Tekmetric's October 2024 Product Rundown

Every vehicle that rolls into your shop is an opportunity to protect a customer's family, uncover real problems before they become roadside emergencies, and build the kind of trust that earns repeat business—but only if your team catches what matters every time.

A consistent inspection process is how shops do that. And when you pair it with the right tools, it pays off: Tekmetric shops using Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) average $741 per repair order, compared to $612 without them.

Below, you'll find a downloadable 100-point vehicle inspection checklist, a breakdown of what every technician should check, and an overview of how digital vehicle inspections can sharpen your workflow.

Printable vehicle inspection checklist (PDF)

100-Point vehicle inspection checklist

A full inspection covers every system that affects safety, drivability, and reliability. The comprehensive 100-point checklist below gives your technicians a strong baseline they can follow on every repair order.

Vehicle intake

1. Log the VIN and license plate to confirm the vehicle's identity and match past service records.
2. Record odometer reading in and out.
3. Note customer-reported concerns and the reason for the visit.
4. Document the fuel level at drop-off.
5. Check for open safety recalls tied to the VIN.
6. Gather customer contact information.

Exterior condition

7. Check the body for dents, scratches, and any signs of damage.
8. Inspect the bumpers front and rear for cracks, loose mounts, or impact marks.
9. Confirm the license plate is secure, legible, and properly mounted.
10. Note any rust, paint issues, or trim damage.
11. Inspect fenders, rocker panels, and body panel alignment.
12. Inspect glass, windshield, and mirrors for chips, cracks, or pitting.
13. Check door handles, hinges, and weather stripping.
14. Inspect child safety locks.
15. Inspect the trailer hitch.

Lights and electrical

16. Headlights on low and high beam.
17. Taillights and brake lights.
18. Turn signals front and rear.
19. Hazard flashers.
20. License plate lights and dashboard illumination.
21. Reverse lights, fog lights, and daytime running lights.
22. Interior dome, map, and courtesy lights.
23. Any warning light that's illuminated on the dashboard. A check engine light, ABS warning, or airbag indicator tells you where to focus diagnostic time.
24. Battery voltage, terminals, and charge/discharge load test.
25. Alternator output and starter draw.
26. Ignition switch and accelerator pedal function.
27. Horn operation.

Tires and wheels

28. Check tire pressure on all four tires plus the spare.
29. Measure tire tread depth.
30. Check for uneven wear patterns that can point to alignment or suspension issues.
31. Inspect sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or embedded objects.
32. Check valve stems and caps for leaks or damage.
33. Review the tire DOT date code for age.
34. Verify wheel condition, lug nut torque, and hub cap security.
35. Check the spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and locking wheel lock key.
36. Confirm the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning.

Brake system

37. Check brake pads for thickness and wear patterns.
38. Inspect rotors for scoring, warping, or excessive wear.
39. Examine brake drums and shoes, if equipped.
40. Check brake calipers for sticking, leaks, or damaged boots.
41. Check brake fluid level and condition at the master cylinder.
42. Examine brake lines and hoses for cracks or leaks.
43. Test parking brake function and adjustment.
44. Evaluate overall brake pedal feel, travel, and pulsation.
45. Verify ABS sensors, wiring, and warning light operation.

Steering and suspension

46. Inspect the steering wheel for play and responsiveness.
47. Check steering column and intermediate shaft for looseness.
48. Check power steering fluid level and condition.
49. Examine tie rods and ball joints for wear.
50. Check struts for leaks or damage.
51. Inspect shock absorbers for proper dampening and leaks.
52. Check CV boots and axle shafts.
53. Inspect wheel bearings for noise or excessive play.
54. Inspect sway bar links, bushings, and control arms.
55. Look for uneven ride height or sagging that can indicate a failing spring.

Under the hood

56. Check the battery capacity.

57. Check engine oil level and condition.
58. Check the oil filter for leaks and proper seating.
59. Inspect transmission fluid.
60. Check coolant level, condition, and the cooling system for leaks.
61. Inspect brake fluid, power steering fluid, and washer fluid reservoirs.
62. Inspect the battery, cables, and hold-down hardware.
63. Examine the serpentine belt and any drive belts for cracks, glazing, or fraying.
64. Check all hoses for soft spots, swelling, bulges, or leaks.
65. Inspect the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
66. Check the fuel filter, if serviceable.
67. Inspect the PCV valve and evaporative emissions components.
68. Check the radiator and condenser fins for debris or damage.
69. Check engine and transmission mounts.
70. Look for oil leaks at the valve cover, oil pan, and gaskets.
71. Test the spark plugs and ignition components.
72. Inspect air intake.
73. Inspect fuses.

