PDI’s full form is pre-delivery inspection (also called PDI inspection). It refers to the inspection performed by vehicle manufacturers’ dealerships to ensure that the vehicle is in proper condition before being delivered to the customer. PDI is a critical step in the process of buying a new car, bike, or other vehicle, ensuring that it is free from any defects and can be driven safely. In this blog, we take a look at what PDI is for cars, its importance, the PDI checklist, and what to watch out for during inspections.
What is Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI)?
Pre-delivery inspection (or PDI inspection) is done before delivering vehicles to customers. The purpose of a PDI inspection is to identify any defects or issues with a vehicle which need to be addressed before the vehicle is delivered to a customer. The dealership or the manufacturer of the vehicle will examine the exterior and interior of the vehicle, as well as its mechanical and electrical systems, to ensure that everything is in good working order.
Car PDI Checklist for Physical Inspection
Here is a quick PDI inspection checklist to inspect your new car for physical damage:
- Ensure a well-lit, clear view: Start by examining the vehicle in a well-lit, open space to get a clear view of its exterior.
- Check for any defects: Carefully check the paintwork across different sections to identify any inconsistencies or defects. Walk around the car to spot any dents, scratches, or marks on the body.
- Ensure proper functioning: Open and close the doors to verify smooth operation and proper locking. Test the bonnet and boot lid to ensure they open and close effortlessly. Inspect the engine bay for cleanliness—there should be no dirt, rust, or oil spills. Look under the bonnet for any tangled wires, leaks, or broken plastic parts.
- Check tires: Assess the tyres for wear, confirm they have sufficient tread, and ensure they are inflated to the recommended pressure. Confirm that the spare tyre and wheel are brand new and in good condition.
- Check the front and rear features: Closely examine the front and rear windshields for cracks or scratches, and check all windows for any visible damage. Open the boot to check for any damaged plastic components, missing tools (jack, spanner, OEM toolkit), or tampered wiring.
Car PDI Checklist for Interior Inspection
After completing the exterior inspection, step inside the vehicle to assess the interior thoroughly. Use this checklist to ensure everything is in perfect condition:
- Check the overall finish: Inspect the dashboard, seats, and door panels for any scratches, stains, or imperfections. Evaluate the overall fit, finish, and build quality of the interior components.
- Examine interior features: Examine both the front and rear seats, along with the carpet or floor mats, for any visible stains or damage. Test the glove box to confirm it opens and closes smoothly. Lift the carpet or mats to check for any signs of water leakage inside the cabin.
- Check that all features function correctly: Operate the windows, especially power windows, to ensure they move up and down without issues. Test the seat belts and all seat adjustment mechanisms for proper functionality. Turn the steering wheel to ensure it moves freely without resistance. Inspect the roof liner and door seals, keeping an eye out for cracks or defects. Verify the odometer reading on the dashboard, which should typically be below 100 km.
Car PDI Checklist for Inspection of Electrical Components
Once you’ve reviewed the exterior and interior, the next step is to ensure all electrical components are functioning properly. Use this checklist to verify their performance:
- Check the engine and AC systems: Start the engine and test the air conditioning system to ensure it cools the cabin efficiently. Inspect the AC vents for dust buildup and check for any unusual or unpleasant odours from the airflow.
- Ensure the lights, horn, and windshield wipers work: Turn on the headlights, tail lights, fog lights, indicator lights, and interior lights to confirm they are working correctly. Test the horn and windshield wipers to ensure they function without any issues. Check the infotainment system, including the display, speakers, ports, and all control buttons, for proper operation.
- Examine the battery: Open the bonnet and examine the battery terminals for any signs of rust or corrosion. Ask the dealership for battery warranty documents to confirm its coverage.
Car PDI Checklist for Inspection of Essential Fluids
To ensure optimal performance, a car relies on various essential fluids. Before accepting delivery, use this checklist to verify fluid levels:
- Check oil level: Open the bonnet and inspect the engine oil level using the dipstick. If the vehicle has a digital oil level indicator on the dashboard, check that as well.
- Check the coolant: Examine the coolant reservoir to confirm that the coolant level falls within the recommended range between the minimum and maximum markers.
- Check brake fluid: Verify that the brake fluid and power steering fluid levels meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Check the windscreen fluid: Lastly, check the windscreen washer fluid reservoir to ensure it is adequately filled.
