What is Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI)?

Pre-delivery Inspection is the final check carried out by the dealer before your car’s official registration. It includes a thorough examination of the car’s:

Exterior

  • Park the car in a well-lit area.
  • Inspect for scratches, dents, or marks.
  • Check for paint discrepancies.
  • Test all doors, the bonnet, and the boot lid for smooth operation.
  • Examine the engine bay for cleanliness, free of dirt and rust.
  • Look for tangled wires, oil spills, and damaged plastic parts.
  • Verify the condition of the spare tire and wheel.

Interior

  • Assess the dashboard, seats, and door pads for damage.
  • Check overall fit and finish.
  • Ensure the glove box opens and closes correctly.
  • Examine seats and carpets for stains.
  • Lift the carpet to check for water seepage.
  • Test power windows and interior controls.
  • Inspect the roof liner and door seals.
  • Verify seat belts and adjustment controls.
  • Check the steering wheel’s mobility.
  • Ensure the odometer reads under 100km.

Electrical Components

  • Start the engine and assess the air conditioning’s effectiveness.
  • Examine AC vents for dirt accumulation and unusual odours.
  • Test the infotainment system, all ports, control buttons, and speakers.
  • Check the horn, wipers, and all lights (headlights, tail lights, indicators, fog lights, interior lights).
  • Inspect the battery and terminal rust. Inquire about the battery warranty.

Essential Fluids

  • Check the engine oil level using the dipstick.
  • Verify the coolant level in the reservoir tank.
  • Examine brake and power steering fluid levels.
  • Inspect the windscreen washer fluid level.

Test Drive

After inspecting the car’s condition, take it for a short test drive. Ensure there are no unusual sounds, jerks, or steering issues while driving. Verify the functionality of the accelerator, brakes, clutch, gearbox, and handbrake.

Inspection of Duplicate Key

Test the duplicate key by locking and unlocking doors and starting the car.

Verification of Documents

  • Confirm details on the original invoice (Vehicle Identification Number, Engine Number, Chassis Number).
  • Check payment receipts (road tax, accessories, etc.).
  • Review car insurance policy details.
  • Cross-check the vehicle registration number on the RTO documents.
  • Verify all warranty-related documents and dealer stamps.
  • Collect the Owner’s Manual and Service Booklet.
  • Look for additional documents related to extended warranties, roadside assistance, etc.

Why is PDI Important?

Pre-delivery Inspection is crucial as it identifies and rectifies any defects or damages that may have occurred during transit or handling. It ensures you receive a perfect, defect-free car, minimizing post-delivery issues.

Tips for Conducting PDI

  • Take your time; don’t rush the process.
  • Bring a family member or friend to help spot defects.
  • Ideally, have someone with experience in PDI accompany you.
  • Capture photos of your new car from different angles to document its condition.

By following this PDI checklist, you’ll make sure your new car is in the best possible condition before you hit the road, providing peace of mind and a trouble-free driving experience.

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