A multi-point inspection is the single most useful service appointment you'll ever make. In about an hour, a Riverside Auto Sales technician puts your vehicle on a lift and checks every system that affects safety, reliability, and your wallet. You get a written report with everything that's working, everything that needs attention now, and everything that's coming up so you can plan ahead instead of getting blindsided by a breakdown on Interstate 94. We've been doing this for Black River Falls and Jackson County drivers since 1983, and we believe the best way to avoid expensive repairs is to catch small problems before they become big ones.
What's Checked in a Riverside Multi-Point Inspection
Our multi-point inspection covers more than 30 critical points across your vehicle. The technician physically lifts the vehicle, removes wheels where applicable, and verifies each system. Highlights include:
• Brake pad and rotor measurements on all four wheels
• Tire tread depth, sidewall condition, and pressure including the spare
• Suspension components - struts, shocks, sway bar links, ball joints, and bushings
• Steering components - tie rod ends, rack boots, and power steering function
• Exhaust system - leaks, hangers, and corrosion
• Belts and hoses - cracks, swelling, glazing, leaks
• Fluid levels and condition - engine oil, transmission, coolant, brake, power steering, and differential
• Battery test - CCA output, voltage, and terminal condition
• Charging system - alternator output and starter draw
• Lighting - headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and license plate light
• Wiper blades and washer function
• Air filter and cabin filter
• Visible underbody condition - frame, undercoating, fuel and brake lines
• Tire pressure monitoring system function
When to Schedule a Multi-Point Inspection
There are five times in a vehicle's life when a multi-point inspection pays for itself many times over:
• Before you buy a used vehicle - we offer pre-purchase inspections so you know what you're getting before money changes hands
• Before a long road trip - heading down to visit family in Florida or out west to the Black Hills, you want to leave knowing the vehicle is sorted
• Before winter - Wisconsin winter punishes weak components; catching a marginal battery, worn wiper blades, or thin tire tread in October is much better than discovering it on a January morning
• After buying a new-to-you vehicle - get a baseline so you know what you're working with
• Annually - even on a vehicle in good shape, an annual inspection catches the slow-developing issues you can't feel from the driver's seat
Pre-Purchase Inspections
Buying a used vehicle private-party or from another dealer? Bring it to Riverside before you buy. We give it the same multi-point inspection we'd give our own inventory and tell you exactly what we find - frame condition, drivetrain status, hidden damage, deferred maintenance, and any safety concerns. The inspection cost is small insurance against a five-figure mistake. We also welcome anyone who's buying a vehicle from us to bring it to an independent shop for the same kind of inspection. We don't have anything to hide, and we want you confident in your purchase.
Free Inspection With Most Service
Every oil change at Riverside includes a basic inspection at no extra charge. If you bring your vehicle in for any major service - brakes, tires, suspension work - we perform a courtesy multi-point check while we have it on the lift. The full, in-depth inspection with a written report is a separate service we charge a small fee for, and it's one of the best values in our shop.
What an Inspection Won't Catch
We're upfront about the limits of any inspection. A multi-point review identifies what's wrong now and what's wearing - it doesn't predict every future failure. An inspection at 60,000 miles can't guarantee your transmission won't have an internal issue at 80,000. What it does do is dramatically reduce surprises. Most major failures give some warning, and a thorough inspection catches that warning before it becomes a tow truck and a $3,000 bill.
Need a Vehicle If Repairs Are Required?
If your inspection reveals work that requires keeping your vehicle for repairs, short-term and long-term rental cars are available through our sister company, Riverside Auto Rental in Black River Falls. Drop your vehicle off, drive a rental, and pick up when the work is done - a clean handoff that keeps you on the road. Visit www.riversideautorental.com or call 715-284-4525 for rental availability.
Why an Honest Inspection Matters
There are shops that use multi-point inspections as a sales tool - every check turns up an emergency, and every visit ends with a stack of recommended work. That's not how we operate. Riverside Auto Sales has been in the same family on Highway 54 since 1983, and our reputation in Jackson County is the most valuable thing we have. When we tell you a problem is critical, it's critical. When we tell you something is fine for now but worth keeping an eye on, that's exactly what we mean. You get the truth and you decide what to do with it.
FAQs
Q: How long does a multi-point inspection take?
A: Most multi-point inspections at Riverside take 45 minutes to an hour. Pre-purchase inspections on unfamiliar vehicles can take a bit longer. We schedule appointments to keep your wait time minimal.
Q: How much does a multi-point inspection cost?
A: A standalone multi-point inspection with written report is typically $50 to $100 depending on vehicle complexity. Basic inspections are included free with every oil change.
Q: What's included in a pre-purchase inspection?
A: The full multi-point inspection plus a thorough check of frame and undercarriage condition, evidence of past collision repair, fluid analysis, and a road test. You get a written report and a phone conversation about everything we found before you decide whether to buy.
Q: Can I get a multi-point inspection without other service?
A: Yes - you can schedule a multi-point inspection as a standalone service. Many drivers do this annually or before long trips.
Q: Do you inspect classic and collector cars?
A: Yes. We have experience with older vehicles through our Toybox Rides classic car inventory and can inspect everything from a 1970s muscle car to a modern collector. Some specialty work may need a referral, and we'll be straight with you if so.
Q: Will you fix problems you find during the inspection?
A: Only if you ask us to. We provide a written report with what we found and our recommendations. You decide what work to authorize and when. If something is unsafe to drive, we'll tell you, but the decision is always yours.