A Word-for-Word Script Technicians Can Use for Running a Pre-Delivery Inspection Efficiently

A pre-delivery inspection (PDI) script should follow a checklist format that guides technicians through fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, wipers, locks, and glass in roughly 20–30 minutes, with clear language that confirms each step aloud and flags any issues for immediate repair before the customer takes delivery. The most efficient scripts combine a printed or digital checklist with verbal confirmation—technicians call out "fluid levels check," document findings in real-time, and escalate problems to the service advisor without backtracking.

Why Technicians Need a Standardized PDI Script

A pre-delivery inspection is not a casual walk around the vehicle. It's a liability shield, a customer-satisfaction checkpoint, and a last-chance catch for factory defects or lot damage. When technicians skip steps or rely on memory, you risk delivering a car with low coolant, a burned-out headlight, or a windshield chip that the customer will spot five minutes after they drive off the lot.

Dealerships that standardize their PDI script see measurable improvements:

Fewer post-delivery complaints tied to "missing" items (floor mats, documentation)
Reduced warranty claims for pre-existing conditions the technician missed
Faster turnaround—trained technicians complete PDI in 25–35 minutes instead of 45–60
Consistent documentation for CSI scores and legal protection

A script removes guesswork. It's the same reason a flight crew uses a pre-flight checklist: human memory is fallible, especially when you're running four PDIs in a morning.

The Anatomy of an Efficient PDI Script: What to Include

An effective PDI script has three layers: the opening handoff, the physical inspection sequence, and the closing sign-off.

Opening Handoff

Before you touch the vehicle, confirm you have the right car and the right paperwork. Say it aloud:

"I'm running the PDI on [VIN/stock number]. Delivery scheduled for [time/date]. I have the window sticker, owner's manual, and keys."
Check the odometer and record the mileage. Note any visible damage or lot marks (scratches, dents, door dings).
If damage is present, photograph it and alert the service advisor immediately,don't proceed until it's documented and assigned for repair.

Exterior Inspection Sequence

Work methodically around the vehicle. A clockwise pattern prevents you from missing a side or corner.

Paint and glass: Walk the perimeter. Look for swirl marks, scratches, overspray, chips, and cracks in windows or mirrors. Check that all weatherstripping is seated and undamaged.
Lights: Turn on headlights, high beams, fog lights, turn signals, and brake lights. Walk around and confirm each one illuminates. Check that lenses are clear and not cracked.
Wipers and washers: Test all wiper speeds. Spray washer fluid and confirm nozzles function on both windshield and rear (if equipped). Wiper blades should not chatter or streak.
Tires: Check all four tires for tread depth (should be 6/32 or better for new cars), sidewall damage, correct tire size, and proper inflation. Record PSI for each wheel. Pacific Northwest customers especially notice tire condition,mountain driving and wet roads demand confidence in grip.
Wheels and undercarriage: Spin each wheel by hand to confirm no rubbing or noise. Check that lug nuts are tight. Visually inspect for fluid leaks under the vehicle.
Doors and locks: Open and close each door smoothly. Test the power window and lock switches from the driver's seat for all four doors. Confirm the trunk and fuel door open and close properly.

Interior Inspection Sequence

Enter the vehicle with clean hands and closed-toe shoes. Set the parking brake.

