220+ points. Nothing overlooked.
My inspection meets and exceeds the recognised industry standard, from the engine bay to the boot seal. This is the worksheet I work through, by hand, on every car.
Don't Risk It. Car Audit It.
Every system, top to bottom.
What I can and cannot check: I check everything I reasonably can while the car is in situ. The inspection is non-invasive, so I do not dismantle the vehicle, remove components, or access sealed units that cannot be reached without taking things apart. Some faults are only visible once a part is stripped down, and others are hidden, intermittent, or only show under specific conditions, so they may not be apparent on the day. The report covers the condition observed at the time of inspection.
The list below groups related checks for readability; the working inspection sheet contains 220+ individual points.
01Engine & Mechanical
Engine start-up, idle quality, and warm-up behaviour
Oil level, condition, and signs of contamination
Coolant level and condition, header tank inspection
Visible oil leaks, gasket condition (if visible), rocker cover
Cambelt / timing chain service history and condition
Drive belts, tensioners, and auxiliary components
Air filter condition (if visible) and intake system
Engine mounts, wear and movement
Power steering fluid and rack condition
Radiator, intercooler, and oil cooler, damage and corrosion
Cooling fans operate at correct temperature
Undue engine noise, knocks, rattles, and tapping
Exhaust smoke colour at start-up
02Battery & Charging
Battery condition and ability to hold charge
Battery terminals, security and corrosion
Starter motor, starting from hot and cold
Charging system / alternator output to minimum spec
Engine management light status at idle and on drive
03Gearbox & Drivetrain
Gear selection and change quality (manual and automatic)
Clutch bite point and slip test (manual)
Auto transmission fluid condition and level(if possible)
Differential and transfer box (4x4 vehicles)
CV joints and boots, condition and play
Propshaft condition and universal joints
Gearbox fluid leaks and condition
04Suspension & Steering
Shock absorbers, condition and effectiveness
Springs, inspection for sag, cracks, and corrosion
Wishbones, control arms, and bushes
Anti-roll bars and drop links
Steering rack play and condition
Wheel bearings, noise and play check
Tie rod ends and track rod condition
Subframe condition and mounting points
05Brakes
Brake pad thickness (all four wheels, if visible)
Disc condition, thickness, scoring, and corrosion (if accessible)
Brake fluid level and condition
Brake caliper condition and operation
Handbrake / electric park brake operation
Brake hose condition and routing
ABS sensor wiring and function
06Bodywork & Paintwork
Paint depth gauge readings across all panels
Evidence of previous repairs, filler, or respray
Panel alignment and gap consistency
Accident damage indicators, door steps, bonnet fit
Rust, surface, structural, and underside
Windscreen condition and chips
Exterior mirrors, intact, secure, and folding correctly
Fuel filler flap, cap, and release mechanism
Bonnet catch, safety catch, hinges, and tailgate supports
Door locks, central locking, and child safety locks
All door seals, trims, and rubbers
Roof, sunroof, and convertible hood condition
07Underside & Chassis
Chassis rails and sill condition
Floor pan, rust, repair, and corrosion
Subframe condition and mounting integrity (if visible)
Exhaust system, leaks, condition, and mountings
Catalytic converter, condition and security
Fuel lines, brake lines, and pipes
Evidence of structural repairs or crash damage
Tow bar fitting and condition (if applicable)
08Tyres & Wheels
Tread depth on all four tyres
Tyre age using DOT code and brand assessment
Uneven wear patterns (alignment or suspension issues)
Sidewall damage, bulges, and cracking
Alloy wheel condition, kerbing, cracking, corrosion
Spare tyre, jack, and locking wheel nut presence
Wheel nut security and thread condition
09Interior & Electrics
Dashboard warning lights, all checked and logged
Instrument cluster function
Heating and air conditioning operation
All electric windows, switches and motor operation
Central locking, all doors and boot
Interior lights and switches
Infotainment system, navigation, and Bluetooth
Cruise control operation (if fitted)
Parking sensors and parking assistance systems
Driver warning systems, visual and audible
Drive pedals, operation and condition
Dashboard and interior trim, tears, burns, soiling
Water ingress, evidence of damp or leaks inside
Seat condition, adjustment, and heating (if fitted)
Odour assessment, damp, smoke, mould
Horn, wipers, washers, and rear demister
10Lights & Safety Systems
All exterior lighting, headlights, sidelights, DRLs
Brake lights and rear fog lamp
Indicators, all four corners
Reversing lights
TPMS tyre pressure monitoring system
SRS / airbag warning light operates correctly
Seatbelts, all present, latch and retract correctly
11Road Test
Acceleration and throttle response
Braking efficiency and pull under braking
Steering feel, feedback, and tracking
Suspension noise over bumps and uneven surfaces
Gear changes through full range
Engine temperature on extended drive
Unusual noises, vibrations, or smells during drive
12Documentation & History
V5C logbook, present, correct, and matches vehicle
Service history, stamps, receipts, and consistency
MOT history check and advisories
DVLA registration check, keeper changes and mileage
Outstanding finance check (HPI)
Stolen vehicle check
Scheduled maintenance, timing belt / chain interval
VIN and engine number, present and matching
Two keys / remote fobs present and working
Owner's manual and locking wheel nut tool present
Write-off category check
13Hybrid & Electric (where fitted)
Hybrid / EV cooling system condition
Hybrid power-train mount condition
Hybrid / EV information display and battery status
Charging port condition and cable (EV)
High-voltage warning systems and indicators
Every inspection. Every time. No shortcuts.
I come to the car, work the full list, and send the report inside 24 hours.
Book an inspectionOr skip the forms and call the inspector direct: 07424 890836