For the past 50+ years, most auto repair shops have relied on paper checklists for vehicle maintenance inspections. While paper multi-point inspections have been the norm, the industry is rapidly shifting as more shops adopt digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) to enhance customer service, efficiency, and revenue. 

What Are Digital Vehicle Inspections?

Digital vehicle inspections allow technicians to perform multi-point inspections using a tablet or smartphone. Similar to paper inspections, technicians will review inspection items and mark if the items “Need Immediate Action” (red), “Require Future Attention”(yellow), or are “Good” (green). Digital vehicle inspections allow your technicians to take pictures and record videos of all recommendations to demonstrate the necessity of repair to the customer. Then, your service advisor can send the comprehensive digital report directly to the customer's cellphone for them to review. 

Unlike paper forms, where technicians and service advisors can easily overlook inspection items and misplace past inspections, DVIs provide a structured, consistent, and trackable process that benefits both shops and customers. 

Digital Vehicle Inspections vs. Paper Inspections 

Why Shops Choose Digital Vehicle Inspections

Thousands of auto repair shops across the industry are adopting digital vehicle inspections. Here is why shops are moving to DVIs:

Ensure Inspection Consistency

Paper inspections leave too much room for human error. With DVIs, every technician follows a standardized process, ensuring thorough and consistent evaluations every time.

Build Customer Trust

Unfortunately, the auto repair industry has garnered an unfair reputation as untrustworthy. Because of this, customers often hesitate to approve repairs they don’t understand. By providing clear photos and videos of inspection items and educational content, DVIs eliminate uncertainty, making it easier for service advisors to explain needed repairs and gain customer approval.

Digital Vehicle Inspection Results for a Corroding Battery 

Provided by AutoVitals

Increase Average Repair Order Value

Shops using DVIs typically see a 15 to 30% increase in their average repair order value. When customers can see issues firsthand, they are more likely to approve necessary work, leading to higher average ticket sizes and increased shop profitability.

Speed Up the Approval Process

Today’s customers are busier than ever and shops lose valuable hours waiting for customers to call back or visit the shop. DVIs allow shops to send inspection reports via text or email, enabling customers to easily view recommended services and approve work from their smartphones.

Improve Communication Between Technicians and Service Advisors

DVIs eliminate the “telephone game” between technicians and service advisors. Technician notes, images, videos, and recommendations are captured digitally and sent directly to the service advisor. This ensures that service advisors have all the information they need to communicate effectively with customers. If the service advisor still has questions, many digital vehicle inspections offer an internal chat feature so the technician and service advisor can communicate without leaving their respective work stations. 

Prevent Liability Claims

Accurate digital documentation protects your shop from liability claims. If disputes arise about pre-existing damage or recommended repairs, your shop can provide evidence by recording vehicle conditions with time-stamped photos and videos.

An example of a shop recording pre-existing body/paint damage. 

Are Digital Vehicle Inspections a Good Fit for Your Shop?

Not every shop is ready to adopt digital inspections, but if you meet these criteria, DVIs will be a game-changer for your business:

• Your shop performs general maintenance. DVIs are particularly valuable for shops handling routine services and preventative maintenance like oil changes, brake services, tire services, fluid checks and replacement, belt and hose replacements, etc. 
• You have at least one full-time technician and one full-time service advisor. A dedicated team ensures inspections are consistently completed and effectively communicated.
• You use a point-of-sale (POS) or shop management system. DVIs integrate seamlessly with most modern shop management platforms, making adoption smoother.
• Your shop has WiFi. Since DVIs rely on cloud-based storage and communication, a stable internet connection is necessary for optimal performance.

If your shop meets these qualifications, transitioning to DVIs can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive revenue growth.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Auto Repair Is Digital

Staying ahead of the curve is essential as the automotive repair industry evolves. Digital Vehicle Inspections are proven to improve efficiency, strengthen customer relationships, and increase profitability. Shops that embrace this technology will be better positioned to compete in today’s increasingly competitive digital market.

Are you ready to take your shop to the next level? Schedule a demonstration with AutoVitals to see how digital vehicle inspections can revolutionize your shop’s operations. 

About the Author

Lauren Thunen is the Manager of Marketing & Lead Generation at AutoVitals, a leading provider of digital solutions for independent auto repair shops. With a passion for helping small businesses leverage technology to improve efficiency and profitability, Lauren specializes in educating shop owners on the benefits of digital vehicle inspections and workflow automation. Connect with Lauren on Linkedin or visit AutoVitals’ Blog for more insights.