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Carry a small torch, a microfiber cloth, and your phone camera. If you have an OBD scanner, even better. Don\u2019t worry \u2014 you\u2019re not being fussy; you\u2019re being smart.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
And please, avoid festival chaos days for PDI. Staff is rushed, stockyards are messy, and you\u2019ll get less time with the car. Choose a weekday morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One more thing:<\/strong> no accessories should be fitted before you approve PDI. I\u2019ve seen dealers hide paint chips under chrome garnish. Not cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Ultimate PDI Checklist (Step-by-step)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll go panel-by-panel, system-by-system. I keep it simple, but thorough. You don\u2019t need to be a mechanic \u2014 just observant and stubborn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start with VIN and month\/year. Then do exterior in sunlight, interior features, engine bay\/EV systems, short test drive inside stockyard, and finally documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, I include numbers. Odo under 50 km is ideal. Battery above 12.4V for petrol\/diesel. Tyre DOT not older than 6 months. Keep these benchmarks in your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If something\u2019s off, pause. Ask for another unit or written commitment. Don\u2019t sign delivery forms in a hurry. No FOMO. The right car > the fast car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below, I\u2019ve split it out. Follow this order to stay efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exterior & Bodywork: Where 90% of heartbreak lives<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWalk around slowly. Look at reflections from 2\u20133 angles. If paint looks wavy on one panel compared to others, could be a repaint or poor polish. Don\u2019t ignore it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check panel gaps around bonnet, doors, boot. They should be even. Uneven gaps = rough handling or misalignment. I once caught a bent fender on a brand-new unit. Dealer swapped it quietly when I pushed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inspect bumpers\u2019 lower lips, side skirts, and underbody edges for scrape marks. Transporters sometimes kiss ramps. Fresh scrape = reject or demand repaint with written note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glass check: windscreen and windows for chips, tiny dots, or scratches. They\u2019re hard to spot in shade. Use sunlight and a torch at angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lights: Headlamps and taillamps should be clear, no fogging or dust inside, all functions working \u2014 low\/high beam, indicators, DRLs, fogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nOpen and close all doors, bonnet, boot \u2014 they should shut cleanly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Door beadings\/rubbers intact, no cuts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Fuel lid opens smoothly; cap is present and seals properly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Number plate mounts not cracked; camera\/sensors flush and secure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nTyres, Wheels, Brakes & Suspension: Rolling truth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTyre DOT code tells you the tyre\u2019s manufacturing week and year (like 4024 = week 40 of 2024). I prefer tyres within 3\u20136 months of the car\u2019s production. All four should be same brand and size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New tyres have those small rubber hairs. If they\u2019re missing or uneven, car may have been driven more than usual. Check the spare too \u2014 many forget this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alloys\/steel wheels should be scratch-free. Any curb rash? Ask why. Wheel caps fitted? Lug nuts look fresh? Little things speak volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Press the car corners gently \u2014 suspension should settle without creaks. In the short test drive, listen for knocks over bumps. New cars should be silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brake feel: should be progressive, no vibration, no left-right pulling while braking. If it pulls, alignment or brake issue. Get it fixed before acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nTPMS (if equipped) shows correct tyre pressures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Spare wheel kit present: jack, wrench, tow hook.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Wheel well liners intact; no loose clips.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nEngine Bay \/ EV Systems: The heart of it<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nICE (petrol\/diesel): Check fluid levels \u2014 engine oil at correct mark, coolant between min\/max, brake fluid at proper level, windshield washer filled. No stains or leaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Battery: Visual check for rust on terminals, cable seating, and a multimeter reading above 12.4V with engine off. Low voltage can trigger random warning lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Belts and hoses: No cracks, no loose clamps. Start the car and listen \u2014 idle should be smooth, no belt squeal. Rev lightly; no vibration spikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EVs: Check state of charge (SoC) \u2014 50\u201370% is healthy for delivery. Verify both charging cables (portable + Type 2 if promised), wallbox, and charger serial numbers. Try a short plug-in to see if it starts charging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EV software: Check infotainment and BMS versions. Ask the service advisor for latest OTA\/update notes. Drive modes, regen levels, hill-hold \u2014 all should toggle without errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCheck VIN plate under bonnet matches documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Engine\/chassis number stamping is clean and readable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Heat shields and undertray are tight; no missing fasteners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nInterior, Electronics, Infotainment & ADAS: Don\u2019t ignore the tech<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSit inside and just breathe \u2014 does it smell fresh? New-car leather\/fabric smell is obvious. Any dampness or musty smell could be water ingress. Walk away if unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seats: Slide all the way, adjusters smooth, seat-back locks properly. Rear bench fold works? Isofix covers present? Seatbelts retract crisply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Infotainment: Pair phone, test Android Auto\/Apple CarPlay, make a call, play music via Bluetooth and USB. Try reverse camera and 360 cameras at night mode if possible; check for glare\/focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AC: It should cool fast. Put fan at 2\u20133, temp low, feel center vents. No foul smell, no hiss from dashboard. Rear vents blowing properly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ADAS (if equipped): Test basics like forward collision warning, lane departure warning toggles, camera radar calibration status. No warning lights should linger after start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAll windows\/ORVMs operate; auto up\/down and auto-fold work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Central locking, both keys, immobilizer, remote boot release.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Wipers, washers, horn, interior lights, ambient lights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Instrument cluster \u2014 no warning lamps after ignition settles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Sunroof slides\/tilts smoothly; check rubber beading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nShort Test Drive & NVH: The feel check<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMost stockyards allow a small loop. Use it. Steering should be centered; car shouldn\u2019t drift. If it pulls even slightly, ask for alignment check and proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen with music off: any rattles from doors, dashboard, parcel tray? New cars should be tight. A random tik-tik early on can become a daily irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clutch bite (MT) should be predictable, not too high. AT\/DCT\/AMT shifts should be clean and smooth. No jerks while crawling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Idle with AC on \u2014 rpm stable, no vibration in steering or gear lever. In EVs, there should be near-silence. Whine\/hum is normal, but no grinding sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brakes again \u2014 gentle to hard. No sponginess, no squeal on a brand-new car under normal stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Documents You Must Verify (No shortcuts)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis part is boring but critical. Once paperwork is messed up, you\u2019ll run to RTO and insurer for days. I keep a doc checklist and tick it line by line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure the VIN\/chassis number, engine number, color, variant, and manufacturing month\/year match across invoice, Form 22, and insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re financing, confirm loan amount, interest rate, and any hidden charges before delivery. Don\u2019t sign blank forms. Ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask for an itemized invoice including ex-showroom, RTO, insurance, handling (should be zero), accessories (only if you agreed), extended warranty, RSA, and any dealer pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Service book and owner\u2019s manual must be stamped. Get the spare key, key number tag, and any security card\/immobilizer code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nForm 22 (roadworthiness certificate)<\/li>\n\n\n\n Insurance policy (correct IDV, NCB if applicable, add-ons you chose)<\/li>\n\n\n\n Invoice + receipt of booking and balance payment<\/li>\n\n\n\n Temporary registration papers (if doing delivery before permanent)<\/li>\n\n\n\n Fastag activation and mapping to your name<\/li>\n\n\n\n Warranty booklet + extended warranty\/RSA certificates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nMoney Moves & Dealership Hacks (Don\u2019t get played)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNever pay full amount before PDI. Keep a small balance to maintain leverage. Dealers suddenly become very cooperative when money is pending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handling charges? Illegal in most states. Refuse politely. If they insist, ask for official circular from OEM\/RTO. Watch them back off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accessories: only choose what you need. Dealer-chosen \u201cEssential Kits\u201d are mostly mats + perfume + number plate frames at 5x price. Buy OEM mats if you want, rest you can source outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teflon coating scam \u2014 skip. If you want protection, do a proper ceramic or PPF from a reputed detailer after delivery. Also skip unnecessary \u201cengine coating\u201d junk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro-tip: Ask for freebies that matter \u2014 mud flaps, 3D mats, boot mat, first free wash vouchers, and a fuel voucher. In tight markets, they\u2019ll throw something in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VIN, Tyre DOT, Battery, Odo: The numbers that save you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nVIN is your car\u2019s identity. Decode it to confirm build month\/year. Every brand encodes differently, but month\/year is always there. Cross-check with the door jamb sticker if present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tyre DOT tells you tyre age. Avoid old tyres on a brand-new car. If it\u2019s too old, ask for replacement or a different unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Odometer under 50 km is normal. 10\u201330 km is ideal. Over 100? Ask tough questions. Could be test drives or transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Battery voltage under 12.4V at rest means the car has been sitting or the battery is weak. Ask them to charge and retest. Low battery causes weird electrical tantrums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep these mini-benchmarks handy during your PDI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\/\/ Quick PDI Numbers (India)\nVIN: Month\/Year must match allocation\nOdo: 10\u201350 km (ideal < 30 km)\nTyres: DOT within 3\u20136 months, all 4 same brand\/spec\nBattery: >= 12.4V (ICE); EV SoC 50\u201370%\nFluids: Oil\/Coolant\/Brake at proper levels\nWarning lights: None after startup\nPanel gaps: Uniform, no repaints\nKeys: 2 keys + key code tag\nToolkit: Jack, wrench, tow hook, spare wheel present\nDocs: Form 22, Invoice, Insurance, Warranty, Fastag<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nFAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n