Car PDI Checklist for a Test Drive
Once you’re satisfied with the car’s overall condition, take it for a short test drive to assess its performance. It’s best to have a dealership representative accompany you. Follow this checklist during the drive:
- Test the accelerator and gearbox: Test the acceleration and braking to see if there are any sudden jerks while speeding up or any unusual noises when applying the brakes. Assess the gearbox and gear lever for seamless shifting, and verify that the handbrake engages and releases properly.
- Check the steering: Ensure the car maintains a straight path when briefly releasing the steering wheel. If it veers to one side, the wheel alignment may need adjustment. (Only attempt this in a safe driving environment.)
- Examine for any defects: Listen for any strange noises from the suspension or chassis while driving. Check the responsiveness of the accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals to ensure they function smoothly.
Car PDI Checklist for Inspection of Duplicate Key
Every new car includes a spare key, and it’s essential to confirm that it functions correctly. Use this checklist to verify its usability:
- Ensure the key opens the doors: Test the duplicate key by locking and unlocking the doors.
- Ensure the key can start the engine: Start the engine with the spare key to ensure it works properly.
Documents Required for Pre-delivery Inspection
To ensure legality, a new vehicle’s documentation should be complete and in accordance with other records for the car:
- Invoice: The invoice must contain the variant, chassis/VIN, model, and engine number of the vehicle. These should match the engine, engine bay, and windshield numbers.
- RTO documents: These documents should also include a matching VIN and engine number.
- Payment receipts: All payments, such as car payments, road taxes, registration costs, and accessory costs, should be consolidated.
- Registration: The car’s registration must contain a matching VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and engine number.
- Other records: Other records include your insurance policy details, warranty (or extended warranty, if applicable), roadside assistance copy (RSA), PUC certificate, owner’s manual, and service booklet.
Points to keep in mind during a Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI)
Pre-delivery inspection is crucial to ensure that your vehicle is in perfect condition before you take delivery. Here are the key points you must keep in mind:
- Ask the right questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the right questions from the car dealer for any discrepancies or issues with the vehicle.
- Conduct daylight inspection: It is always a good idea to conduct a pre-delivery inspection during the daytime as it will be easier to inspect the interior and exterior of the car in natural light. You can check for imperfections in the exterior, interiors, or upholstery and the car’s underbody.
- Do not rush: Most importantly, don’t rush through your PDI checklist – take your time conducting a thorough car inspection to avoid any issues later.
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Conclusion
PDI inspection is an important step that should not be skipped during a vehicle buying process. By doing a thorough pre-delivery inspection of a vehicle before taking ownership, one can ensure that they are getting the vehicle in good condition. Remember to always use a car PDI checklist and to be thorough in pre-delivery inspection to make sure one is covering all the important things mentioned in the checklist.
FAQs
A PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) checklist is a comprehensive list of tasks and checks that you must perform to ensure a vehicle is in perfect condition before taking delivery. This includes checking the interior and exterior of the vehicle, tyres, engine, suspension, brakes, and so on to ensure excellent performance
While conducting PDI, you must keep certain documents handy to verify the vehicle's specifications. These include the invoice for the car, which mentions the car's chassis, engine number, and VIN, and RTO documents, which mention the car's engine and chassis number. Make sure to verify these to the number on the car.
A pre-delivery inspection (PDI) is essential for ensuring a vehicle meets the manufacturer's standards and is free from defects before reaching the customer. This comprehensive check verifies the condition and functionality of all components, including the vehicle's exterior, interior, and mechanical systems. It ensures that the vehicle is delivered to the customer in flawless condition.
The Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) aims to ensure that the vehicle is in perfect condition before being handed over to the customer. It involves a thorough check to identify and rectify any issues related to the vehicle's exterior, interior, mechanical systems, and electronics to ensure safety and functionality.
In a PDI, look for bodywork imperfections, proper functioning of lights and electronics, condition of tires and wheels, and the smooth operation of all controls and mechanical systems, such as brakes and suspension. Additionally, check the fluid levels and battery condition and ensure all documentation, tools, and accessories are present.
The PDI process systematically inspects the vehicle's exterior, interior, and mechanical components. It includes checking the bodywork, lights, electronics, tires, fluid levels, and battery. A road test is conducted to assess performance and handling.
Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) is usually free of charge as it's part of the dealership’s service. However, some third-party inspections may charge a fixed cost, depending on the service provider.
Yes, you can request a PDI before making the full payment. Many dealerships allow this to ensure you get the correct model, variant, and a defect-free car before finalizing the purchase.
03 July 2025
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