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- Pre-Delivery Inspection Checklist
- Interior
- Exterior
- Underside
- Engine compartment
- Road test
- Inspection report
- The Importance of Pre-Delivery Inspections
- Need a Car Delivery Service?
Buying a new vehicle is exciting.
However, some necessary steps must be taken before your vehicle is delivered, such as inspecting your new car.
This pre-delivery inspection (PDI) ensures that the vehicle has not been damaged during transport from the manufacturer to the dealership. It also allows the dealer to confirm the vehicle is safe to sell.
But what exactly does a pre-delivery auto inspection include? And why should you care?
In this article, we'll answer these questions and explain everything you need to know about automotive pre-delivery inspections.
Pre-Delivery Inspection Checklist
During a pre-delivery inspection checklist, the car is inspected for flaws, defects, and compliance with legal requirements.
A pre-delivery inspection can save money and prevent headaches down the road if done correctly.
To ensure nothing is overlooked, the inspector will review a checklist as they go through the inspection.
Inspectors will then discuss the PDI checklist during delivery, and you will then be asked to sign a document confirming the inspection.
During the inspection, an inspector will check the following components.
Interior
- Ensures break and gas pedals operate correctly
- Wheel alignment check
- Ensures fuses are installed for electronic processes
- Ensures all electronic functions work correctly (audio, Bluetooth, navigation, etc.)
- Ensures latches, locks, and hinges are lubricated
- Ensures radio station and clock pre-sets are adjusted
Exterior
- Look for dents, scratches, rust, or loose trim
- Checks paint condition, bumper, moldings, weatherstripping, etc. for any flaws
- Examine the windshield for cracks
- Examines windshield wipers and windshield washer fluid level
- Ensure headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and fog lights turn on and are correctly aimed
- Make sure the tire pressure is set according to the manufacturer's recommendations
Underside
- Checks hoses, lines, exhaust system, and suspension
- Brakes are serviced
- Vehicles with all-wheel drive have their corresponding oils examined
Engine compartment
- All fluids are topped up (transmission, power steering, coolant, brakes, and oil)
- The hood latch is lubricated
- Checks battery to ensure it's fully charged
- Checks for abnormal noises or visual defects
Road test
During the road test, your car will be driven between 5-15 miles on city and highway roads. The inspector will listen and feel for any abnormalities in the following components:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Clutch
- Breaks
- Lane departure warning
- Wheel alignment
Lastly, the diagnostic error codes are checked on the computer.
Inspection report
After the inspection, the inspector will write a comprehensive report of their findings. The buyer and the salesperson will both receive this report to sign.
The report will indicate whether or not the vehicle passed the inspection. If problems are discovered, the report will detail the issues and how they were fixed.
The Importance of Pre-Delivery Inspections
Pre-delivery inspections (PDIs) are essential because they ensure that the vehicle being sold meets all applicable safety standards. They're also required by law.
If a defect is found, the manufacturer usually requires repairs to be made before the vehicle is delivered to the dealership or buyer. This ensures that the vehicle being delivered is appropriately functioning.
Whether or not state laws mandate PDIs, they're still important because they help prevent warranty claims and improve customer satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The length of a PDI depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle being inspected and the number of items to check.
For a typical car, the inspection should take approximately two hours.
If problems are found during the inspection, the inspector will take note, and the dealer will take care of the repairs.
A PDI is necessary to ensure the vehicle's safety and condition are optimal before delivery. It can save you money down the line if something goes wrong.
It also helps you avoid having to make warranty claims later.
Yes, although this will be called a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). If you need an inspection on a pre-owned vehicle, you'll have to pay the costs.
The cost for a PPI will vary depending on the scope and level of the inspection.
Costs for a basic PPI range from $100 to $200. The primary inspection will be primarily visual, which involves hoisting the automobile with a hydraulic lift and looking for leaks or damaged parts.
A more thorough examination will include checking the engine compression and running a computer engine analysis.
A road test can also be included to evaluate parts such as the steering wheel and brakes.
A thorough examination could cost several hundred dollars or more if your vehicle is a sophisticated luxury car.
For that amount, you may anticipate a thorough mechanical and safety assessment of the car.
If the vehicle you are purchasing is being sold through a private seller, you can trust any qualified mechanic or automotive specialist familiar with the vehicle you are buying.
In addition to regular auto repair shops, national mobile PPI operations can inspect automobiles virtually anywhere in the country.
You should get an inspection if the used vehicle you are buying is in another state or doesn't have a warranty.
In the absence of a warranty, the buyer immediately assumes the entire risk in the case of a failure or significant mechanical problem.
If the vehicle you are buying is in another state, you can't test drive the car before buying it, which makes the inspection much more critical.
You can set up the inspection with a nearby shop where the seller can leave the vehicle for a short period with just a few phone calls.
This will guarantee security and peace of mind for your long-distance transaction.
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