What is PDI in a Car?
PDI in the car is a process of a thorough inspection of a vehicle for any defects, damages, or component malfunctions. It applies to both a brand-new and a used car. It is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) when purchasing a new vehicle from a dealership. But what if you are buying a second-hand car from a seller? The process remains the same for a used vehicle purchase. However, it may require a meticulous inspection due to the fact that it is a second-hand car.
You can inspect the vehicle by yourself before making your purchase decision. In the following sections of this article, we discuss the various aspects of PDI for a car that you should be aware of while inspecting a used car.
The first thing to do while buying a used car is to examine the vehicle's exterior. To do that, examine the car in an open and well-lit space. It's better to carry out the checks during the daytime when the light is bright enough to spot any scratches, dents, etc.
Now that you understand what PDI means for a car, use the checklist below to inspect the exterior of a second-hand vehicle:
- Walk around the car to spot any scratches, dents, or marks on the vehicle’s body.
- Pay attention to the quality and consistency of paint. Look for any differences in colour or any spots of patchwork.
- Look for uneven panel gaps by observing the fenders, bumpers, and doors. Uneven gaps mean that the panels are not fitted correctly, or shoddy repair work on the vehicle.
- Next, examine the wheel wells using a flashlight. Look out for any damage or corrosion.
- Open and close all the doors, including the bonnet and boot lid. Ensure that they open and close appropriately without making any unwanted noise.
- Also, check the rubber beadings around the doors and windows and look for any damage.
- Check the front, rear, and window windshields, and look for scratches and cracks.
- Check for suspension sagging by observing the stance of the car. You can also push down each vehicle's corner and check the suspension rebound. If the vehicle moves up and down, the suspension is not in great shape.
- Open the bonnet and check the engine bay. Look out for rusting or dirt accumulation. Also, check if there are any broken or damaged parts or tangled wires under the bonnet.
- Similarly, open the boot and ensure that there is no damage to the jack/spanner or any other toolkit provided by the manufacturer.
- Lastly, check the tyres for excessive wear and tear. Also, check the condition of the spare tyre fitted under the boot.
Checklist for Inspection of the Car’s Interior
Once you're done checking the exterior, the next step is to inspect the interior of the used car. Use the checklist below to examine the cabin thoroughly:
- Check the seat upholstery for any stains, rips or burning marks.
- Examine the dashboard and other metal/plastic parts inside the cabin for scratches or damage.
- Lift the floor mat and check for water seepage, rusting and damage.
- Check the roof liner and door seals, and look for any cracks.
- Roll the windows up and down and ensure that they operate correctly.
- Inspect other storage compartments, such as the glovebox and ensure it opens and closes properly.
- Make sure that the seatbelts and other seat adjustment mechanisms work correctly.
- Check the odometer reading on the dashboard. Ideally, the reading should be relative to the vehicle's age or as per the owner/seller's quote.
- Lastly, check the movement of the steering wheel. It should be free and not too hard to rotate the wheel.
Also, read: Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist for New Cars
Used Car Inspection Checklist for Electrical Components
After the exterior and interior inspection, you can proceed to examine the vehicle’s electrical components. Below is a checklist to test the electrical components of a used car.
- Switch on the ignition and start the engine, and turn on the AC. Check if the AC manages to cool the cabin quickly and effectively.
- Ensure that there’s no false odour from the air coming out of the AC vents.
- Next, check if all the lights, including headlights, fog lights, tail lights, turn indicator lights, and interior lights, work.
- Also, check the horn and wipers, including the windscreen wash mode.
- Observe the dashboard for any warning signs. A warning sign may indicate a faulty component.
- Open the bonnet and inspect the battery. The terminals should be free from rust.
Checklist for Identifying Accidental Damages
One of the crucial aspects while buying a used car is to make sure that the vehicle has not suffered a major accident. One way to be sure that the vehicle has not undergone major repair work is by inspecting for any signs of damage or repair work. Here’s a checklist to determine any accidental damage to the used car.