Under the car

74. Check the exhaust system for leaks, rust, and damaged hangers.
75. Inspect the muffler, resonator, and heat shields.
76. Inspect fuel system components, lines, and the fuel tank for leaks or corrosion.
77. Look at the transmission and differential housings for leaks.
78. Check the oil pan and drain plug for seepage or stripped threads.
79. Examine the frame, subframe, and undercarriage for rust or impact damage.
80. Check emissions-related components like the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors.
81. Inspect the driveshaft, U-joints, and center support bearings.
82. Verify skid plates and underbody shielding are secure.
83. Scan the ground under the vehicle for any fluid drips or leaks.

Interior and safety equipment

84. Test seat belts for retraction, fraying, and buckle function.
85. Confirm airbag and supplemental restraint indicators clear properly.
86. Inspect windshield wipers and wiper blades for streaking or splitting.
87. Test washer fluid spray on the windshield and rear glass, if equipped.
88. Inspect interior warning lights.
89. Check AC, heat, and all fan speeds.
90. Test front and rear defrosters.
91. Inspect infotainment displays and systems.
92. Test door locks, power windows, and the key fob.
93. Inspect driver-assist systems, backup camera, and parking sensors.
94. Inspect lane departure systems.

Road test

95. Confirm smooth engine start and stable idle.
96. Evaluate transmission shift quality and clutch engagement, if manual.
97. Test braking response, pedal feel, and stopping distance.
98. Listen and feel for suspension noise, vibration, or harshness.
99. Check cruise control and driver-assist system operation.
100. Note any dashboard warning indicator, abnormal smoke from the exhaust, or unusual vibration that appears during the drive.

What are digital vehicle inspections (DVIs)?

Paper inspection checklists worked for decades, but they come with real costs: illegible handwriting, lost sheets, no documentation, and frustrating back-and-forth among the technician, service advisor, and customer.

Digital Vehicle Inspections change that. With Tekmetric, your technicians perform the inspection on a tablet or phone, attach photos and videos of anything that needs attention, and send a vehicle health report straight to the customer's phone.

Here's what that looks like in practice: A technician notices worn brake pads on a 2019 Toyota Highlander. Instead of writing a note the customer may not understand, the technician snaps a photo of the worn pad next to a new one, records a short video, and marks the task red for immediate attention. The service advisor builds the estimate and texts it to the customer. Whether they're an in-store customer in the waiting room or at work across town, the customer approves the job with a digital signature.

Why car inspections matter

Every car owner is counting on your team to catch what they can't see. A consistent inspection process gives your technicians a repeatable way to do exactly that on every repair order, every time.

Inspections also drive revenue. When you document a vehicle's condition clearly with photos and notes, customers understand exactly what their car needs and why. They approve more of the work they genuinely need when they can see the evidence.

Build customer trust with digital vehicle inspections

A great inspection process isn't about checking boxes. It's about giving every vehicle owner a clear, honest picture of their car's condition so they can make informed decisions about their safety and their budget. When your shop pairs a thorough inspection process with a digital tool like Tekmetric's DVI, you give your team the speed and consistency they need and your customers the transparency they want.

When researching digital vehicle inspection software solutions, you should look for these seven core features that benefit your team and your customers:

1. A searchable DVI history
2. The ability for technicians to attach photos and videos to inspections
3. A color-coded system that indicates the severity of inspection findings
4. A direct tie-in to parts and labor data when building estimates
5. The ability to add canned jobs when building estimates
6. Digital authorization
7. Automatic saving and tracking of declined jobs

1. Searchable DVI History

When shopping for digital vehicle inspection software, make sure that you can easily look back on past inspection findings. When service advisors are able to quickly find out what was uncovered during previous inspections, they’re less likely to miss a repair opportunity and leave money on the table. They can simply pick up where they left off, helping your shop sell more repair work.

2. The ability for technicians to attach photos and videos to inspections

It’s one thing to tell a customer, “Hey, your car has really bad engine corrosion.” It’s another thing to show the customer a photo of the orange, brittle-looking rust all over their engine. When customers can see what’s really going on with their vehicles, they’re more likely to trust your team’s word and authorize repairs right then and there. They’ll be less inclined to shop around for a second opinion or tell you, “Oh, I’ll sleep on it and come back tomorrow.”

A digital vehicle inspection software that enables technicians to quickly attach photos and videos will help your team keep repairs moving along and build customer trust.

3. A color-coded system that indicates the severity of inspection findings

When explaining repairs to customers, the best route is often the simplest one. Instead of spending time speaking or writing about the intricacies of each inspection finding, service advisors can leverage digital vehicle inspection software that uses a simple, color-coded system to instantly give customers an idea of how urgent each inspection finding is. For instance, an inspection finding marked in green would indicate that everything is good to go, one marked in yellow would indicate something that might need attention down the line, and red would indicate the need for immediate action.