Fluid levels: Open the hood. Check coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. All should be at or near the "full" mark. Record any low levels and alert service advisor if a top-off is needed before delivery.
Engine compartment cleanliness: Look for loose hoses, corroded battery terminals, or obvious damage. Confirm the battery is secure.
Dashboard lights: Turn on the ignition without starting the engine. All warning lights should illuminate briefly, then extinguish (except those that are customer-selectable, like hill descent control). The check engine light should not remain on.
Instrument cluster: Confirm the odometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and speedometer all function. Check that the odometer reading matches the VIN label.
Infotainment and climate: Test the radio, Bluetooth, backup camera, and climate control (A/C and heat). If the vehicle has a touchscreen or navigation, confirm they power on and respond to input.
Seats and mirrors: Adjust the driver's seat (forward, back, up, down). Test the lumbar support if equipped. Adjust all mirrors. Check that the sunroof (if equipped) opens and closes.
Seatbelts: Pull each seatbelt to confirm it retracts smoothly and locks when yanked. Check that all pretensioners fire (you'll hear a click).
Floor mats and accessories: Confirm all four floor mats are present and properly seated. Check that the spare tire (or tire repair kit) is present in the trunk. Verify that the jack and lug wrench are in place.
Documentation and keys: Confirm the owner's manual, warranty booklet, and key fobs are in the vehicle. Test both key fobs (lock, unlock, trunk, panic button if equipped).

A Word-for-Word Script Technicians Can Read Aloud

Here's a practical script a technician can read into a voice recorder or recite while a colleague documents the checklist. This approach creates an audio trail and forces verbal confirmation,you can't skip a step if you have to say it out loud.

Opening:

"Running pre-delivery inspection on [VIN]. Mileage [odometer reading]. Delivery date [date]. Visual inspection: no major damage noted on lot. Proceeding with full PDI."

Exterior:

"Exterior walk-around, clockwise from driver's side. Driver's side door,no dings, paint good, weatherstrip intact. Driver's side mirror,no cracks, functions good. Front quarter panel,no damage. Headlights on,both illuminate. High beams on,both illuminate. Fog lights on,both illuminate. Windshield,no chips or cracks. Driver's side window,no cracks, motor functions good. Passenger's side window,no cracks, motor functions good. Passenger's door,functions smooth, no dings, paint good. Passenger's side mirror,good condition, no cracks. Rear passenger window,good. Rear driver's window,good. Rear driver door,good. Rear passenger door,good. Hatch,functions smooth, no damage. Taillights on,both illuminate. Brake lights on,all illuminate. Turn signal left,functions. Turn signal right,functions. Reverse lights on,both illuminate. Undercarriage,no visible leaks. Tires: driver's side front, [PSI] pressure, [tread depth] tread, no sidewall damage. Driver's side rear, [PSI], [tread depth], good. Passenger's side front, [PSI], [tread depth], good. Passenger's side rear, [PSI], [tread depth], good. All lug nuts present and tight. Wipers on,driver's side wiper functions, passenger's side wiper functions, no chatter. Washer fluid sprayed,good coverage, no clogs."

Interior:

"Interior inspection. Ignition on. Fuel gauge,reading normal. Temperature gauge,reading normal. Check engine light,off. All warning lights,on briefly, now off. Odometer,reads [mileage], matches VIN label. Radio on,functions good, Bluetooth available. Backup camera on,image clear, no cracks. Climate control,A/C on, cold air flows. Heat on, warm air flows. Driver's seat,adjusts forward, back, up, down, lumbar support functions. All mirrors,adjust and lock. Driver's seatbelt,retracts smooth, locks tight, pretensioner fires. Passenger seatbelt,retracts smooth, locks tight, pretensioner fires. Rear left seatbelt,good. Rear center seatbelt,good. Rear right seatbelt,good. Floor mats,four mats present, properly seated. Spare tire,present in trunk. Jack,present. Lug wrench,present. Owner's manual,present. Warranty booklet,present. Key fob one,locks vehicle, unlocks vehicle, trunk pops, panic button functions. Key fob two,locks vehicle, unlocks vehicle, trunk pops, panic button functions. Sunroof,opens, closes, no leaks. Hood latch,secure. Engine bay: coolant full, brake fluid full, power steering fluid full, windshield washer full. Battery,secure, terminals clean. Hoses,no visible cracks or leaks. Pre-delivery inspection complete. All items pass. No repairs needed. Vehicle ready for delivery."

