What is the new car inspection called?
2 Answers
New car inspection is called PDI. The full name of "PDI" is "Pre-Delivery-Inspection". Generally, 4S stores will conduct a free PDI inspection before vehicle delivery to ensure the complete safety and performance of the new car for customers. PDI inspection items: Roughly include the exterior of the vehicle: appearance, paint surface, tire pressure (including the spare tire), door opening and closing, and even child locks, etc.; inside the engine compartment: battery status, fluid levels, etc. Steps of PDI inspection: First, the technician in the store will take a PDI work order, which contains more than 70 inspection items in total. The PDI standards of different brands may vary slightly, but at least the process on the inspection list should be completed. You can refuse to sign if the inspection is not done. Special attention: once you sign, it means you agree with the condition of the vehicle at the time of sale.
That new car inspection, commonly referred to as PDI in our industry, stands for Pre-Delivery Inspection, meaning a check before delivery. Whenever a new car is transported from the manufacturer to the dealership, before handing it over to the buyer, mechanics must conduct this comprehensive inspection. Why? Because there might be minor bumps during transportation or oversights during assembly. The inspection is extremely detailed: checking the exterior for paint scratches, ensuring the glass is intact; testing the interior for smooth seat adjustments, and verifying all switches and buttons function properly; also starting the engine to listen for sounds, measuring fluid levels, and confirming tire pressure meets standards. It even includes a short road test to check brakes and steering response. If PDI isn't done properly, buyers might discover issues after taking delivery, leading to disputes over warranties. It's recommended to always ask the 4S store for the inspection report when purchasing a car to ensure everything is in order. This is a standard step before new car delivery and cannot be skipped. It takes about one to two hours and can only be done by professional mechanics.
