In this file photo, Anthony Gordon looks at a Ford Focus ST on the showroom floor at a Ford AutoNation car dealership on September 4, 2013 in North Miami, Florida.Joe Raedle / Getty Images Rating right up there with admin fee as the most questioned and despised item your new cars invoice, pre-delivery inspections (PDI) vary with each automaker and can sometimes leave out crucial items. To be fair, some companies cover the cost of a final vehicle inspection and reimburse retailers for the task, but no matter who pays for it, it needs to be done thoroughly.Smart consumers are wise to obtain a copy of the PDI checklist and take a small amount of time to complete a walkaround to verify the surface items, a.k.a. those that dont require a hoist or special equipment. Theyre written in fairly plain language and usually involve operating switches, doors, seatbelts, and a variety of controls to ensure proper operation. Duplicating the technicians road-test is a great way to detect any unusual noises, vibrations, or any glitches in performance.The first problem with a PDI is when theyre performed. Some retailers complete these inspections as soon as the vehicle is delivered from the manufacturer; that vehicle can remain in stock, sitting stationary for months until its sold and delivered. Some, but not all retailers will pay for an additional inspection if the car sat for too long, but even these seldom cover all the details of the factory-supplied checklist, and theyre usually performed by unlicensed staff. If a cars sat on the lot for too long, heres what can sometimes be missed.Overinflated tiresMost automakers recommend their retailers inflate tires on vehicles to be stored in inventory to their maximum pressure, even if its above the vehicle specs. This is to reduce the risks of tires developing flat spots from sitting for too long. Of course, the tires are to be returned to normal pressures before you take delivery, but this can often be missed and riding on overinflated tires can lead to premature wear.Wheel alignmentWheel alignments are never verified. When you consider the stress most vehicle suspension systems endure during transport being chained down tight to carrier platforms, whether its on a truck or a train its no wonder alignment specs can be out before you hit your first pothole. Automakers are loathe to pay for an alignment inspection without a recorded customer complaint, so its not going too far to ask for an alignment check before taking delivery. If dealership and factory processes dictate the vehicle must be delivered first, then simply make an appointment a few weeks down the road.Windshield wipersWipers can suffer from lot-rot. When wiper blade edges are stuck on hot windshield glass, they can quickly lose their streak-free cleaning ability. Its important to check them in a variety of wet and dry conditions as most carmakers only cover wipers for the first year or 20,000 kilometres, whichever comes
Origin: Buying a new car? A pre-delivery inspection of your own won’t hurt