Braking News with Brian: What's Your Point?

You can also ask yourself if there is anything else to look at on your car besides these 28 points. Does that cover the whole car? As a car owner, do you really know what should be looked at on your car and how often? Let me break down three important things to consider before you jump at the next “blah blah blah” point inspection deal.

If you’re already taking the time to get your car in the shop, make the most of it. Ask the service advisor what those points actually cover and why they matter. A quality multipoint inspection should be more than just flipping your headlights on and off. Some items may sound random, but many are critical to keeping you and your family safe.

A good inspection list should be safety minded. Tires, brakes, steering, and suspension components are at the top of that list. Ignore them, and you could be putting yourself in real danger. Sure, wiper blades and accessories are nice to check, but you don’t need a certified mechanic to tell you when your wipers are streaking. A failing tie rod end, on the other hand, isn’t so obvious, and it’s a whole lot more dangerous.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Today’s ads are filled with fine print, exclusions, and half-truths. Without a trusted repair shop on your side, you’re at a disadvantage. If your oil change doesn’t include a thorough safety inspection every single time, that’s a red flag.

The truth is, there’s no magic number. 20, 28, 40, or more, the exact inspection points depend on your vehicle. My team often checks more than 40 items when servicing a car. But the real point isn’t the number. The point is peace of mind and knowing that your car is safe and roadworthy.

And that, my friends, is the only point that really matters.