Why is Pre-Delivery Inspection Important for a New Car?
Many buyers assume a brand-new car is flawless and focus only on the delivery date and paperwork, but skip one of the most important steps before taking vehicle ownership, which is the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). Getting the new car PDI done is important because it serves as your final defense against factory defects, transit damage, and dealer issues before you legally take ownership of the vehicle.
With Policybazaar PDI for New Cars
- Catch detection of manufacturing defects
- Identify transit or storage-related damages and dealer cover-ups
- Assurance that all electronics and software are functioning correctly
- Ensure critical safety systems work as intended
- Confirmation of complete accessories and correct documentation
- Verified factory-fresh condition at the time of handover
- Peace of mind and complete transparency from day one

Get an Inside-Outside View with 300+ Quality Checks
Car Ownership & Documents
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Previous OwnersOwnership history verified through registration records
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Ownership TypeIndividual, company or lease ownership details
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Fitness CertificateValidity and current status of the vehicle fitness certificate
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PUC CertificateCurrent Pollution Under Control certificate status
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Hypothecation DetailsExisting loan or financing information
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Insurance StatusCurrent insurance policy and validity details
Engine & Transmission
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Engine PerformanceStarting, idling and overall engine performance
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Engine OilOil level, condition and signs of leakage
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Coolent LevelCoolant level and visible leakage checks
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Transmission SystemGear shifting and transmission performance
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Battery HealthBattery condition and starting performance
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Engine SoundsUnusual noises, vibrations or other abnormalities
Exterior & Tyres
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Body PanelsDents, scratches and visible body damage
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Paint FinishPaint quality, consistency and colour mismatch
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Panel AlignmentProper fitment and alignment of exterior panels
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Lights & IndicatorsHeadlights, tail lamps, indicators and other lights
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Glass & WindshieldCracks, chips and overall glass condition
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Tyre ConditionTread depth, wear pattern and tyre condition
Electricals & Interior
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Infotainment SystemScreen, audio, connectivity and control functions
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Power WindowsSmooth operation of all power windows
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Central LockingLocking and unlocking system functionality
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Dashboard ControlsInstrument cluster, switches and warning indicators
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Seats & UpholsterySeat condition, adjustment and upholstery quality
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Seat BeltsCondition and proper functioning of seat belts
Air Conditioning
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Cooling PerformanceAC cooling efficiency across different settings
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Blower OperationAirflow and blower performance at different speeds
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Air VentsProper airflow from all AC vents
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Climate ControlsFunctionality of temperature and climate settings
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AC Noise CheckUnusual sounds during AC operation
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Cabin Air QualityUnusual odours or issues with air circulation
Steering, Suspension & Brakes
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Steering ResponseSteering movement, response and alignment
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Suspension SystemSuspension performance over different surfaces
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Shock AbsorbersCondition and signs of leakage or damage
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Brake PerformanceBraking response and pedal performance
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Parking BrakeProper functioning of the handbrake or parking brake
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ABS SystemABS functionality and dashboard warning status
OEM Specifications & Features
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Variant VerificationVehicle variant checked against the selected model
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Engine SpecificationsEngine type and specifications verified
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Factory-Fitted FeaturesManufacturer-provided features checked for functionality
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Safety FeaturesKey safety equipment and systems inspected
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AirbagsAirbag availability and warning-system checks
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Tyre SpecificationsTyre size and specifications matched with OEM requirements
Book your Slot
Share car details and schedule an inspection at a time & location of your choice.
Have your Car Inspected
A car expert reaches the location and performs a 150-point diagnostic check.
Get Report in 60 mins
Download a detailed inspection report from the App or Whatsapp.
What is a New Car PDI?
A new car PDI, or Pre-Delivery Inspection for a new car, is a detailed quality control process carried out before the car is officially handed over to the buyer. Though your vehicle is fresh from the factory, it may have been exposed to handling issues during transit or storage. This is where the PDI of a new car plays a vital role. Our pre-delivery inspection service covers all 300+ point key car components and diagnoses:
- Engine, mechanical & electrical systems
- Paint, panels & interior condition
- Brakes & safety features
- Sensors, electronics & software
Besides these standardised checks, our PDI also checks legal and financial records, including the vehicle's RC (registration certificate) and car insurance information.
What's Included in Our New Car PDI Checklist?
Our technicians carry out 300+ checks across the car's exterior, cabin, mechanical & electrical systems, documents and accessories to make sure everything is in order before delivery.
Exterior & Body
- Bodywork and paint finish: Every visible surface is examined for dents, scratches, paint marks, uneven finish and other imperfections that could have occurred while the car was being transported or handled.
- Wheels, tyres, glass and exterior fittings: We inspect the tyres and wheels for damage or signs of wear and check the windows, windshield, lights, mirrors and doors for cracks, defects or improper fitment.
- Panel condition and signs of prior work: The body panels are checked for inconsistencies that could point to repainting, repair work or replacement before the car reaches you.
Interior & Cabin
- Controls, infotainment and seating: The dashboard, instrument cluster, touchscreen, audio and connectivity features are tested. We also check the seats, upholstery and seat-adjustment functions for any defects.
- Air conditioning and cabin controls: The AC is tested for cooling and airflow, while switches, buttons, power windows, locks and other cabin controls are checked for proper operation.
- Cleanliness and cabin condition: We look for stains, dust, moisture, unusual smells and any other signs that the cabin may not be in the expected new-car condition.
Mechanical & Safety Checks
- Braking, steering, clutch and suspension: Key driving components are assessed for smooth and responsive operation, including the brakes, steering, clutch and suspension.
- Engine fluids and levels: Essential fluids such as coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid are checked to ensure they are at the appropriate levels and show no visible signs of contamination or leakage.
- Safety equipment and alerts: Airbags, seatbelts, warning lights and audible alerts are checked to ensure the car's key safety systems are working correctly.
Electrical & Electronic Systems
- Lights and visibility features: Headlamps, indicators, fog lamps, rear lights and the rear defogger are tested to make sure each function works as intended.
- Battery and charging performance: The battery and charging system are examined for proper operation and any signs of weakness or abnormal discharge.
- Electronic functions: Relevant electronic controls and vehicle functions are checked for errors, warning messages or other operational issues.
Documents & Supplied Equipment
- Vehicle identification details: The VIN, chassis number and engine number are matched against the vehicle documents to ensure you receive the correct car.
- Standard equipment and accessories: We verify the presence of items supplied with the vehicle, such as the spare wheel, jack, toolkit, owner's manual and other promised accessories.
- Registration and regulatory details: Applicable registration information and compliance requirements are reviewed to ensure the vehicle documentation is in order.
FAQs
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What is PDI for used cars?
PDI for a used car is a comprehensive inspection conducted before taking delivery to identify any underlying issues and ensure the vehicle meets quality standards. -
How do I get an expert for PDI for a new or used car before buying it?
Simply schedule an inspection online through the website or app, and an expert from our team will visit your location to conduct the car PDI. -
How long does a vehicle PDI take?
A vehicle PDI can take between 1 and 2 hours to complete. However, the actual duration varies depending on the vehicle and the expert who performs the check. -
What happens if I don't get a PDI done before buying a used car?
If you don't get a PDI before buying a used car, you could end up with costly mechanical problems or legal issues that become your responsibility after the purchase. -
Can I be present during the pre-delivery inspection?
Yes, you can be present at the time of the car's PDI. -
What happens if defects are found during the PDI?
If defects are found during the vehicle PDI, you should ask the dealership or seller (in case of a pre-owned vehicle) to fix them before you purchase the car.
