PDI Checklist - long post alert

[miken]

Someone at work has asked me to put together a checklist for when she collects her new car. It is below - would be grateful if anyone can spot anything I've missed (must be at least a few things), or any general suggestions...

Sorry it is a very long post, but I thought it might be useful generally for others on here..

Cheers

Mike

Firstly I would phone the dealer in advance and ask that a copy of their PDI checklist is available for you to take with you when you collect the vehicle.
Many items on this list will be uncheckable by non-mechanics, but it is useful if in going through any of the items below, you notice something not right.
Check that all relevant boxes have been ticked and that it is signed. If you have any questions do not be afraid to ask the dealer.

Check the car manual is present - in the original manufactures wallet.
Service book is present and has the dealer delivery stamp
Spare Keys are present and work correctly (particularly central locking/immobiliser enables keys)
Spare Master key is present (often a different coulour (Red?) - not always relevant, please check)

Check Mileage - zero the odometer

Ensure car is clean and dry. Cars carrying surface water on their paint make spotting bodywork imperfections difficult.

Bodywork check.
Pay particular attention to the corners of the vehicle and the roof.
Look for dents and dings in the side panels. these are easier to sport if you look along the side of the car from either the front or the back, rather than directly side on.
Examine the trim for signs of overspray. Particularly under door handles, window surround trim and inside the door and boot shuts.
Although this sounds unlikely - it is not unusual for new cars to have paint done before being delivered to customers.
Check the matching of colour on all panels, again look along the car in different light conditions if possible.
Check the badges are correctly positioned, and that they show the correct model designation (if relevant)
To verify this look at other cars of a similar type in the dealership to gauge the right position.
Check for any obvious flaws in the paint finish. Go right around the car checking low, middle and high panels.
Look around the underside of the car if possible for any scratching or damage - particularly front/back under bumper parking damage.

Wheels/Tyres
Check that the wheels are free from scratching or other kerbing marks.
Check all Wheel trims (if relevant) are securely in place, and the same!
Check all tyre sidewalls for damage to the tyres.
Tyres should have even tyre wear
Rear tyre and wheel should be new and unused.
Jack and wheel brace should be new and unused.
Check locking wheel nut key is present
Check all tyre pressures if possible - otherwise verify that none of the tyres are running soft (which could indicate a puncture)
Check tyre valve stems for obvious damage.
Check valve dust caps are present all around car

Doors
Check both doors open and close easily, particularly shutting smoothly - without you having to take several attempts
Look for damage or scratching around the lock area on the door itself, signs of sloppy dealer adjustment can leave marks.
Check the seals around the door opening for any damage or incorrect fitting.
Check the spare wheel condition.
Check all tools/First aid kit and spare lamps are present.

Starting
Check the car starts and idles correctly when cold. Leave running to warm up
Car should maintain an even temp.
Check under car after running for a little time to check for oil spots or leak marks on the tarmac

Under Bonnet
Visual Check Fluid levels where possible
Check Oil
Check Water
Check brake fluid
Check windscreen washer
Check any other reservoirs are adequately filled (refer to dealer PDI for more information)
Check Inside front corners of the vehicle for damage
Check cabling looks original and no obvious work has been carried out recabling
Check for marks or scratches, particularly the are on the inside body around battery terminals.
If in any doubt at all arrange for an independent inspection of the vehicle before taking delivery.

Operation
Check all vehicle system work correctly
Lights
Indicators
Hazard warning lights
Fog light works (essential if you are middle lane numpty) - remember often only activates with headlights on dipped
Reversing light works
Front Fog light works
Fuel Gauge functions
Electric wing mirrors
Electric windows
SRS Airbag warning lights function
Electric sunroof functions correctly
Power hood functions correctly (on convertible)
Air Conditioning
Radio/CD/CD Multichanger
Electric aerial operates (if present)
Electric Seats
Dashboard warning light check - check on start - check for light still lit when running
Horn
Wipers
Screen Wash
Seat belt - plus tensioner test
Central locking functions correctly - remote works
The alarm functions - particularly internal sensors. Test by arming with a window open and then leaning in.
Any heated glass operates without blowing fuses.
Cigarette lighter works - or lighter socket operates correctly (plug in mobile phone charger to check?)
Gear stick moves freely, reverse can be engaged easily.

Interior Trim
Check the condition of all interior trim for damage
Check the mats are in place.
Check the door panels are free from scratches and kick marks
Check carpets for water ingress/dampness, check seals wherever possible for breaks or gaps.