4. A direct tie-in to parts and labor data when building estimates

It’s vital for service advisors to weave in the right parts and labor data when building estimates. But doing so manually is a tedious process. With everything going on, service advisors might accidentally scribble down the wrong piece of information, resulting in the customer getting the wrong parts and labor pricing, or inaccurate parts availability.

Digital vehicle inspection software with a direct tie-in to parts and labor data helps service advisors create accurate estimates from the get-go, so there are no unpleasant surprises for anyone at the shop come estimate-review time.

5. The ability to add canned jobs when building estimates

On a daily basis, service advisors may find themselves writing the same types of findings on estimates over and over.

Digital vehicle inspection software with a canned jobs feature will eliminate a lot of this repetition by enabling service advisors to add pre-saved jobs to estimates in a matter of seconds. That way they can complete inspections faster and get estimates in customers’ hands as soon as possible.

6. Digital authorization

The easier you make it for your customers to authorize repair work, the more likely they’ll quickly do so. That’s where digital vehicle inspection software with digital job authorization steps in. Service advisors won’t have to track down customers to get their verbal or written approval to start repair work. Instead, customers can approve or decline individual jobs from the moment they get their estimate.

7. Automatic saving and tracking of declined jobs

Some repair work is going to get declined for various reasons. But don’t worry. Declined jobs show that your shop is thorough with inspections and estimates; your team caught every budding and existing issue with each vehicle. Think of declined jobs as future business opportunities for your shop.

However, remembering and keeping track of declined jobs can get tricky with a pen and paper method. Service advisors might totally forget about these opportunities, or if they remember, they’ll have to dig through stacks of paper or navigate folder after folder on a computer just to find the right estimate.

Digital vehicle inspection software that has a “declined jobs” feature enables your service advisors to pick up right where they left off the next time a particular customer walks into your shop. They’ll be able to search which jobs the customer declined last time, and recommend taking care of those issues. The results? You’ll get more business and impress your customers with your great customer service.

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Mechanics need the best tools to perform repairs efficiently and safely. With so many brands in the automotive industry, it can be hard to sift through the noise to find the right automotive tool brand for you. Whether you are a beginner or an expert mechanic, this guide will help identify the best brands for you.

Below, we have highlighted the top automotive tool brands to help you select the best tools for your needs. We have hand-selected these brands to provide a variety of price points and quality levels. Each brand has something unique to offer and we hope this guide helps you narrow down your choices.

Our Top-Rated Mechanic Tool Brands

While every mechanic tool brand has something unique to offer, these high-quality brands stood out to us based on value, reviews, durability, and performance. Tekmetric reviewed these brands without any affiliate commission to remove bias.

Matco Tools: Premium tools for everyone

Matco is a prominent brand in the automotive tool space because of its reputation for durable and reliable products. Featuring a wide variety of hand tools (and apparel) at reasonable prices, Matco has become a leading brand. Products include wrenches, sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers and more. This brand is a great option for mechanics looking for quality tools that are built to last.

Kobalt: Budget-friendly tools

Kobalt has become a popular choice for mechanics looking for professional-grade tools without breaking the bank. They have found the perfect balance of quality and price. Plus, they are easy to find and readily available at Lowes and Amazon. However, if you are looking for highly specialized tools, Kobalt may not offer every tool you need. In addition, you may find better quality from other brands but quality comes at a cost.

Wright Tool: American-made tools

Wright is an innovative USA tool supplier that has created a reputation for quality long-lasting tools. Wright features an extensive product range including wrenches, sockets, hammers, tool storage, screwdrivers, and more. Wright is a great option for those looking for innovation and American-made tools.

Snap-On Tools: Professional-grade hand tools

Snap-On has become synonymous with exceptional quality, precision, and durability, making it a preferred choice among professional automotive mechanics. The premium pricing will be easily justified by professional mechanics and those looking to make an investment but may not be the best choice for casual or DIYers. Snap-On is a great choice for those looking for top-notch quality and performance.

Craftsman Tools: Reliable and budget-friendly

Craftsman is another popular choice for mechanics looking for quality tools without the premium price tag. Craftsman offers a wide variety of tools including sockets, torque wrenches, and ergonomic power tools. Craftsman is a great choice for those looking to find a balance between price and quality. Craftsman is available at most of the large retailers including Amazon, Lowes, and Home Depot.

