Vehicle 50-Point Inspection: What You Need to Know

A quick inspection of your car at regular intervals will help protect against any surprise issues that might pop up.

Vehicle inspections are an important way to stay on top of vehicle maintenance, and most repair shops will perform a basic 50-point inspection as a complementary service. This ensures that all of your vehicle’s vital systems are in good working order, and it also provides the shop an opportunity to upsell items during regular service such as oil changes and tire rotations. 

What Is A 50-Point Inspection?

There are many types of vehicle inspections, but one of the quickest and most basic is the 50-point inspection. This is generally what a shop will perform at no charge during regular maintenance such as an oil change, and it might also be referred to as a courtesy check. This type of inspection usually focuses on basic components without getting too deep, and it typically doesn’t require the disassembly of any parts with the exception of removing the wheels and tires. 

When Is This Typically Performed?

To keep your vehicle running smoothly, you should have a basic 50-point inspection performed with every oil change. The best part is that there is usually no cost to have a 50-point inspection performed, although a more in-depth inspection should be performed at major maintenance intervals (every 30,000 miles or so) and can have a cost associated with the inspection. 

What Does The Report Look Like?

As is the case with any vehicle inspection checklist, a 50-point car inspection is pretty straightforward. The report will break down all of the systems and components being checked, and the checklist will easily show whether a particular item meets the inspection standards or if further work is required or recommended. Suggested repairs and maintenance should be broken down line by line as a separate estimate, and some items, such as transmission services, can be a recommendation based on mileage even if the fluid looks good upon a visual inspection. 

What Items Are Included?

Specific items included on a courtesy check inspection can vary depending on the repair shop you’re visiting, but they should include the most basic vehicle functions. Here is a general idea of what you could expect to find on a 50-point car inspection:

• Engine Codes/Warning Lights
• Check for vehicle recalls
• Check all fluid levels
• Inspect tire pressure and tread wear
• Air filter/cabin air filter
• Battery (condition of terminals and charge test)
• Windshield wipers
• Cooling system (including hoses)
• Drive belt(s)
• Interior and exterior lights
• Power steering system
• Visual inspection of brakes, suspension, and engine

Keep Your Car Roadworthy with FIXD!

Be sure to get the FIXD Sensor and free app today so that you will never miss important maintenance including regular vehicle inspections. The free app not only scans your car for check engine problems and translates them into simple terms, but it also alerts you when it’s time for routine maintenance, displays live engine data, helps you find reliable repair shops, and much more. Learn more at fixdapp.com.