What Is a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)?

A Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) is a detailed quality check performed by the dealership before handing over a new car to the buyer. It involves:

• Exterior examination – Checking for paint imperfections, dents, scratches, or misaligned panels.
• Interior inspection – Ensuring upholstery, dashboard controls, and infotainment systems are working properly.
• Mechanical and electrical checks – Verifying the engine, brakes, battery, and electronics are functioning correctly.
• Tire and fluid level inspection – Checking tire pressure, brake fluid, coolant, and oil levels.
• Documentation review – Ensuring all legal and warranty documents are provided and accurate.
• A thorough PDI guarantees that the car is defect-free, roadworthy, and ready for use.

Why is a PDI Important?

Ensures the Car is Free from Defects:

Despite strict quality control in manufacturing, factory defects can still occur. Some common issues include:

• 01. Scratches or paint inconsistencies due to mishandling at the factory or during transport.
• 02. Misaligned doors, panels, or bumpers affecting aesthetics and aerodynamics.
• 03. Defective wipers, door locks, or seat adjustments due to assembly faults.

A PDI helps detect these issues early so they can be rectified before you take the car home.

Verifies All Features and Accessories:

Modern cars come with advanced features and multiple accessories. A PDI ensures that all installed components are working, including:

• 01. Infotainment system – Bluetooth, touchscreen, speakers, and navigation.
• 02. Power windows & mirrors – Smooth operation without glitches.
• 03. Air conditioning & heater – Checking cooling and heating efficiency.
• 04. Dashboard alerts & controls – Ensuring there are no warning lights.

If any accessory is missing or malfunctioning, you can have it replaced before finalizing the deal.

Prevents Future Mechanical Issues:

PDI includes engine and mechanical system checks to ensure a smooth driving experience. The dealership verifies:

• 01. Engine performance – Checking for unusual noises, smooth ignition, and correct RPM levels.
• 02. Battery health – Ensuring it’s fully charged and properly connected.
• 03. Brake performance – Testing for responsiveness and efficiency.
• 04. Tire pressure & alignment – Ensuring even wear and proper inflation.

Skipping these checks could lead to early breakdowns or expensive repairs soon after purchase.

Confirms Proper Documentation:

A car isn’t just about its physical condition—legal paperwork is just as crucial. During PDI, you should ensure that:

• 01. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) matches the one on your purchase documents.
• 02. The warranty card and service manual are provided.
• 03. The insurance and registration documents are in order.
• 04. The spare key, toolkit, and accessories are included as promised.

Mistakes in documentation can lead to legal troubles, warranty disputes, or insurance issues later.

Eliminates Hidden Transportation Damages:

Cars are transported from factories to dealerships over long distances, sometimes across different countries. During this process, minor damages can occur due to:

• 01. Shipping incidents – Small dents or scratches due to rough handling.
• 02. Storage conditions – Paint fading or rust due to exposure to moisture.
• 03. Dealer handling – Unintentional damage during unloading or showroom setup.

A PDI allows you to spot these damages early, so the dealership can fix them before you take delivery.

Provides Peace of Mind:

A properly conducted PDI ensures your car is safe, defect-free, and fully functional. As a buyer, it gives you confidence that:

• 01. You’re getting what you paid for—no hidden damages or missing features.
• 02. The car is safe to drive without mechanical or electrical issues.
• 03. You won’t have to deal with unnecessary service visits right after purchase.

With a thorough PDI, you can drive your new car home with complete peace of mind!

What Should You Check During a PDI?

While dealerships conduct their own PDI, you should always inspect the car personally before accepting delivery. Use this checklist to ensure everything is in order:

Exterior Check:

• • Inspect for scratches, dents, or uneven paint.
• • Check headlights, fog lights, and indicators for cracks or malfunctions.
• • Ensure windshields and windows are free from chips or damage.

Interior Check:

• • Inspect seat upholstery for stains or tears.
• • Check power windows, locks, and infotainment system.
• • Test AC, heater, and rear defogger.

Mechanical & Electrical Check:

• • Ensure the engine starts smoothly without strange noises.
• • Look for fluid leaks under the car.
• • Test the brakes, steering, and suspension for proper response.

Tire & Suspension Check:

• • Confirm tire pressure is correct and tread depth is sufficient.
• • Check for even wear and proper wheel alignment.
• • Ensure the spare tire, jack, and toolkit are included.

Documentation Check:

• • Verify the VIN matches the paperwork.
• • Ensure you receive the warranty card, insurance, and user manual.
• • Ask for a PDI report from the dealer.

Remember: Once you drive off, getting the dealer to fix issues becomes much harder. Taking 30-40 minutes for a thorough PDI can save you months of frustration later!