That script takes about three minutes to recite and covers every major system. A technician who memorizes this rhythm,or reads it from a laminated card,will never miss a step.

Now, here's the honest counterargument: some technicians will feel robotic reading a word-for-word script. That's legitimate. The solution is to train technicians to follow the checklist framework (exterior, interior, fluids, lights, locks) but use their own language. The script is a skeleton, not a straitjacket. What matters is that every item gets checked, every finding gets documented, and nothing gets skipped because someone got distracted.

How to Document PDI Results in Real-Time

A script is only as good as the paperwork that backs it up. Digital documentation is faster and more accurate than handwriting on a clipboard.

The workflow should look like this:

Technician starts PDI in a mobile app or web form (or prints a checklist).
As each section is completed, the technician checks off items and notes findings (e.g., "Tire pressure: 32 PSI, 33 PSI, 32 PSI, 33 PSI,all correct").
If an issue is found (low fluid, cracked light, stuck window), the technician flags it immediately and assigns it to the repair queue with an estimated fix time.
The service advisor sees the flag in real-time and either schedules the repair or escalates to management if the vehicle cannot make its delivery window.
Once all repairs are complete, the technician re-checks those items and signs off.
A digital copy is printed or emailed to the customer at delivery as proof that the vehicle was inspected and passed.

This is the kind of workflow Dealer1 Solutions was built to handle,a technician can pull up a PDI template on a tablet, walk the lot, and mark items pass or fail with a tap. If something flags, the service advisor is notified instantly. No lost paperwork. No "I forgot to check that." No arguing with a customer later about whether the vehicle was inspected.

The time savings are real. A typical technician running PDI with a paper checklist might spend 45 minutes per vehicle. Digital workflows cut that to 25–35 minutes because there's no rewriting, no waiting for paperwork to get passed around, and no repeat trips back to the service desk.

Common PDI Mistakes Your Technicians Should Avoid

Even with a script, technicians slip up. Here are the most common gaps:

Skipping the odometer check: A mismatch between the odometer and the VIN label is a red flag for odometer fraud or a swapped engine. Always record it.
Not testing both key fobs: A dead battery in one fob will result in an angry customer. Test both, every time.
Forgetting to check for floor mats: This sounds trivial, but customers notice immediately. A $40 set of mats isn't in the trunk, and now you're pulling from inventory to make it right at delivery,or worse, the customer leaves and you've lost a few CSI points.
Not recording tire pressure: Tires lose pressure over time. A technician should record actual PSI readings, not just "looks good." If a tire is 3 PSI low, top it off before delivery.
Glossing over the engine bay: A loose hose, a corroded terminal, or a half-seated cap can cause problems in the first 500 miles. Spend 90 seconds here.
Failing to test all lights together: A headlight might work, but the high beam might not. A fog light might work on the switch, but the relay might be bad. Test each function, not just the switch.

The pattern we see across top-performing dealerships is that they treat PDI as a non-negotiable step, not a rubber stamp before delivery. That mindset flows from having a clear script and clear accountability.

Adapting Your PDI Script for Different Vehicle Types

Not all vehicles are the same. A sedan, an SUV, and a truck require slightly different checklists.

Sedans and Compact Cars

Standard PDI applies. Focus on tight door seals, compact tire pressure (sedans often run 32–35 PSI, lower than trucks), and ensuring sunroofs close completely without leaks.

SUVs and Crossovers

Add checks for:

Third-row seating (if equipped),confirm seats fold and lock
Roof rails,secure and undamaged
Liftgate,power liftgate (if equipped) opens and closes smoothly, no pinch hazards
All-wheel-drive engagement,if the vehicle has a selectable AWD mode, confirm it functions

Trucks

Add checks for:

Bed,tailgate operates smoothly, bed liner (if equipped) is secure, no cracks
Towing package,confirm hitch receiver (if equipped) is present and secure
Tires,trucks often run higher PSI (35–40 PSI for light-duty trucks); confirm correct inflation
Payload and towing capacity stickers,present on the door jamb

For Pacific Northwest dealerships, especially those selling vehicles in mountain or high-elevation markets, confirm that all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive systems are functioning. A customer buying an AWD Subaru or Highlander in the rain belt is expecting full capability, not a surprise when they hit the pass.

