Car Service Visit Checklist
Prepare for your next mechanic visit with this comprehensive checklist. Track symptoms, organize questions, and ensure every essential system is inspected professionally.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
A professional service visit is more than just an oil change; it is a critical opportunity to identify wear before it leads to a breakdown. This checklist helps you document intermittent issues that often 'disappear' once you arrive at the shop.
Expect a DIY pre-check to take 20–30 minutes, while a professional multi-point inspection typically requires 1–2 hours of shop time depending on the depth of the diagnostic work requested.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | What to check (Pass/Fail) | If failed (Next step) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Level/Condition | Required | Shop_or_DIY | 5 min | Amber color; between min/max marks | Top off or schedule oil change |
| Brake Pad Thickness | Required | Shop | 15 min | At least 3mm of friction material | Replace pads and inspect rotors |
| Tire Tread Depth | Required | Shop_or_DIY | 10 min | Above 2/32 inch; even wear pattern | Replace tires; check alignment |
| Battery Health Test | Recommended | Shop | 10 min | Voltage >12.6V; no terminal corrosion | Clean terminals or replace battery |
| Brake Fluid Moisture | Required | Shop | 5 min | Clear/Gold; low moisture content | Flush and bleed brake system |
| Coolant Level/Protection | Required | Shop_or_DIY | 5 min | Full reservoir; correct freeze point | Pressure test system for leaks |
| Serpentine Belt Condition | Recommended | Shop | 5 min | No cracks, fraying, or glazing | Replace belt and check tensioner |
| Engine Air Filter | Recommended | Shop_or_DIY | 5 min | White/Grey; no debris or clogging | Replace filter element |
| Cabin Air Filter | Optional | Shop_or_DIY | 10 min | Clean; no musty odors in HVAC | Replace filter; clean housing |
| Wiper Blade Performance | Required | DIY | 2 min | No streaking or skipping on glass | Replace wiper inserts or blades |
| Exterior Lighting | Required | DIY | 5 min | All bulbs (high, low, turn) functional | Replace bulbs or check fuses |
| Suspension Bushings | Recommended | Shop | 15 min | No tearing, leaking, or excessive play | Replace control arms or bushings |
| CV Boot Integrity | Recommended | Shop | 10 min | No grease leakage or visible tears | Replace CV axle or boot kit |
| Exhaust System Leaks | Optional | Shop | 10 min | No soot marks or excessive noise | Repair or replace exhaust section |
| Transmission Fluid | Recommended | Shop | 10 min | Red/Pink; no burnt smell (if dipstick exists) | Service transmission or flush fluid |
| Power Steering Fluid | Recommended | Shop_or_DIY | 5 min | Correct level; no pump whining | Top off and check for rack leaks |
| Tire Pressure (TPMS) | Required | DIY | 10 min | Matches door-jamb PSI (cold) | Adjust pressure; check for nails |
| Spare Tire Condition | Optional | DIY | 5 min | Inflated to spec; jack kit present | Inflate or replace aged spare |
| Shock/Strut Leaks | Recommended | Shop | 10 min | No oil residue on damper body | Replace in pairs (front or rear) |
| Fuel System/Lines | Optional | Shop | 10 min | No odor of fuel; no rusted lines | Repair lines immediately |
Use this table to track the health of your vehicle during every major service. If you are performing these checks yourself, mark each row clearly and take photos of any components that look worn or damaged to show your technician.
For items marked as 'Shop', these usually require a lift or specialized diagnostic tools. Do not hesitate to ask the service advisor for a printed report of these specific values, especially brake measurements and battery CCA (Cold Cranking Amps).
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Keeping a detailed log of your service visits increases the resale value of your vehicle and helps diagnose future issues.
- Save all paper receipts in a dedicated folder or digital app.
- Ensure the technician reset your 'Maintenance Required' light.
- Check that all fluid caps were replaced and tightened.
- Verify that your wheel lock key was returned to the vehicle.
- Dispose of old fluids (oil, coolant) at an authorized recycling center.
- Note any 'future recommendations' the mechanic mentioned for your next visit.
- Update your personal maintenance spreadsheet with the date and mileage.
- Check for any new leaks on your driveway for 24 hours after service.
- Review the invoice to ensure it matches the initial estimate.
- Browse similar checklists in our Inspection section.
Related Checklists
More checklists with similar tags (mileage, interval, season, tasks).
FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
Start from the complete car maintenance checklist, then narrow down by mileage, interval, and season.