Windscreen
Check windscreen and rear screen for chips and marks
Check all side glass for scratches/marks
Check glass seals front and rear both sit correctly

Driving
Ideally take the car for a test drive pre delivery on dealer trade plates to satisfy yourself that is drives correctly.
Check the operational temperature of the vehicle remains within parameters.
Watch for unexpected exhaust smoke.
Listen for squeaks or rattles - now is the time to do something about them before you accept the vehicle
Check the rear view mirror is securely attached and adjustable to your requirements
Check cruise control functions
Carry out a brake test in a safe area - check for brake judder and smoothness.
Gears change easily, without too much slack or being too sloppy.
Check for steering drift - left or right
Is the steering wheel correctly aligned when straight line driving
Check for over intrusive wind noise
Check Handbrake operation
Check horn whilst driving
Check Speedo and odometer operation
Check for excessive steering/tyre vibration
Check clutch operation.

[silverback mike]

Good post that.... I think you have it all sorted.

[steveherb]

Check CD player accepts Meatloaf and Quo?

[miken]

Cheers Mike.

I'll give it a bit to see if anyone spots anything i missed, and I'm going to turn it into a PDF document with little tick boxes - I'll post it on here when done in case anyone wants to use it.

Don't forget Radar Love Steve.


The above checklist is used at your own risk. the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Your home is at risk if you leave the iron on when you go to work.

>> Edited by miken on Tuesday 14th June 13:15

[dxg999]

Bodywork
- check for orange peel on all panels.
- check door sills, lower interior door cards and any plastics in the footwells for scuffing.

[DarrenW]

* Check the number plates are on straight, that they match the number on the documents and that the front is the same as the back! I worked for a Ford dealer years ago and we had more than one go out with odd plates on... Especially on August 1st when it would be a manic rush to get all the cars ready on time.

* Not specifically mentioned in your checklist - check the panel fit of doors and bootlid/tailgate. The bootlid/tailgate is all the more important if the tail light clusters overlap into it - I see lots of Alfa 156s with tail-lamps that don't line up, for example.

* Do new cars radios still come with "key codes"? Check it's written in the manual for future reference if need be.

* When checking the roof for dents, look for lines/depressions along the length of the roof, parallel on each side. We used to get cars in with dents like that where they'd been on the bottom level of a transporter and bounced over a bump into the top level...

Other things - check that things like rubbing strips, wheel trims, mudflaps are not only present/the same front to rear but side to side too! Again, I saw more than one Escort with no rubbing strip on one side, or colour-coded door handles but not on the other. Not always easy to spot when looking at a car for the first time!

If it's a white car, don't check it in the sunlight on a bright summers day. Get them to take it into the workshop or somewhere in the shade where you can look for paint faults without going blind.

I think some of these have already been covered in your checklist, not sure!

[mandat]

I would suggest checking under the bonnet and the fluid levels before starting the engine.

[miken]

Thanks guys - that is all good advice - I'll add it in..

[lanciachris]

Regarding checking for orangepeel - if youre talking about a new car these days it has become acceptable for a new car to be delivered with masses of it. So you might have a hard time persuading them to do anything about it unless there is an obvious difference across different areas of the car, indicating possible repair work etc.

[rolex]

miken said:

