The Truth About Your Car’s Health
Why Digital Inspections Matter
Seeing Is Believing: The Evolution of Vehicle Inspections
Snap, Scan, Service: The Digital Checkup for Your Car
Running an auto shop, we see it all these days. Especially what it means to give an accurate inspection of a vehicle. Instead of relying solely on written notes or verbal explanations, we’ve started using digital tools to document findings with photos, videos, and detailed comments. For customers, this provides a clearer, more transparent look at their vehicle, and allows them to see exactly what the technician sees. You could call it an evidence-based overview of your car’s health!
When should you request a digital vehicle inspection?
Some vehicle owners request inspections even when they’re not experiencing any issues. This can be helpful when:
- Buying or selling a used vehicle
- Preparing for a long road trip
- Following up on recent repairs done
- Or catching up after a long period without maintenance
What happens during a DVI?
After checking your car in, technicians use a standardized checklist to examine key systems of your vehicle: Safety Components like brakes, tires, steering and suspension; Mechanical Systems like the engine and transmission, radiator and hoses, drive axles and shafts; And the most common, Maintenance Items, like engine oil and other fluids.
Our technicians capture images or videos along the way to visually document the condition of each component. Whether it’s worn brake pads, fluid leaks, or corroded terminals, each picture is attached to the inspection report.
We send a completed report to customers that allows them to view the results on their phone or computer. It’ll include a color-coded system:
🟢 Green – Item is in good condition
🟡 Yellow – Not urgent, but will need attention in the future
🔴 Red – Needs immediate attention
This gives you the opportunity to review recommended services at your convenience and decide what to approve or postpone.
Common Myths About Vehicle Inspections
Often times, and because so many auto shops have a bad reputation, people have several misconceptions:
- “It’s just a way to upsell repairs.”
A proper DVI offers transparency, not pressure. If an auto shop is pressuring you to move forward with a service, find another shop. - “If my car runs fine, I don’t need one.”
Many issues, like low brake fluid or worn belts, may not cause symptoms until failure. That’s why we offer that yellow color to show you minor concerns, and guide you as to what needs prioritizing (and when!) - “I’ll be charged extra for the inspection.”
At reputable shops, digital inspection reports are often included with other services. If you do request one on its own, the cost is typically low and well worth the insights gained!
What to Ask Your Shop
The level of detail and systems inspected can differ significantly from shop to shop. When choosing where to get your car inspected, it’s okay (and smart) to ask:
- What does the inspection report cover?
- Will I receive photos or videos?
- Do I have to take action on any findings today?
A well-executed Digital Vehicle Inspection helps you stay ahead of potential issues, avoid costly breakdowns, and make better maintenance decisions with confidence. Call us at Jefferson Auto with any questions, we’d be happy to help!
