Car Inspection Checklist

A checklist for inspecting your own car's condition and safety.

Published July 10, 2026

Exterior and body

Walk around the car checking for dents, rust, cracks or fresh damage.
Confirm the license plates are present, secure and readable.
Check that doors, hood and trunk open, close and latch securely.
Inspect the windshield and windows for chips or cracks in the line of sight.
Check that mirrors are intact, secure and adjust properly.
Look under the car for fresh fluid leaks or hanging components.

Lights and signals

Test both low and high beam headlights for output and aim.
Check brake lights and the center high-mount stop lamp.
Use a wall reflection or a helper to confirm brake lights at the rear.
Verify front and rear turn signals and hazard lights flash correctly.
Test reverse lights and the rear license plate light.
Check parking, fog and daytime running lights where fitted.
Confirm no warning lights stay lit on the dashboard after start-up.

Tires and wheels

Check tire pressure on all tires against the door-jamb sticker.
Measure tread depth and confirm it is above the legal minimum.
Look for uneven wear, cuts, bulges or embedded objects.
Confirm all lug nuts are present and wheel covers are secure.
Inspect the spare tire's pressure and condition.
Verify the TPMS light is off or address the warning.

Brakes and steering

Test the brake pedal for firm, consistent feel without sinking.
Listen for grinding or squealing when braking.
Grinding usually means worn pads; have the brakes inspected immediately.
Confirm the parking brake holds the car on an incline.
Check the steering for excessive play, pulling or vibration.
Verify the ABS and brake warning lights are off.
Listen for clunks over bumps that suggest worn suspension.

Fluids and under the hood

Check engine oil level and condition on the dipstick.
Verify coolant level in the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Check brake fluid and power steering fluid levels.
Top up windshield washer fluid.
Inspect belts and hoses for cracks, fraying or leaks.
Check the battery terminals are clean, tight and corrosion-free.

Interior and safety equipment

Test the horn for a clear, loud sound.
Check that wipers clear the glass and washers spray properly.
Confirm all seatbelts latch, retract and are undamaged.
Verify the defroster, heater and ventilation work.
Check that warning, oil and fuel gauges read correctly.
Confirm a warning triangle, first-aid kit and required items are aboard.

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A car inspection checklist is a structured walkaround used to assess your own car's condition and roadworthiness, covering lights, tires, brakes, fluids, wipers and other safety items. Each point is checked against a clear pass or fail standard so problems are caught before they become hazards or test failures.

Small faults hide in plain sight. A blown brake light, a worn wiper or a slowly deflating tire is easy to miss day to day, yet any of them can cause an accident or fail a roadworthiness check.

Use this checklist whether you are an owner doing a regular safety review, preparing for an emissions or annual inspection, or checking a car before a long drive. It is a self-inspection guide, not a substitute for an official inspection or a mechanic's diagnosis.

Print the checklist to work around the car point by point, or download the PDF to complete on your phone and note anything that needs attention. These checks supplement, and do not replace, your owner's manual, a licensed inspection station and a qualified mechanic.

FAQ

What is a car inspection checklist?

It's a step-by-step list for checking your own car's safety and condition — lights, tires, brakes, fluids and wipers — against pass or fail criteria, so owners can catch faults early and prepare for an official inspection.

How often should I inspect my car?

Do a quick safety walkaround monthly, a fuller inspection before long trips and seasonal changes, and a complete review ahead of any official or emissions inspection. Always investigate a warning light promptly.

Does this replace an official vehicle inspection?

No. This is a self-inspection to catch issues early. It does not replace a licensed inspection station, your jurisdiction's required tests, or a mechanic's diagnosis of any fault you find.

What should I do about a fault I can't assess?

Note and, if possible, photograph it, then have a qualified mechanic diagnose it. Do not drive a car with a serious brake, steering, tire or lighting defect until it is repaired.

Is this available as a printable PDF?

Yes. Print the car inspection checklist to walk around the car, or download the PDF to complete on your phone and flag items needing repair.