Multi-Point Inspection

The Multi-Point Inspection (MPI) is a structured visual and functional check performed on every vehicle every visit, no exceptions. It exists for two reasons that both serve the customer: catch failures before they strand or endanger the driver, and document the vehicle's condition to protect both the customer and the dealership.

The inspection is grouped by where the tech is standing. UNDER HOOD: engine oil condition and level, coolant level and condition, brake fluid level and moisture, power steering fluid only if the vehicle has hydraulic power steering (most current Hyundais use motor-driven electric power steering and have no fluid to check), transmission fluid where accessible, battery voltage and load test against the CCA rating printed on that specific battery (not a memorized number), belts (cracks, glazing, missing chunks), hoses (soft spots, bulges, seepage at clamps), engine air filter condition, and cabin air filter condition. ON THE LIFT: tire tread depth measured at inner, center, and outer positions, tire sidewall condition, brake pad thickness measured by camera or gauge and compared to Hyundai's published minimum for that pad, rotor surface and thickness against published minimum, shock and strut condition (leaking equals replace), CV boot integrity, exhaust hangers and heat shields, undercarriage corrosion, and steering and suspension components (tie rods, ball joints, sway bar links, bushings). EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR: all lights (headlights, tail, brake, turn, license plate, reverse), wiper condition, horn function.

Two things about tires that get blurred together and shouldn't be. First, tread depth versus the road: 2/32" is the federal legal minimum, and traction in rain degrades long before that. Four tires evenly worn to 3/32" are a stopping-distance and hydroplaning problem, not a driveline problem, because they still match each other. Second, tread MISMATCH on an AWD vehicle (HTRAC, or older Borg-Warner units): Hyundai's HTRAC guidance calls for all four tires to match in size, type, and tread depth. Hyundai does not publish a specific numerical tolerance you can point a customer to. The working number the tire industry uses is within 2/32" across all four (Tire Rack's guidance). Beyond that, mismatched rolling diameters force the AWD coupling to slip and work continuously, which builds heat in the transfer components and wears the clutch pack and PTU. That's why dropping a single new tire in among three worn ones, or replacing only the front pair on an AWD, is a real driveline risk. A tire shave or a matched replacement is cheap next to a PTU or coupling repair.

Every point gets a green (OK), yellow (needs attention soon), or red (safety-critical, service today) status. The customer receives that report with photos of any yellow or red findings; physical evidence that builds trust and closes additional service ethically. This is where the MPI transforms from a checkbox into a relationship. The customer sees exactly what we saw, understands the priority, and makes an informed decision. There is no upsell pressure, just documented facts and the customer's choice.

Legal and liability angle: a documented inspection protects the customer (they know what's on the car) and protects the dealership (we can prove we advised them of any safety condition). When a customer declines a red-status item, we note the decline on the RO in writing. That's both a courtesy record and standard-of-care documentation.

Advisor workflow: never hand the customer the report and walk away. Sit with them, walk through each yellow and red item in plain language, show the photo, explain what it means and what it becomes if ignored, and give them the choice. Frame it as 'here's what needs attention today, here's what's safe to defer to next visit, here's what we're just keeping an eye on.' Give them control. That is the difference between selling service and being trusted.