Buying a new car, whether it is your first car or an extension of your family’s collection, is an exhilarating event. However, before leaving the showroom, remember to keep the excitement on the back burner and check the car thoroughly. To ensure that you do not leave with a faulty vehicle or one that has a manufacturing defect, here is a new car delivery checklist to make your life easier.

What Should Be on Your New Car Delivery Checklist?

Here is a quick pre–delivery checklist for new car owners:

1. Registration: You should visit the dealership before the registration and check the month and year of manufacturing. After the car is registered in your name, you might not be able to do much. You can ask your dealer for Form 22 that the manufacturer issues. This form contains all the details about the engines, manufacturing, chassis, etc. Also, keep an eye out for overcharges levied by the dealership and avoid paying more than you should.

2. Preparation: You must confirm the date of delivery and inquire at the dealership if your car is ready before visiting. Also, make sure to visit the dealership in broad daylight to thoroughly inspect the car and examine it for defects in good lighting. While visiting the dealership, make sure to carry all your documents, including your credit card or cash, if any payment formalities are remaining.

3. Showroom: Again, examine your car for damage while at the showroom. You can begin by surveying the exteriors by looking for dents, dimples, scratches, or scrapes. Keep an eye out for signs of re-paint or repair jobs that might have been carried out hastily. When it comes to the interiors, start the engine to see that is it working fine and not vibrating excessively. Next, check the tyre pressure and tread, exhaust to ensure it does not emit black fumes, and the steering wheel. You should open and close doors to check the lock system, examine safety measures like seat belts, and check for a spare wheel. Lastly, look at the dashboard, seats, door pads, music systems, and general finish.

4. Final inspection: After inspecting the car thoroughly, ask the salesperson to demonstrate the various features of the car. You should also take your car for a test drive to check it is steering correctly. While on the test drive, drive over different surfaces to look for any engineering fault and accelerate hard to test the pickup and braking. Lastly, take a look at the service department and better understand the service centre facilities.

5. Documentation: Once you are satisfied with your inspection, ensure that you complete the documentation formalities. Collect copies of receipts, sales certificates, and other documents. You should gather owner manuals, warranty cards, duplicate keys, and roadside assistance details.

6. Insurance: The last consideration on your new car inspection checklist is to ensure that you have valid insurance before taking your car home. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory to have at least third–party car insurance in India. You can choose from the various car insurance policies available according to the coverage and premiums that suit you.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.