Someone at work has asked me to put together a checklist for when she collects her new car. It is below - would be grateful if anyone can spot anything I've missed (must be at least a few things), or any general suggestions... Sorry it is a very long post, but I thought it might be useful generally for others on here.. Cheers Mike Firstly I would phone the dealer in advance and ask that a copy of their PDI checklist is available for you to take with you when you collect the vehicle. Many items on this list will be uncheckable by non-mechanics, but it is useful if in going through any of the items below, you notice something not right. Check that all relevant boxes have been ticked and that it is signed. If you have any questions do not be afraid to ask the dealer. Check the car manual is present - in the original manufactures wallet. Service book is present and has the dealer delivery stamp Spare Keys are present and work correctly (particularly central locking/immobiliser enables keys) Spare Master key is present (often a different coulour (Red?) - not always relevant, please check) Check Mileage - zero the odometer Ensure car is clean and dry. Cars carrying surface water on their paint make spotting bodywork imperfections difficult. Bodywork check. Pay particular attention to the corners of the vehicle and the roof. Look for dents and dings in the side panels. these are easier to sport if you look along the side of the car from either the front or the back, rather than directly side on. Examine the trim for signs of overspray. Particularly under door handles, window surround trim and inside the door and boot shuts. Although this sounds unlikely - it is not unusual for new cars to have paint done before being delivered to customers. Check the matching of colour on all panels, again look along the car in different light conditions if possible. Check the badges are correctly positioned, and that they show the correct model designation (if relevant) To verify this look at other cars of a similar type in the dealership to gauge the right position. Check for any obvious flaws in the paint finish. Go right around the car checking low, middle and high panels. Look around the underside of the car if possible for any scratching or damage - particularly front/back under bumper parking damage. Wheels/Tyres Check that the wheels are free from scratching or other kerbing marks. Check all Wheel trims (if relevant) are securely in place, and the same! Check all tyre sidewalls for damage to the tyres. Tyres should have even tyre wear Rear tyre and wheel should be new and unused. Jack and wheel brace should be new and unused. Check locking wheel nut key is present Check all tyre pressures if possible - otherwise verify that none of the tyres are running soft (which could indicate a puncture) Check tyre valve stems for obvious damage. Check valve dust caps are present all around car Doors Check both doors open and close easily, particularly shutting smoothly - without you having to take several attempts Look for damage or scratching around the lock area on the door itself, signs of sloppy dealer adjustment can leave marks. Check the seals around the door opening for any damage or incorrect fitting. Check the spare wheel condition. Check all tools/First aid kit and spare lamps are present. Starting Check the car starts and idles correctly when cold. Leave running to warm up Car should maintain an even temp. Check under car after running for a little time to check for oil spots or leak marks on the tarmac Under Bonnet Visual Check Fluid levels where possible Check Oil Check Water Check brake fluid Check windscreen washer Check any other reservoirs are adequately filled (refer to dealer PDI for more information) Check Inside front corners of the vehicle for damage Check cabling looks original and no obvious work has been carried out recabling Check for marks or scratches, particularly the are on the inside body around battery terminals. If in any doubt at all arrange for an independent inspection of the vehicle before taking delivery. Operation Check all vehicle system work correctly Lights Indicators Hazard warning lights Fog light works (essential if you are middle lane numpty) - remember often only activates with headlights on dipped Reversing light works Front Fog light works Fuel Gauge functions Electric wing mirrors Electric windows SRS Airbag warning lights function Electric sunroof functions correctly Power hood functions correctly (on convertible) Air Conditioning Radio/CD/CD Multichanger Electric aerial operates (if present) Electric Seats Dashboard warning light check - check on start - check for light still lit when running Horn Wipers Screen Wash Seat belt - plus tensioner test Central locking functions correctly - remote works The alarm functions - particularly internal sensors. Test by arming with a window open and then leaning in. Any heated glass operates without blowing fuses. Cigarette lighter works - or lighter socket operates correctly (plug in mobile phone charger to check?) Gear stick moves freely, reverse can be engaged easily. Interior Trim Check the condition of all interior trim for damage Check the mats are in place. Check the door panels are free from scratches and kick marks Check carpets for water ingress/dampness, check seals wherever possible for breaks or gaps. Windscreen Check windscreen and rear screen for chips and marks Check all side glass for scratches/marks Check glass seals front and rear both sit correctly Driving Ideally take the car for a test drive pre delivery on dealer trade plates to satisfy yourself that is drives correctly. Check the operational temperature of the vehicle remains within parameters. Watch for unexpected exhaust smoke. Listen for squeaks or rattles - now is the time to do something about them before you accept the vehicle Check the rear view mirror is securely attached and adjustable to your requirements Check cruise control functions Carry out a brake test in a safe area - check for brake judder and smoothness. Gears change easily, without too much slack or being too sloppy. Check for steering drift - left or right Is the steering wheel correctly aligned when straight line driving Check for over intrusive wind noise Check Handbrake operation Check horn whilst driving Check Speedo and odometer operation Check for excessive steering/tyre vibration Check clutch operation.

And also check if the dealership will remain open past midnight

[miken]

fair comment Rolex,

but if I'm spending 20 grand of my hard earned I'm going to make sure all is aok before signing on the dotted line. The lady in question is very savvy herself, but 20k is a lot of money for her and I would prefer my advice to be overly comprehensive rather than the opposite.

I wouldn't have though this would take longer than 30 mins or so, and that is time well spent in my book, plus I suppose it is down to the individual in the end to check as much or as little as they see fit...

cheers

Mike