OTC: Diagnostic and specialty tools

OTC is a reputable brand offering specialty equipment for mechanics. OTC specializes in jacks, diagnostics and speciality equipment. They do not offer every tool you will need but they have select specialized tools that can be hard to find elsewhere. OTC is a great choice for mechanics looking for technical products or needing specialized equipment.

Husky: Affordable quality tools

Husky is a big name in the automotive tool space because they have found the right balance of quality and price. They have a large selection of tools and back them up with a lifetime warranty. Products include mechanic tools sets, wrenches, sockets, and more. Husky is easy to find at Home Depot, Amazon, and other large retailers. Most users will like Husky but if you want to make a larger financial investment, you can find higher-quality brands elsewhere.

Proto: Durable and innovative tools

Proto is a reputable brand in the automotive tool industry, offering durable, high-quality tools that are often favorably compared to other brands. Products include adjustable wrenches, combination wrenches, screwdrivers, and more. They offer innovative designs and competitive pricing which make them a viable option for professional mechanics.

Blackhawk: Specialty shop equipment

Blackhawk is another specialty brand offering jacks, stands, ramps, creepers, and shop equipment. While they do not sell every product mechanics need, they specialize in a few key products and have made a good name for themselves. Blackhawk is available at some major retailers including Amazon and Northern Tool.

Milwaukee Tool: Cordless power tools

Milwaukee is a big name in the tool space in general and has been building its presence in the automotive space. Milwaukee offers a wide variety of tools including power tools, lighting, safety equipment, mechanic tool sets, wrenches, and more. They specialize in innovative cordless power tools and can be found at Amazon, Ace Hardware and Home Depot.

DeWalt: Reputable retail supplier

DeWalt is a large supplier of automotive tools and typically caters to both DIY and professional mechanics alike. They offer a comprehensive product line featuring wrenches, power tools, tool kits, storage, hand tools, and more. DeWalt is a great option for those looking for a reputable brand that is easy to find at Amazon, Lowes and Ace Hardware.

Mac Tools: Premium-grade tools

Mac Tools is a leading brand in the automotive space and is recognized for durability and quality. They offer almost every tool a mechanic will need but they are not available at most retailers (buy from a franchise or their website). Despite being harder to locate, Mac Tools is included in this list for a reason and has a lot to offer mechanics looking for professional-grade tools.

Makita: Automotive power tools and batteries

Makita is a reputable automotive tool company specializing in power tools and batteries. If you stay within the Makita ecosystem, their batteries can power over 325 different tools. Power tool products include drive impact wrenches, grinders, lighting, and more. Makita is a top choice for mechanics looking for cordless power tools at a good price.

SK Tools: Renowned quality

With over 100 years of experience, SK has created a reputation for delivering quality tools that last. SK offers mechanic tool sets, sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, tool storage, and more. You can purchase SK Tools on their website, Amazon, and other popular retailers. SK is a great choice for those looking for quality tools at an affordable price point.

How to Pick the Best Tool Brand for You

Price, durability, warranty, and brand reputation are some of the biggest factors when looking for the best tool brand for you. When selecting your brand, make sure it meets your specific needs, budget, and has a strong reputation.

Price

Price is an important factor to consider when looking for the best mechanic tool brand. Consider if it is worth it to purchase a higher quality brand to ensure your tools last longer and need to be replaced less frequently. Lastly, consider additional costs such as batteries, electricity, and storage.

Durability

When selecting your brand, durability is an important factor to consider. Some brands are cheaper but will cost you more over a lifetime if you have to replace them regularly. If the tool has an active lifetime warranty, then this factor holds less importance. Lastly, consider how much you use your tools. Every day? Once a month? If you use tools every day, the extra expense of quality tools may be justified.

Warranty

When looking for the best mechanic tool brands, warranties can be one of the most important factors to consider. Some brands offer lifetime warranties, others offer limited warranties or no warranty at all. Replacement costs can be substantial so make sure you research beforehand.

Reviews

Reviews offer first-hand perspectives of how the tool performed for others. Research each tool and also research the brand as a whole and see how other mechanics are liking the tool/brand.

Essential Tools for Mechanics

Every automotive mechanic should have these hand tools to assist with common repairs and streamline their workflow. While not exhaustive, this list will handle the majority of common car repairs.

• OBD Scanner
• Lighting
• Shop stool
• Ratchet wrenches
• Socket set
• Screwdriver
• Power tools
• Creeper
• Car lift or jack
• Fluid funnels
• Pry bar
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Toolbox/storage

Closing thoughts

Choosing the right mechanic tool brand is essential for maximizing performance and efficiency in your work. You can make an informed decision by considering your specific needs, researching brand reviews, and finding the right warranty. Our top brands mentioned in this blog have earned the trust of professionals for their reliability and durability, so invest wisely in the one that best suits your needs.