Training Technicians to Use the Script Effectively

Handing a technician a script and expecting mastery is like handing someone a flight manual and telling them to fly a plane. You need training and repetition.

A solid training program looks like this:

Classroom walkthrough (30 minutes): Go through the script item by item. Explain why each item matters (e.g., "Low coolant leads to overheating, which is a warranty claim and a customer complaint in month two").
Ride-along (2–3 PDIs): An experienced technician or service advisor walks the new tech through two or three real PDIs, calling out each step and explaining what to look for (e.g., "See this slight discoloration on the hose? That's early cracking. Flag it for replacement").
Solo with supervision (next 5 PDIs): The technician runs the PDI alone, but the supervisor spot-checks the completed checklist and walks the vehicle with them to confirm nothing was missed.
Quarterly refresher (15 minutes): As new model years arrive or new systems (like electric vehicles) enter the lot, review script updates and any new checks.

Dealerships that invest in training see PDI times drop by 20–30% within a month and repeat issues (the same problem found post-delivery) drop by 40–50%.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a pre-delivery inspection actually take?

A complete PDI should take 25–35 minutes for a technician familiar with the script. New technicians might take 40–50 minutes initially. If a technician is consistently running 60+ minutes, they're either discovering multiple issues that need repair, or they're not following the checklist efficiently. Review the checklist with them and identify where they're getting stuck.

What if the technician finds a major defect during PDI,does delivery get delayed?

Yes. If a defect is found (e.g., cracked windshield, major fluid leak, engine warning light), the vehicle cannot be delivered until it's repaired and re-inspected. The service advisor should notify the delivery coordinator and customer immediately with a realistic timeline. Transparency prevents frustration; a customer told "we found an issue, fixing it today" feels better than "your car isn't ready, sorry" with no explanation.

Should the customer be present during the PDI?

Typically, no. The PDI is an internal dealership checkpoint. However, some dealerships include a brief walk-around with the customer at delivery to show them where features are and confirm they're satisfied. Keep that separate from the PDI itself,a customer watching the tech check fluids and tire pressure creates pressure to rush and skip steps.

What documentation should be kept after PDI is complete?

Keep a digital or printed copy of the completed PDI checklist in the customer's delivery file and in your DMS for at least three years. If a warranty claim comes in later (e.g., "the coolant was low when I picked it up"), you have proof that it was checked and full at delivery. This is legal protection and customer-service documentation combined.

How should the script be updated when new vehicle models arrive?

Work with your service manager and the manufacturer's delivery checklist to add model-specific items (e.g., a new infotainment system, a different seatbelt configuration, a new safety feature). Test the updated script on a demo unit before rolling it out to all technicians. Send an email summary of what changed so techs know to pay extra attention to the new items.

What's the difference between a PDI and a multi-point inspection?

A PDI is pre-delivery,a final quality check before the customer takes the car. A multi-point inspection (MPI) is a service advisor's tool to identify repairs needed during a service visit. They're different workflows. Don't confuse them or use a service MPI as a substitute for a delivery PDI.

The Bottom Line: Script + Discipline = Fewer Problems

A standardized PDI script is not a luxury. It's a liability shield and a profit protector. Dealerships that run consistent, documented PDIs see fewer post-delivery complaints, lower warranty costs, and stronger CSI scores.

The technician who reads the script aloud, documents every finding, and escalates issues to the service advisor is doing their job right. The dealership that backs that technician up with training, digital tools, and accountability is running a professional operation.

Start with the script above. Customize it for your lot and your market. Train your team. Hold them accountable. Track the results. After 30 days, you'll see the difference.