New Car Delivery Checklist: Things to Inspect Before Acceptance
Guide to Auspicious Rituals for New Car Ownership
So owning a car in our life for the first time is definitely an achievement in our life, and moreover, if you manage to buy your dream-come-true vehicle, then it definitely marks the growth of our personal and professional life at some point.
Similarly, it was our longtime dream and wish since childhood to own an SUV car and drive it like a pro. With God’s blessings and our hardwork our dreams came true as well.
Even though my father owned a car and I had always wanted to drive it, he never let me take the wheel or even sit in the driver’s seat to experience it. My husband, who grew up in a rural area, had only seen cars in movies during his childhood and had never had the chance to ride in one.
So for both of us it was a dream-come-true moment, and with our daughter’s everyday encouragement of “When are we having our own car?” we finally managed to pull out our savings and bank financing options, thereby bringing home our own very first car without anyone’s monetary support.
So how can a car play an important part in your life?
Although in Western countries a car is generally seen as a basic necessity, and once they are of age to receive a license, then a car is no big deal in their life. Unless it’s like the most expensive car in the world.
But there are few countries in this world that mark a person owning a car as his/her/their progress and stability in life. One such country is where I belong.
A vehicle, especially a car, holds a significance similar to owning a house. A house is our immovable shelter, while a car becomes our movable shelter as we travel through life. I see our vehicle as the arrival of a ‘vahan’ in our journey—just as every Hindu deity is accompanied by a vahan that serves a unique purpose. In the same way, our car becomes a companion that supports and carries us forward.
So for us it was a moment of celebration and since we stayed in the city away from everyone, it was only my husband, myself and our daughter who went to receive the delivery of our car.
The things I did to make this day auspicious are something I will share below. But before that, I would like to explain how we carefully tracked our car delivery right from the booking day until the final delivery. This can be especially helpful for people like us who are away from family support yet still wish to complete every step properly and meaningfully.
Checklist for car delivery:
(A) Exteriors
Check for body scratches since for most of them the car arrives from a different warehouse location; there are possibilities of some scratches that may have gone unnoticed even by the delivery team.
The car’s bonnet and boot space doors should be thoroughly checked for any dents. as these are the most common places to notice a dent.
Paintwork and all have to be checked carefully, as at times there could be retouch applications noted in case of any prior damages.
Cross-check the things on your accessory list that we placed during the booking of the car to ensure all the parts are fixed to the new car.
(B) Interiors
Check for any stains or scratches on the dashboard.
Look over the upholstered seats above and below, and don’t forget about the glovebox.
Detach the floor mat and check under it for any moisture or mold buildup.
Any visible cracks or scratches in the glasses and mirror.
(C) Engine
Now there is something called a ‘fluid check,’ where we check all the necessary fluid levels in the car.
Engine oil/coolant/brake fluid/windscreen washing fluid should be up to the marking level.
Start the engine to check if there is any sort of unusual leakage or sound or vibration.
Check the exhaust for clear or black fumes.
(D) Air – Conditioning
Get inside the car, close the doors, turn on the engine, check how much time it takes for cooling the car, and check the AC max mode as well if the vehicle allows that feature.
Check for gas levels. Ask the team to clarify this for you.
The AC filters must be removed and checked to ensure they are clear.
(E) Electricals
Although you can’t check everything in the electricals section, I’ll list what I believe to be important below.
- Headlights
- Brake Lights
- Reverse lights
- Parking lights
- Fog lights
- Indicator lights
- Cabin lights
- Internal other lights
- Power windows, all buttons
- Music system
- Hand brake
- Auto hold
(F) Tyres
Check for flat spots or visible puncture marks on the tire. because the tire is not cheap, and you do not want to spend money on tires within a few weeks of delivery, even if your insurance covers everything first. However, if there are any tire issues, the fuel consumption will be significant.
Check for a spare tyre if any and other first-hand tools provided in the kit.
(G) Odometer & Fuel
Before accepting delivery, check the odometer reading to ensure the car has minimal kilometers driven. A new vehicle usually has only a few kilometers, mainly from factory testing and transportation. If the reading seems unusually high, clarify it with the dealership.
Also, check the fuel level. Most new cars come with a small amount of fuel—just enough to reach the nearest fuel station. Confirm this in advance so you are prepared before driving home.
(H) Test Drive
Take a short test drive before accepting delivery.
• Check if the steering feels smooth and aligned properly.
• Ensure gear shifts are smooth without unusual resistance or noise.
• Test the brakes to confirm they respond properly and feel firm.
• Observe the suspension over small bumps—it should feel stable without abnormal sounds.
• Listen carefully for any unusual vibrations or rattling, like from your seat belts or any internal part.
Apart from the physical inspection of the car, there are a few important documents and details that must be cross-verified before accepting delivery:
• Verify the engine number and ensure it matches the documents provided.
• Cross-check the chassis number with the invoice and registration papers.
• Confirm the year of manufacture mentioned in the documents.
• Ensure the name and address of the registered owner are correctly mentioned as per your details.
• Review the insurance coverage details carefully and speak with the dealer to understand the policy terms, coverage period, and any add-ons included.
Owning your first car is not just about purchasing a vehicle—it is about achieving a dream, marking growth, and embracing a new phase of life. While the excitement of delivery day is unforgettable, taking a few mindful steps before accepting your car ensures that your journey begins smoothly and confidently. We then took our vehicle to my beloved Lord’s Temple and took our blessings from him.
For us, this was more than a delivery; it was a moment of gratitude, faith, and fulfillment. Whether it is your first car or your dream upgrade, may your vehicle not just take you from one place to another but also carry your aspirations forward.
Drive safe, stay blessed, and cherish every mile of the journey ahead. 🚗✨
