New Car Delivery Checklist: How to Do a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Step by Step

• A pre-delivery inspection (PDI) is a buyer-side check to confirm the allotted car matches the booked model, variant, colour and condition before delivery acceptance.
• Inspect the car in daylight and compare the VIN/chassis and engine or motor number with the invoice and registration paperwork.
• Check paint, panel gaps, glass, tyres, wheels, lights, cabin trim, infotainment, AC, safety features and odometer.
• Verify the promised accessories, number of keys, insurance, invoice, warranty information and registration documents.
• Photograph any issue, record it in writing with the dealer and recheck the repair before signing the delivery acceptance.

When should you conduct the PDI?

What should you check before taking delivery of a new car?

1. How do you verify the car’s identity and manufacturing details?

• Confirm the make, model, variant, fuel type, transmission and colour match your booking and invoice.
• Locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), also called the chassis number, using the owner’s manual or dealer guidance. Locations vary by manufacturer.
• Match the VIN/chassis number and engine number or motor number with the invoice and relevant registration/insurance documents.
• Check the manufacturing month and year from the manufacturer/dealer record or vehicle identification label. If the car is older stock than agreed or expected, ask for an explanation and written confirmation.
• Take clear photos of the VIN and odometer for your own records.

2. What should you inspect on the exterior?

• Walk around the car in daylight. Check each body panel for scratches, dents, paint marks, inconsistent colour or visible signs of touch-up.
• Look at panel gaps around the bonnet, doors, tailgate and bumpers. Small variations can occur, so treat obvious asymmetry or misalignment as a query for the dealer rather than diagnosing accident damage yourself.
• Inspect the windscreen and other glass for chips, cracks and scratches.
• Check headlamps, tail lamps, indicators, DRLs, fog lamps if fitted, ORVMs, door handles, roof rails and trims for damage.
• Open and close all doors, the bonnet and tailgate. Check for smooth operation and damaged seals.
• Inspect wheels and wheel covers for scratches or dents.

3. How do you check tyres, wheels and the spare?

• Inspect all four tyres and the spare wheel or puncture-repair kit, depending on the car’s equipment.
• Check for cuts, bulges, visible damage, unusual wear or mismatched tyre make/model.
• Read the tyre manufacturing date code on the sidewall. The code format can vary; consult the tyre manufacturer’s explanation if unsure.
• Ask the dealer about unusually old tyre stock or a tyre date that seems inconsistent with the vehicle’s manufacturing date. There is no single universal tyre-age cut-off for every delivery situation.
• Confirm the toolkit, jack and wheel-changing equipment are present if supplied with the car.

4. What should you check inside the cabin?

• Inspect seats, upholstery, dashboard, headliner, door pads, floor mats and boot lining for stains, tears, scratches or dampness.
• Check seat adjustment, head restraints, seat belts and belt retraction.
• Test power windows, central locking, mirrors, wipers, washers, horn and all interior switches.
• Check the infotainment screen, speakers, Bluetooth/phone pairing if relevant, USB ports and navigation functions listed for your variant.
• Test the air-conditioning and heater, including blower speeds and vents.
• Check the instrument cluster for warning lights. Some lights illuminate during the start-up self-check; ask the dealer to explain any warning that remains on after the vehicle is ready.
• Confirm the booked variant’s features: sunroof, camera, sensors, ADAS functions, powered seats, lighting and other equipment.

5. How should you check the odometer and basic mechanical condition?

• Note the odometer reading and photograph it. A new car may show some kilometres from factory checks, loading, transport or dealer movement.
• Do not treat one kilometre figure as a universal pass/fail rule. If the reading is unexpectedly high, ask the dealer to explain the use and record the explanation in writing.
• With the dealer’s assistance, check for visible fluid leaks or damage in the engine bay. Do not touch hot, moving or high-voltage components.
• Check that the car starts normally and that there are no persistent warning lights, unusual noises or strong vibrations.
• If the dealer permits a short test drive, check steering, braking, gear selection, parking sensors and basic vehicle behaviour. Do not perform aggressive manoeuvres or test safety systems in unsafe conditions.

6. Which documents and accessories should you receive?

What should you do if you find a defect during PDI?

Which issues should you resolve before accepting delivery?

Can you refuse delivery if you find a defect?

What are the common PDI mistakes to avoid?

• Inspecting only under showroom lights, where paint marks can be harder to notice.
• Rushing through the checklist because the delivery ceremony or registration is scheduled.
• Checking the model name but not the exact variant and feature list.
• Not matching the VIN and engine/motor number with documents.
• Assuming the odometer must show exactly zero kilometres.
• Ignoring tyre manufacturing date, spare wheel or EV charging accessories.
• Accepting verbal assurances without written records.
• Signing delivery acceptance before documenting unresolved issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many kilometres should a new car show at delivery?

Can I refuse delivery for a paint defect?

What is a VIN and where do I find it?

Why should I check the tyre manufacturing date?

Which documents should I check before taking delivery?

Should I conduct PDI before registration?

Final Verdict: What should you do before signing the delivery papers?