What Happens During a Full Vehicle Inspection?
Whether you’re hitting the highway for a road trip, commuting daily, or managing a fleet of heavy-duty trucks, your vehicle needs to be in peak condition. But how can you really tell if your car—or commercial vehicle—is up to the task? That’s where a full vehicle inspection comes in. It’s a comprehensive evaluation that looks far beyond the surface to make sure everything under the hood, under the car, and everywhere in between is working properly.
At Schimpf’s Garage in Somerdale, NJ, we perform full inspections every day for vehicles of all shapes and sizes. From personal cars to semis and dump trucks, we’ve seen it all—and we know what it takes to keep you on the road with confidence.
So, what exactly happens during a full vehicle inspection? Let’s pull back the curtain.
A Look Under the Hood: What Gets Checked
When you bring your car in for a full inspection, we don’t just peek around with a flashlight. A proper multi-point check is thorough and detailed. Here’s a breakdown of what we assess:
1. Engine Components and Fluids
Your engine is the heart of your vehicle. During an inspection, we check:
- Oil Level and Condition – Dirty oil or low oil levels can point to deeper engine issues or just time for an oil change.
- Coolant – Vital for temperature regulation, we ensure it’s topped off and clean.
- Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid, and Power Steering Fluid – These fluids are essential for smooth operation. Any signs of contamination or leakage are red flags.
- Battery Health – A dead or weak battery can leave you stranded. We’ll test voltage and inspect for corrosion.
2. Belts and Hoses
Your vehicle’s belts (like the serpentine belt) and hoses are made from rubber, which breaks down over time. We look for:
- Cracks
- Fraying
- Leaks
- Signs of wear that could lead to breakdowns
Safety First: Brakes, Lights, and Tires
3. Brake System
A failing brake system is one of the most dangerous issues a vehicle can have. We’ll check:
- Brake pads and rotors for wear
- Brake fluid condition and levels
- Brake lines for leaks
- ABS system function (if equipped)
If anything looks off—even slightly—we’ll let you know before it becomes a costly safety issue.
4. Tires and Alignment
We inspect:
- Tread depth
- Tire pressure
- Uneven wear patterns that could indicate suspension issues
- Alignment, especially if your car pulls to one side or if you’ve recently hit a pothole
Tire problems not only hurt fuel efficiency—they’re also a leading cause of blowouts on the road. And here at Schimpf’s Garage, we even offer mobile alignments for commercial vehicles using advanced laser technology. That means we come to you with precision service that keeps your fleet in top shape.
5. Lights and Wipers
It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how often bulbs burn out or wipers go brittle. We inspect:
- Headlights, taillights, turn signals
- High beams and brake lights
- Wiper blades and washer fluid
Seeing and being seen is a must on the road—especially during New Jersey’s rough winter and rainy spring months.
Suspension, Steering, and Structural Checks
6. Steering and Suspension
A worn suspension system doesn’t just make your ride uncomfortable—it affects your control. During your inspection, we’ll check:
- Shocks and struts
- Ball joints
- Tie rods
- Bushings and sway bars
And if you’re hearing clunks or feeling too much bounce, we’ll help pinpoint the cause. This is especially important for heavy-duty trucks, which carry extra stress on these components daily.
7. Exhaust and Emissions
Not only do we inspect your exhaust system for leaks and damage, but we also check emissions readiness. This helps avoid issues with state inspections and contributes to cleaner air in our communities.
Interior Systems and Car Diagnostics
8. Dashboard Alerts and Electrical Systems
A glowing check engine light or a flickering ABS warning? We don’t ignore those—ever. Our technicians use advanced car diagnostics tools to scan your vehicle’s onboard systems, uncover error codes, and dig deeper to find the root of any issues.
This is especially valuable when the problem isn’t easily seen—like a misfire, fuel system issue, or failing sensor. It’s all part of what makes our multi-point check more than just a surface-level once-over.
Full Transparency and Expert Guidance
At Schimpf’s Garage, we believe you deserve to know what’s really going on with your vehicle. That’s why we walk you through the inspection results step by step. No confusing jargon, no surprise repairs—just clear communication backed by over 60 years of combined experience.
If something looks good, we tell you. If something needs attention, we show you exactly what and why. And if repairs are needed, we offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor so you can feel confident about moving forward.
What About Commercial Vehicles?
We know it’s not just daily drivers that need attention. Our team specializes in commercial vehicle inspections too. From box trucks and semis to dump trucks, we make sure your fleet stays road-ready, DOT-compliant, and reliable.
And with our mobile heavy-duty truck repair and alignment services, we bring the shop to you—saving time, reducing downtime, and keeping your operation running smoothly.
How Often Should You Get a Full Inspection?
We recommend a full inspection at least once a year—or any time you notice changes like:
- Strange noises
- Vibrations
- Dashboard warning lights
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Uneven tire wear
Regular inspections help catch small issues before they become major repairs. It’s about prevention, protection, and peace of mind.
Why It Matters
A comprehensive inspection may not seem urgent when everything appears to be fine. But the truth is, cars can run “okay” even with underlying issues—and the longer those go unchecked, the more expensive and dangerous they become.
Think of a full inspection like a health checkup for your car. It keeps your vehicle in great shape, preserves its value, and ensures safety for you, your passengers, and everyone on the road.
Whether you’re a local commuter in Somerdale or managing a commercial fleet across the tri-state area, staying on top of your vehicle’s health starts with a thorough inspection.
Right now at Schimpf’s Garage, we’re offering a free full vehicle inspection with any repair through August 31st, 2025. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch issues early, save money, and keep your vehicle running strong.
Give us a call or swing by our shop in Somerdale, NJ. You’ll get honest answers, expert service, and a team that treats your car like it’s our own.
Let’s keep you rolling—schedule your inspection today at Schimpf’s Garage.
