Free Auto Shop Inspection Checklist — 20 Points
The exact inspection checklist Inspect Pro ships with, organized into seven categories. Read it below, or drop your email and we will send a printable PDF version to your inbox.
Brakes
- Brake pad / shoe thickness (minimum 2/32 remaining)
- Brake rotor / drum condition, no deep grooves or warpage
- Brake hoses and lines — no cracks, leaks, or bulges
- Brake fluid level and color (amber, not dark brown)
- Parking brake holds vehicle on a 20% grade
Lights and Signals
- Headlights — high beam and low beam, both sides
- Tail lights and brake lights, both sides
- Turn signals front and rear, both sides
- Hazard flashers
- License plate light
- Reverse / backup light
Tires and Wheels
- Tread depth ≥ 2/32 on all four tires (legal minimum)
- No sidewall cracks, bulges, exposed cord, or dry rot
- Tire pressure within manufacturer spec (placard on door jamb)
- No loose or missing lug nuts
- Wheel bearings — no play when rocked at 3 and 9 o'clock
Steering and Suspension
- Tie rod ends — no visible play
- Ball joints — within manufacturer spec
- Shocks / struts — no fluid leaks, bounce test passes
- Power steering fluid level and no leaks
- Steering wheel free play ≤ 30°
Under the Hood
- Engine oil level and condition
- Coolant level, correct color, no visible contamination
- Transmission fluid (where dipstick available)
- Battery — terminals clean, hold-down secure, voltage ≥ 12.4V at rest
- Drive belts — no cracks, fraying, or glazing
- Visible leaks — engine, transmission, coolant, power steering
Exhaust and Emissions
- No exhaust leaks ahead of the catalytic converter
- Catalytic converter present and not tampered with
- No visible smoke at idle or under load (black, blue, or white)
- OBD-II readiness monitors set (for emission inspection states)
- No stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body and Glass
- Windshield — no cracks in the driver's line of sight
- Wiper blades — clean sweep, no streaking or chatter
- Mirrors — driver side and center rearview present
- Seat belts latch, retract, and do not show cuts or fraying
- Horn functional
- Doors latch and open from inside and outside
Run this checklist on a phone instead
Inspect Pro runs this exact workflow with pass/fail taps, photo evidence, VIN scanning, and instant branded PDF reports to your customer. Free trial, no credit card.
Start Free TrialFAQ
Is this a state-specific inspection checklist?+
This is a general-purpose 20-point pre-inspection checklist shops use as a tech-facing starting point. If you perform state-mandated Virginia Safety or New York Safety inspections, use the official state checklist alongside this one — Inspect Pro ships with both state checklists built in and enforced.
Can I use this checklist on paper?+
Yes. Print the page or get the PDF emailed to you. Most shops eventually move off paper because photo evidence and instant customer reports are hard to do on a clipboard, but this list is a fine starting point.
Does this replace a state inspection?+
No. State-mandated safety and emission inspections have specific checkpoint criteria, sticker-number logic, and fee structures set by the state. This list is a general-purpose pre-inspection tool — helpful as a tech-facing prep sheet, but not a substitute for the official state inspection.