The excitement of getting a brand-new car is immense. However, amidst the thrill, it's crucial not to rush the delivery process. You must not overlook the vital Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). Conducting thorough PDI ensures that your vehicle is in perfect condition, both externally and internally. Here's a pre delivery inspection guide for new cars, along with some essential tips that you should know. This will help you through the pre-delivery inspection for your new cars.

What is Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)?

Pre delivery inspection for new cars is the final critical check performed by the dealer before the car's registration. It involves inspecting the car's exterior, interior, mechanical parts, electrical components, fluid levels, and any additional accessories. The process also includes a quick test drive to identify any potential issues

While dealers are responsible for carrying out the PDI, it's highly recommended to personally inspect the car to ensure it's flawless before driving it home. Below is a list of pre-delivery inspection guide for new cars:

Car PDI Checklist for Physical Inspection

Here are some pre delivery guide for new cars for physical inspection:

Lighting and Visibility: Park the car in an open space with good daylight. Check all lights, headlights, tail lights, and Indicators. Ensure everything is functioning properly.
Body and Paintwork: Walk around the car and check for any scratches. Also, look for dents or marks, and inspect different parts of the exterior for uniform paint. Examine the finish.
Doors and Hinges: Open and close all doors. Include the bonnet and boot to ensure they operate smoothly, and ensure that they lock securely.
Windshields and Windows: Inspect the front and rear windshields for scratches or cracks. Check the side windows, and make sure to look for visible damage.
Tires and Wheels: Ensure all tires are new. They should have adequate tread. They should be inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check the spare tire and wheel to ensure they are brand new and in good condition.
Engine Bay: Open the bonnet. Inspect the engine bay for cleanliness. Ensure it is free of dirt rust, tangled wires oil spills, and damaged or broken plastic parts
Boot Inspection: Open the boot and check for any broken or damaged plastic parts. Ensure the presence of a jack spanner, or OEM-provided toolkit. Verify there are no patched-up or cut wiring harnesses.

Pre-delivery inspection guide for Interior Inspection

Here are some pre delivery guide for new cars for interior inspection:

Interior Quality: Examine the dashboard. Look at the seats and door pads for any signs of damage scratches, or marks. Check the overall fit and finish of interior components.
Functionality of Compartments: You must ensure the glove box opens and closes properly. Check for stains on the front and rear seats, and also the mats/carpets. Lift mats/carpets to check for any signs of water seepage inside the cabin.
Windows and Doors: Verify that all windows roll up and down smoothly especially power windows. Inspect the roof liner, and check the door seals for any signs of cracks or damage.
- Safety Features
: Check seat belts. Make sure to examine seat adjustment controls for proper operation. Ensure the steering wheel moves freely.

- Odometer Reading: The odometer reading should be under 100 km. This confirms it’s a new vehicle.

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Car PDI Tips for New Cars for Electrical Components

Here are some pre delivery guide for new cars for electrical components:

Air Conditioning: Start the engine and switch on the AC. Check if it cools the cabin effectively and quickly. Inspect AC vents for dust and dirt. Ensure there is no false odor from the air.
Infotainment System: Test the infotainment music system and its ports. Check control buttons and speakers.
Essential Electricals: Check if the horn and wipers are working correctly. Verify all lights including headlights, Tail lights indicator lights, fog lights, and interior lights must be functioning.
Battery Inspection: Open the bonnet and check the battery for any rust on the terminals. Ask for the battery warranty-related documents.

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Car PDI Checklist for Essential Fluids

Here is a pre delivery guide for checking essential fluids:

Engine Oil: Open the bonnet and pull the dipstick to check the engine oil level. If there's a digital gauge check it on the dashboard.
Coolant: Inspect the coolant reservoir tank properly. Ensure the coolant level is between maximum and minimum marks.
Brake and Power Steering Fluid: Check the levels of the brake. Power steering fluids to ensure they are at recommended levels. Windscreen Washing Fluid and verify that the level of windscreen washing fluid is adequate.

Car PDI Checklist for Test Drive

Here is a pre delivery guide for new cars for drive testing:

Performance Check: Assess acceleration and braking. Ensure there are no jerks while accelerating. Listen for unusual sounds when applying brakes. Check if the car drives in a straight line Let go of the steering wheel.
Noise and Vibration: Listen for any unusual noises from the suspension or chassis. Ensure the accelerator brake and clutch pedals function, and verify they operate smoothly.
Gearbox and Handbrake: Ensure the gearbox operates smoothly. Also, the gear lever works properly. Test the handbrake for proper engagement, and make sure it is working well.
Car PDI Checklist for Inspection of Duplicate Key: Every new car comes with a duplicate key. Ensure the duplicate key works properly and test the lock and unlock function of the duplicate key. Insert the key into each door lock and the trunk. Attempt to turn the key ensuring that it smoothly engages the locking mechanism.
Lock/Unlock Functionality: Use duplicate keys to lock and unlock the doors.
Starting the Car: Start the car using a duplicate key to ensure it functions correctly.
Need for a PDI: PDI is conducted to inspect new cars for any defects that occurred during transit or handling at the dealership. This inspection allows the dealership to fix minor issues. They can also report significant defects to the manufacturer before registration.

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Why Should You Inspect Your New Car Before Delivery?

Inspecting your latest new car before delivery ensures it's in the best condition. It helps identify and rectify any issues before the vehicle is registered. This saves you from potential post-delivery hassles. Additionally verifying vehicle-related documents is part of the PDI process. This ensures all paperwork is in order.

Ensure you check and verify the following documents during PDI

Invoice from the supplier.
Bill of lading (BOL)
Certificate of origin.
Packing list. Cross-reference items
Test reports from quality control.
Material safety data sheet (MSDS)
Import/export permits Review thoroughly.
Proof of insurance. Validate coverage.
Warranty documentation. Ensure validity.
Product specifications. Compare with actual items received.
Purchase order. Match it to delivered goods.
Inspection certificates. Confirm their legitimacy.
Delivery note. Ensure all items are accounted for.
Compliance certificates
Licenses and certifications. Verify expiration dates.
Environmental compliance documents
Customs clearance documentation. Inspect for any discrepancies.
Proof of payment. Ensure it matches the invoiced amount.
Supplier's accreditation. Confirm its current validity.
Installation and operation manuals

Having these documents verified is essential. Inaccuracies can lead to critical challenges. Proper documentation enhances trust and efficiency. It ensures legal compliance and streamlines processes.

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Some Additional Documents to Verify

Have a look at some additional documents that you should verify:

Original Invoice: Verify details on the invoice match the car you purchased. This includes the Vehicle Identification Number. Check the Engine Number and Chassis Number.
Payment Receipts: Check receipts for road tax payments. Car accessories etc.
Insurance Policy: Ensure car insurance policy details are correct.
RTO Documents: Cross-check the vehicle registration number on the RTO documents.
Warranty Documents: Check all warranty-related documents. Car accessories, batteries, etc. Ensure they are stamped by the dealer.

Caution Points While Conducting PDI

Never rush through the delivery process. Take your time. Inspect every part of the car meticulously. Take photos of your new car from different angles to identify any marks scratches, or dents. Bring a family member or friend along for a second pair of eyes.

It’s beneficial to have someone with prior PDI experience. They can help with the inspection. By following this detailed PDI checklist you can ensure that your new car is in impeccable condition. Drive it home with peace of mind. Do not forget to check our latest car blog discussing the top ten selling cars in India in 2024.

List of Pre-Delivery Inspection for new cars in 2024