Car

Skip These Car PDI Steps in India and You May Regret It Later

Price Research Team April 5, 2025
a family inspecting new car with pdi checklist

Before your new car is registered and delivered, you have one chance to catch hidden issues. This is called the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). Many Indian buyers skip it and later regret it when they notice scratches, wrong variants, missing accessories, or older stock.

This checklist helps you make sure your new car is exactly what you paid for.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist for Indian Buyers

You can take this printed list or save it on your phone when visiting the dealer stockyard or delivery area. Use it before registration.

1. Car Exterior Checks

What to CheckWhat to Do
Paint and body panelsWalk around the car in daylight, look for scratches, dents, and uneven paint
Panel alignmentDoors, boot, and bonnet should close smoothly and align properly
Glass and windowsCheck all windows and windshield for cracks, chips, or marks
Headlights and tail-lightsSwitch on all lights no moisture, fogging, or cracks
Tyres and spareAll tyres should be unused (check year of manufacture on sidewall)
Wipers and washerActivate wipers and test washer spray

2. Under the Car Bonnet

What to CheckWhat to Do
Engine bayShould be clean no leaks, rust, or loose wires
BatteryLook for new battery, secure connections, and tight terminals
Fluid levelsCheck engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer

3. Car Interior Checks

What to CheckWhat to Do
Seats and upholsteryLook for stains, tears, or loose stitching
Dashboard and controlsTest every button, dial, and switch including hazard lights and defogger
AC and infotainmentTurn on AC (hot and cold) and test touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB, speakers
Odometer readingShould be under 50-100 km (verify and ask if more)
Cabin lights and hornEnsure everything works, including dome lights and glovebox lighting

4. Electrical and Features

What to CheckWhat to Do
Power windowsTest all four windows fully up and down
Key fobsTest both keys locking, unlocking, remote start if available
Mirrors and sunroofElectric mirrors should adjust smoothly, test sunroof if equipped
Indicators and reverseTurn signals, reverse sensors, and camera should work

5. Tools and Car Accessories

What to CheckWhat to Do
Toolkit and spare wheelAsk to see the jack, wheel spanner, triangle, and spare
Floor mats and mud flapsIf promised, make sure they’re installed or included
Extra accessoriesConfirm delivery of anything you paid extra for dash cam, seat covers, etc.
Number of keysConfirm you’ve received both keys

6. Car Documents to Match and Verify

What to ConfirmWhat to Check
VIN and Engine numberShould match booking documents and invoice
Proforma invoiceAll charges and taxes match what was promised
Insurance details (if bundled)Your name, correct variant, IDV, and insurer listed
Extended warranty / RSAIncluded if paid for get papers or email copies

7. Don’t Accept Car If You See These Red Flags

  • Paint mismatch between panels
  • Odometer shows more than 100 km
  • Scratches or dents being promised to “fix later”
  • Variant or color mismatch
  • Missing accessories with no documentation
  • Delayed or hesitant NOC or invoice
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You have the right to refuse registration or delay delivery until it’s fixed.

8. After Car PDI – What to Collect

  • PDI signed checklist (some dealers offer)
  • Written notes of issues (if any) with timeline to resolve
  • Photos (optional but helpful)
  • VIN tag or label on engine/frame for your records

9. Final Advice

  • Do your PDI during the day never after dark
  • Bring a friend or family member for extra support
  • If you’re unsure, ask for a PDI at stockyard, not showroom
  • Don’t rush the process take your time

10. Accept Only When You’re 100% Satisfied

PDI gives you control before registration locks you in. Many issues that are easily fixable before delivery become a headache once your name is on the RC.

Price Research Team

At PriceIndia, our research team is committed to delivering trustworthy information on products across categories. We track launches, market changes, and pricing updates to provide clear and reliable insights. Every article is carefully reviewed for accuracy, with attention to features and availability, ensuring transparency at every step.

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