REF · E1CHECKLIST
EXPRESS E1 · BAY REFERENCE

MULTI-POINT INSPECTION CHECKLIST

The 30+ point check every express tech runs on every visit. Color-code: GREEN = pass · YELLOW = monitor · RED = needs attention. Top to bottom, never skip a section.

REFERENCE VISUAL
MPI Points
30+ point inspection mapped to a single side-view.
MPI INSPECTION POINTS · SIDE VIEW 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 lights · 2 tires/tread · 3 brakes/pads · 4 belts & hoses · 5 battery · 6 fluid levels · 7 wipers/cabin

INSPECTION POINT MAP

Every inspection point on a side-view of the vehicle. Color-coded by zone — top-down sequence keeps you from skipping.

1-10 UNDER HOOD 11-15 11-15 TIRES + BRAKES (PER CORNER) 16-20 16-20 21-30 SUSPENSION + STEERING 31-35 LIGHTING
Under Hood
Tires
Brakes
Suspension
Lighting

UNDER HOOD (10 points)

#CheckPass criteriaFail / Yellow trigger
1Engine oil level & conditionFull, amber, no metalLow, dark/burnt, metal flake
2Coolant level & conditionAt full mark, correct color, cleanLow, rust, oil mixed in
3Brake fluid level & moistureBetween MIN/MAX, < 2% moistureLow, >3% moisture
4Power steering fluidBetween marks, cleanLow, burnt smell, dark
5Washer fluid levelTopped offLow/empty
6Battery condition + terminals12.4 V+, no corrosion, secure<12.4 V, corrosion, loose hold-down
7Drive belts (serpentine)No cracks, intact ribs, proper tensionCracks, glazing, fraying, >3 missing chunks
8Coolant + heater hosesFirm, no swelling/crackingSoft, bulged, weeping
9Air filter conditionLight dust, paper visibleBlack, crushed, oil-soaked
10Engine + transmission leaks (visual)Dry / weep onlyWet leak, drip, oil on undercover

TIRES & WHEELS (4 corners × 3 checks)

CheckPassYellowRed
Tread depth> 5/32"3/32" – 5/32"< 3/32" (replace before 2/32" legal min)
Wear patternEven across treadSlight inside/outsideHeavy edge wear · cupping · feathering
Tire pressure (vs door placard)± 2 psi3-5 psi off> 5 psi off or visibly low
SidewallNo cracks, no bulgesLight surface cracksCuts, bulges, plies showing
Lug nuts (all present, torque)All present, no rust streaksRust streak indicates looseMissing lug nut(s)

BRAKES (per axle)

CheckPassYellowRed
Pad thickness> 4 mm2 – 4 mm< 2 mm or wear indicator contact
Rotor surfaceSmooth, no lipLight scoringDeep grooves, edge lip > 1 mm, blue/hot spots
Rotor minimum thicknessAbove OEM minApproaching minAt/below min stamping
Brake hose conditionFirm, no cracksSurface cracksCracking, leaks, bulging
Caliper free play / dust bootSlides freely, boot intactBoot torn but caliper freeStuck slider, torn boot causing rust

SUSPENSION / STEERING (10 points)

#CheckPassFail trigger
1Shock / strut leaksDryWet streak, oil down boot
2Bounce test (each corner)1-2 bounces, stops3+ bounces = worn shock
3Ball joint inspectionNo play, boot intactPlay under load, torn boot
4Tie rod ends (inner + outer)No play, boot intactMovement when shaken, torn boot
5CV axle bootsNo tears, no grease slungCracked, torn, grease on inner CV
6Sway bar links + bushingsNo play, intact rubberClunking, broken end-link, missing bushing
7Control arm bushingsNo tears in rubberCracked rubber, voids visible
8Steering rack bootsIntact, no leakTorn, fluid in boot
9Wheel bearing playNone at 9/3 o\'clockPlay felt when rocking wheel
10Exhaust system mounts + leaksMounts intact, no leaksSagging, hangers broken, audible leak

LIGHTING / EXTERIOR (5 points)

CheckPassFail
Headlights (high + low)All working, alignedBurned, hazy, misaimed
Taillights / brake lightsAll workingAny burned out
Turn signals (front + rear, both sides)All flashing 60-120/minHyperflash = bulb out
Reverse lightsWorking when in reverseBurned out
Wiper blades + washer sprayClean wipe, full spray patternStreaking, chattering, weak spray
PRO MOVE

USING THIS SHEET

Top to bottom — never jump around. Bonnet (under hood) → wheels off the ground (tires, brakes, suspension) → lighting walkaround → road test if symptom-based. Every single point gets marked. Never skip something because "it looks OK." Take 30 seconds to confirm vs guess.

When you find a RED item: stop the vehicle from leaving and get a service advisor involved. Don\'t fix without authorization. When you find YELLOW: document for the customer to see — that\'s how you build trust + repeat work.