- Observe the fenders and bumpers of the car. Look for signs of cracks or patches. Any repair work on these parts could indicate that the vehicle has suffered an accident.
- Thoroughly inspect the windshields of the vehicle. Any chips or cracks indicate that the car was involved in a collision.
- Observe the body lines of the car. In case of significant repairs, it may have uneven body lines.
- Open the bonnet and examine the joints. If there are any creased surfaces, it means that it's damaged due to an accident. Also, notice the bolts and screws. If some of them are new, you can check with the vehicle owner about the reason for their replacement.
- Lastly, check the paint quality. Often, a repainted surface or panel indicates accidental damage.
Used Car Pre-Delivery Checklist for Documentation
Once you are satisfied with the vehicle's physical condition, the next step is to ensure that the second-hand car has all the necessary documents. The checklist below will help you verify the essential documents of a used vehicle.
- Check the original RC (Registration Certificate) of the vehicle. Details such as make/model, engine number, chassis number, etc., mentioned in the RC should be authentic.
- Check the owner details on the RC and make sure that they match the seller's details.
- Inspect the car insurance policy document and check for any claim history.
- If the used vehicle is hypothecated, ask for a NOC (No Objection Certificate) or loan statement to assess the outstanding loan amount.
- Also, check the car's original invoice and PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate.
- Check the car's service booklet to determine the vehicle's service history.
- If the vehicle is under warranty, make sure to check the warranty-related documents.
Used Car PDI Checklist for a Test Drive
The final step of the car PDI check is to take the vehicle for a test drive. Here’s a checklist for test-driving a used car.
- When you drive the car, pay attention to the gear shift mechanism. It should be smooth and not clunky.
- Check the brakes of the vehicle. There should be no squeaking noises or pedal vibrations while braking.
- Look for any weird noises from the chassis.
- Make a U-turn at a slow speed to check the suspension. There should be no rattling noises.
- Check the wheel alignment of the car by letting go of the steering wheel for a brief moment. If the vehicle maintains a straight line, the wheel alignment is correct.
- Lastly, check the handbrake while parking the vehicle.
- Once you park the vehicle, allow it to cool down for a few minutes. Once it’s cooled down, open the bonnet and check for any oil/fluid leaks. Ensure that the fluid and oil levels are correct.
Quick Pre-Delivery Inspection Checklist for Used Cars
A car PDI is an essential step to ensure your used vehicle is in good condition before finalising the purchase. This quick PDI inspection checklist helps you spot any visible issues or hidden problems in a second-hand car. Whether you're buying from a dealer or an individual, use this guide to make your car PDI process fast and effective.
Checklist Category | What to Inspect |
1.Exterior Inspection | - A PDI car check looks for scratches, dents, paint consistency, panel gaps, wheel wells, doors/bonnet/boot function, and tyre condition.
- Suspension sagging, windshield cracks, rubber beadings, engine bay rust/damage, and spare tyre condition.
|
2.Interior Inspection | - Seat upholstery, dashboard scratches, floor mat/rust/water seepage, roof liner, window operation.
- Glovebox, seatbelts, seat adjustments, steering wheel movement, odometer reading.
|
3.Electrical Components | - AC working and smell, headlights/fog lamps/taillights, horn, wipers, dashboard warning lights.
- Battery condition and rust-free terminals.
|
4.Accidental Damage Check | - Cracks/patches on bumpers, windshield chips, uneven body lines, creased joints under the bonnet, and new bolts.
- Paint mismatches or repainted panels.
|
5.Document Verification | - RC details (owner, engine number, chassis number), insurance papers, service history booklet.
- NOC (if hypothecated), original invoice, warranty, PUC certificate.
|
6.TestDrive Checklist | - Smooth gear shift, brake performance, steering alignment, suspension sounds, handbrake, and post-drive leaks.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
