control is a great feature for long trips so long as it works.

INTERIOR UPHOLSTRY

We will look for discoloration, tears, loose fabric, smoking stains and burn holes. paying attention to the condition of the headliner, dash, panel pieces, etc.

EXTERIOR PANEL INSPECTION

We check for discoloration from panel to panel, dents, holes, rust, chips and missing pieces including trim, wheel flairs, grill and exterior lenses for oxidation, etc.

BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL

We look for leaks at the calipers, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, etc. We check the e-brake and insure you do not have excessive pedal travel or pulsation all of which could be signs of a larger issue. We will make sure the abs and traction control engages properly and safely.

STARTING AND CHARGING SYSTEM

We will use a digital voltage/ohm meter to test the charging voltage of the alternator, the draw on the battery from the starter and the overall condition of the system. These components rely on each other. The battery powers the alternator in return, the alternator charges the battery so the car will start.

STEERING AND SUSPENSION

We will examine steering components such as tie rods, ball joints, axles for signs of trouble. We will also get a feel for the suspension on the test drive. Broken ball joints and tie rods can cause accidents. We do a visual inspection and document their condition. 

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

A/C  and heat can be a deal breaker for a lot of people. We’ll turn it on and test how cold and hot it gets. We will also take a look at the controls and blend doors for correct function. We will also verify air conditioned seats and heated steering wheel function when applicable.

SEATBELTS AND SAFETY FEATURES

This is one of the most scrutinized parts of the inspection. We make sure all seatbelts and safety features that are available function correctly. The safety of you and your family is very important to us.

CHECK ALL FLUID LEVELS

Fluids can tell a story all by themselves. Brake fluid low... could need pads. Low coolant could be the sign of a much bigger problem like a head gasket, radiator or water pump.

CITY / HIGHWAY TEST DRIVE

A road test can tell us much more than if the vehicle were sitting still. With a trained ear a test drive will tell us as much about what is wrong the vehicle as much as what is right.

COMMERCIAL CHECKLIST

Please Read.

Items below cover a wide range of commercial type vehicles. Reports are customized to reflect specific types of commercial vehicles. We do not test drive anything that requires a commercial drivers license. In these cases we will ride along on a test drive if the seller is willing.

Exterior

  • Front bumper
  • Hood
  • Passenger front fender
  • Passenger front door
  • Passenger rear quarter
  • Rear bumper
  • Lift gate
  • Driver rear quarter
  • Driver front door
  • Driver front fender
  • Grill
  • Roof
  • Safety guards or flaps
  • Reflectors (rear/side)

Tires and wheels ( tread depth)

  • Driver front
  • Driver front axle (outside)
  • Driver front axle (inside)
  • Driver rear axle (outside)
  • Driver rear axle (inside)
  • Passenger front
  • Passenger front axle (outside)
  • Passenger front axle (inside)
  • Passenger rear axle (outside)
  • Passenger rear axle (inside)


Undercarriage

  • Fluid leaks
  • Frame (visual)
  • Axles
  • Suspension
  • Driveshaft
  • Rear differential

Tires and wheels ( tread depth)

  • Driver front
  • Driver front axle (outside)
  • Driver front axle (inside)
  • Driver rear axle (outside)
  • Driver rear axle (inside)
  • Passenger front
  • Passenger front axle (outside)
  • Passenger front axle (inside)
  • Passenger rear axle (outside)
  • Passenger rear axle (inside)

Wheel condition

  • Driver front
  • Driver rear
  • Passenger front
  • Passenger rear
  • Rearmost axle


Tire changing equipment

  • Spare tire
  • Tire changing tools
  • Emergency jack

Brakes (visual)

  • Front brakes
  • Rear brakes
  • Emergency brake
  • Air brakes
  • Trailer air couplings

Under the hood

  • Engine oil level
  • Coolant level
  • Transmission level
  • Brake level
  • Power steering level
  • Misfire
  • Backfire/Detonation
  • Valve clatter
  • Lower engine knock
  • Vacuum leak(s)
  • Alternator
  • Battery
  • Radiator/heater hoses
  • Windshield fluid
  • Smoking
  • Belt drive squealing
  • Melted wiring
  • Overheating
  • Oil leaks
  • Exhaust leaks
  • Drive belts

RECREATIONAL CHECKLIST

READ THIS FIRST

This list includes motorized and non-motorized recreational vehicles. What may not apply will be omitted from your report. In order to perform a thorough inspection the RV would need to be hooked up to water and utilities in order to test components requiring these utilities. This would need to be arranged by you and the seller prior to our arrival. We do not test drive some vehicles due to liability issues that often come with RVs or commercial vehicles. We do not test drive anything that requires a commercial drivers license. In these cases we will ride along on a test drive if the seller is willing.

