San Diego Auto Repair

Car inspections are an absolutely crucial aspect of car maintenance and ownership. Like any complex machine, cars need to be inspected, maintained, and repaired on a regular basis to ensure that everything is in working order and that there are no major issues that would cause a safety or performance problem.

Unfortunately, most people don't know how to perform a full car inspection on their own. Which is why it's important to schedule detailed vehicle inspections regularly. Read on to learn more about the all-important car inspection process:

What a Regular, Complete Car Inspection Is

A regular, complete car inspection consists of a thorough, systematic, point-to-point check of major aspects of the car's structure and operations. These are performed on a regular schedule and are conducted the same way every time, regardless of previous repairs (or whether a point was "ok'd" the last time it was checked). A car inspection typically includes:

• luid checks (including oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, windshield wiper fluid)
• Tire check (pressure, tread check)
• Brake inspection
• Examination of hoses and belts (usually looking for wear or cracks)
• Identification of any battery issues
• Filter check (including engine and cabin air filters)

Some inspections include adjustment of tire pressure and tire rotation as well. At Convoy Auto Repair, our affordable, complete car service covers all the points listed above and includes an inspection of interior and exterior lights and vehicle suspension. The purpose of a car inspection is not necessarily to correct anything, but rather to diagnose the car and see if any issues need further attention. From there, more specialized mechanic work can follow if needed.

Why You Shouldn't Skip Car Inspections

Forgoing regular check-ups for your car can mean disaster in the long run. It is very unwise to try to "save a few bucks" by skipping preventive maintenance.

Consequences of failing to regularly inspect and maintain your car:  

• Paying more for more extensive repairs later on
• Long-term damage to your car, sometimes irreversible
• Increased risk of a breakdown or accident, thus reducing car safety
• Affected performance, including acceleration, gas efficiency, and even pollution/smog output

Need an example? Driving while your car's engine coolant levels are low can cause damage to the water pump and other expensive parts. It's much cheaper to top off the coolant than to replace a major part. Or, if the air filter is dirty, it can result in greater fuel consumption, which can cost you hundreds of extra dollars a year in gas expenses.

Convoy's Regular Check Ups: Why You Should Hire a Professional to Handle Your Car Inspection

As mentioned, most people don't know how to conduct a full car inspection. On top of that, most people don't know when to inspect their cars. Thus, the most practical thing to do is to hire a certified, experienced professional to conduct the inspection for you. Your service professional can recommend on-the-spot fixes as well as any major or long-term repairs that need to be done. Lastly, they'll be able to schedule your next appointment for you and set a date for your next vehicle inspection.

Regular, comprehensive car inspections can save you lots of money and hassle in the long run. As the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"—and that's completely true for cars, as well!

Do you need a detailed, thorough car inspection for your vehicle? Stop by Convoy Auto Repair, San Diego's favorite auto repair shop (we've been awarded "Best Auto Repair Shop" by Best of San Diego!); we have Complete Car Check Up services to help prolong your car's life and keep it running at top performance!