If you have never seen a METRO Inspection, you’ve never seen your car the way we do. At METRO, we catalog everything we see in pictures and words, organize and package it neatly in a text or email and bring our drivers right into the bay with our mechanics. That inspection then goes into a library that follows that car wherever it goes. Our customers have access to all of their data, over time, any time.

At METRO, our inspections are comprehensive evaluations of your vehicle’s key systems and components, documenting that they are functioning correctly and safely. At Metropolitan Garage, we stress the importance of regular inspections, because we have proven it saves our customers time and money, hands down. These inspections, along with winterizations, are key to hassle-free winter performance. 

What Does a Car Inspection Involve?

A thorough car inspection includes the following:

• Brakes: Inspecting brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure reliable stopping power, crucial on icy roads.
• Tires: Assessing tire tread depth, wear patterns, and air pressure to ensure maximum traction in snow and ice.
• Fluids: Checking and topping off essential fluids like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
• Battery: Testing the battery’s charge and health, as cold weather can quickly deplete or damage a weak battery.
• Lights: Ensuring all headlights, brake lights, and indicators function correctly for safe driving in low-light conditions.
• Wipers: Checking the condition of windshield wipers to ensure they can effectively clear snow and ice.
• Suspension and Steering: Examining these systems to ensure your vehicle handles well on rough or slippery surfaces.
• Winterization: Are your winter heaters actually working?
• Ice and Snow Build Up: Storms cause icing and debris build up that cause everything from balance issues to wear and breakage.

Why Are Inspections and Winterizations So Important at Metropolitan Garage?

In Alaska, where the climate is harsh and unpredictable, regular vehicle inspections and winterizations are crucial for several reasons:

1. Safety First: Your safety on the road is our top priority. Inspections help identify potential issues before they become serious problems, in remote areas and in extreme temperatures.
2. Winterization for Extreme Conditions: Winterization is a specialized service at Metropolitan Garage. We know WHICH heaters to install, how to best run the cords so they last. We take pride in our installs. This process often includes switching to winter-grade oil, inspecting winter tires, checking coolant temperatures, and ensuring that your heating and defrosting systems are working optimally. Our Winterizations give your vehicle the best shot at withstanding the cold.
3. The Challenge of Winterizing Hybrid Cars: Hybrid vehicles present unique challenges when it comes to winterization. These cars rely on both an internal combustion engine and an electric battery, leaving little room for installing winter heaters. But it can be done. And it must be done if at all possible. 
4. Optimized Performance: Alaska’s extreme weather conditions put additional strain on your vehicle. By ensuring that all systems are functioning optimally and your car is properly winterized, we help your car perform better, whether it’s starting reliably on a cold morning at the house or at the trail head.
5. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your car has been thoroughly inspected and winterized by professionals gives you confidence when driving in challenging conditions. At Metropolitan Garage, we strive to provide that peace of mind to all our customers.

Conclusion

At Metropolitan Garage, inspections are the health chart for your vehicle. We love giving our customers the same view we have of their cars! Regular inspections and winterizations are small investments that can prevent bigger problems, ensuring your vehicle remains reliable, efficient, and safe throughout the year.