Vehicle identification
Vehicle license plates must be in good condition, well fixed and legible.
Identification plate (VIN) should read well.
Electrical equipment
Turn on the ignition and check the operation of the horn.
Check the operation of the windshield wipers and washers, inspect the wiper brushes; Replace damaged and worn brushes. Also check the operation of the stop signs.
Check the operation of the parking lights and license plate lamps. Lenses and reflectors must be securely fastened, clean and undamaged.
Check the operation and adjustment of the headlights. Headlight reflectors must not be tarnished and lenses must not be damaged.
Turn on the ignition and check the operation of the direction indicators (as well as the control lamp on the dashboard) and warning lights. Turning on the turn signals and brake lights should not affect the indicators - if it does, it's usually caused by a bad connection to the "mass" rear headlights.
Check the operation of the rear fog lamps and, at the same time, the indicator lamp on the dashboard or on the switch.
Foot brake (pedal)
Inspect the master cylinder, brake pipes and booster; check for leaks, corrosion, loose fasteners, or other malfunctions or damage.
The master cylinder reservoir must be securely fastened, and the fluid level must be between the top (A) and bottom (IN) marks.
Inspect both front brake flexible hoses for cracks or rubber degradation. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and then to the right and make sure that the hose does not come into contact with the wheels, tires, or any part of the steering mechanism or suspension. While firmly depressing the brake pedal, check the hoses, paying attention to any bubbles or fluid leaks that occur when pressure is present.
Steering and suspension
Have your assistant turn the steering wheel slightly from side to side to a position where the steering gearbox is just beginning to transmit this movement to the wheels. Check for too much play between the steering wheel and the steering gear, which would indicate wear or looseness in the steering column joints, the clutch between the steering column and the steering gear, or the steering gear itself.
Have your assistant turn the steering wheel more vigorously in both directions until the wheels are just beginning to turn. When this is done, inspect all connections, levers, rods and steering gear mounts. Any element that shows signs of wear or damage should be replaced with a new one. On vehicles equipped with power steering, also check the tightness and condition of the power steering pump, drive belt and hoses.
Check that the vehicle is level and approximately the same height as when driving.
Shock absorbers
Apply pressure to each of the corners of the car in turn, and then release. The vehicle should rise and then return to its normal position. If the car continues to rise and fall, then this means that the shock absorber is faulty. If the car does not return to its original state at all, then this also means that the shock absorber is faulty.
Exhaust system
Start the engine and have your assistant plug the muffler outlet pipe with a rag. Check the entire system for leaks. Repair or replace with new sections that are leaking.