Exterior

  • Sealing and caulking
  • Trim
  • Doors and screens
  • Windows and screens
  • Vents
  • Handrails
  • Awning
  • Steps
  • Connector covers
  • Slide operations
  • Fold outs and expansions
  • Lighting

Roof

  • Roof accessibility
  • Surface condition (visual)
  • Corners and edges (visual)
  • Signs of leaks (visual)
  • Sealing and caulking
  • Vents and vent hoods
  • Skylights
  • AC unit (visual)
  • Antennas and dishes
  • Solar Panels
  • Ladder(s)


Undercarriage

  • Fluid leaks
  • Frame (visual)
  • Axles
  • Suspension
  • Plumbing (visual)
  • Holding tanks (fresh, waste)
  • Retaining straps
  • Leveling jacks
  • Stabilizing jacks
  • Driveshaft
  • Rear differential

Tires and wheels ( tread depth)

  • Driver front
  • Driver front axle (outside)
  • Driver front axle (inside)
  • Driver rear axle (outside)
  • Driver rear axle (inside)
  • Passenger front
  • Passenger front axle (outside)
  • Passenger front axle (inside)
  • Passenger rear axle (outside)
  • Passenger rear axle (inside)


Wheel condition

  • Driver front
  • Driver rear
  • Passenger front
  • Passenger rear


Tire changing equipment

  • Spare tire
  • Tire changing tools
  • Emergency jack

Brakes (visual)

  • Front brakes
  • Rear brakes
  • Emergency brake

Under the hood

  • Engine oil level
  • Coolant level
  • Transmission level
  • Brake level
  • Power steering level
  • Misfire
  • Backfire/Detonation
  • Valve clatter
  • Lower engine knock
  • Vacuum leak(s)
  • Alternator
  • Battery
  • Radiator/heater hoses
  • Generator operation
  • Windshield fluid
  • Smoking
  • Belt drive squealing
  • Melted wiring
  • Overheating
  • Oil leaks
  • Exhaust leaks
  • Drive belts



Utilities

  • Battery disconnect switch
  • Cable tv connector
  • Winterizing connections
  • Water heater
  • Satellite dish connector
  • Fresh water hose connectors
  • Washer and dryer

Propane

  • Bottle(s) condition
  • OPD valves
  • Connections
  • Pipes and hoses
  • Scales
  • Tank selectors

Trailer coupling components

  • Tongue / king pin
  • Safety chains
  • Umbilical cord
  • Receiver hitch
  • Trailer lighting harness

Dashboard

  • Check engine light
  • ABS light
  • TPMS (tire monitoring)
  • Maintenance light
  • Oil change light
  • Oil pressure gauge
  • Engine temperature gauge
  • Parking brake light
  • Suspension light
  • Air bag light
  • Odometer
  • Tachometer
  • Battery/charging light

Mirrors

  • Driver side view
  • Passenger side view
  • Rear view mirror
  • Other mirrors

Steering and suspension

  • Ride quality
  • Suspension noise(s)
  • Steering wheel alignment
  • Ball joints/kingpins/springs (visual)
  • Steering linkage
  • Shocks/struts
  • Steering gear
  • Rack and pinion

Safety

  • Driver seat belt
  • Passenger seat belt
  • Rear seat belts
  • Horn
  • Child safety locks
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Smoke detector
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Propane gas detector
  • Emergency exit windows

Electronics

  • Televisions
  • Audio equipment
  • Video equipment
  • CB radio
  • Navigation/GPS
  • Security/alarm
  • Antenna mast
  • Dish mast

Heating and air conditioning

  • Cockpit blower motor
  • Cockpit blend doors
  • Cockpit heater operation
  • Cockpit cooling operation
  • Living quarters air conditioning
Kitchen
  • Stove
  • Exhaust fans
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher
  • Refrigerator
  • Freezer
  • Ice maker

Interior

  • Flooring
  • Ceiling
  • Walls
  • Trim
  • Cabinetry
  • Locks and latches
  • Exhaust vents and fans
  • Pull outs/ hideaways
  • Slide seals

Storage compartments

  • Signs of leaking
  • Doors and seals
  • Sliding trays
Kitchen
  • Stove
  • Exhaust fans
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher
  • Refrigerator
  • Freezer
  • Ice maker

Interior

  • Flooring
  • Ceiling
  • Walls
  • Trim
  • Cabinetry
  • Locks and latches
  • Exhaust vents and fans
  • Pull outs/ hideaways
  • Slide seals

Storage compartments

  • Signs of leaking
  • Doors and seals
  • Sliding trays

MOTORCYCLE / ATV CHECKLIST

Body work

  • Fuel tank
  • Front fender
  • Rear fender
  • Side covers
  • Seat
  • Rear seat
  • Backrest
  • Paint
  • Chrome
  • Windshield
  • Saddlebags

Engine

  • Oil level
  • Oil leaks
  • Engine start up
  • Smoking
  • Idle / throttle response
  • Abnormal noises


Exhaust

  • Physical damage
  • Rust
  • Leaks

Handlebars

  • Grips
  • Levers
  • Cables
  • Switches
  • Mirrors


Fuel system

  • Fuel tank
  • Fuel hoses
  • Petcock


Cooling System

  • Coolant level
  • Cooling fan
  • Temperature gauge

Brakes (visual)

  • Front brakes
  • Rear brakes

Tire tread depth/condition

  • Front tire(s)
  • Rear tire(s)

Tire manufacturer

  • Front tire(s)
  • Rear tire(s)

Tire size

  • Front tire(s)
  • Rear tire(s)
Wheels, sprockets and drive
  • Spoked wheels
  • Cast Wheels
  • Rear sprocket
  • Wheel bearings (visual)
  • Chain/belt
  • Shaft drive/final drive

Electrical instrumentation

  • Battery
  • Lights
  • Horn
  • Accessories
  • Wiring harness
  • Charging system
  • Under the seat

Front forks

  • Steering head bearings
  • Fork tubes
  • Alignment
  • Retaining clips
Frame and rear suspension
  • Frame
  • Rear shocks
  • Swing arms/suspension pivots
  • Frame damage (visual)
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