DIFM Customer Vehicle Intake and Walk-Around Inspection

Standardized intake checklist for documenting a customer vehicle’s condition during a walk-around inspection before service, including visible damage, tire and brake condition, fluid leaks, warning lights, and customer-reported concerns.

Inspection Setup and Vehicle Identification

• Vehicle identification verified against repair order
  Confirm year, make, model, color, and license plate or VIN match the repair order and customer record.
• Odometer reading recorded
  Record the current odometer reading at intake.
• Fuel level recorded
  Document the approximate fuel level at intake.
• Customer-reported concerns documented
  Capture any symptoms, noises, warning lights, drivability issues, or recent incidents reported by the customer.

Exterior Body and Glass Condition

• Front fascia, bumper, grille, and hood condition
  Inspect for dents, cracks, scratches, misalignment, missing trim, or prior damage.
• Left side body panels and mirrors condition
  Inspect driver-side doors, fenders, rocker panels, and mirrors for visible damage or missing components.
• Right side body panels and mirrors condition
  Inspect passenger-side doors, fenders, rocker panels, and mirrors for visible damage or missing components.
• Rear fascia, bumper, liftgate, and trunk condition
  Inspect rear body surfaces for dents, cracks, scratches, broken lamps, or missing trim.
• Windshield, windows, and mirrors free of critical damage
  Check for cracks, chips, shattered glass, or damage that could affect visibility or safety.
• License plate and exterior trim present and secure
  Verify plates, emblems, moldings, and trim are present, attached, and not hanging loose.

Tires, Wheels, and Brake Condition

• Tire tread depth appears serviceable on all visible tires
  Inspect visible tread for uneven wear, exposed cords, bald spots, or obvious low tread condition.
• Tires inflated and free of visible sidewall damage
  Check for visibly underinflated tires, bulges, cuts, punctures, or sidewall cracking.
• Wheels, lug nuts, and hubcaps secure
  Verify wheels are seated properly and lug nuts, covers, and center caps are present and secure.
• Brake condition visible through wheel openings appears normal
  Document obvious brake issues visible without disassembly, such as severe pad wear, damaged rotors, or leaking components.
• Spare tire, jack, and wheel tools present if applicable
  If the vehicle is equipped, verify the spare tire, jack, and tools are present and secured.

Lights, Fluids, and Under-Vehicle Condition

• Dashboard warning lights noted at key-on
  Record any illuminated warning indicators observed when the ignition is turned on.
• Exterior lights function observed
  Verify headlights, tail lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, and hazard lamps are operational as observed during intake.
• Visible fluid leaks present under or around vehicle
  Inspect the ground and underside for oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, fuel, or other visible leaks.
• Fluid leak type identified
  If a leak is present, identify the most likely fluid type based on color, location, and odor.
• Leak severity documented
  If a leak is present, estimate severity based on visible evidence.

Interior Condition and Closeout

• Interior condition documented
  Record visible interior damage, stains, odors, missing trim, or unusual condition noted at intake.
• Seat belts, airbags, and safety equipment appear intact
  Visually inspect for obvious damage, missing components, or deployment indicators.
• Customer belongings and valuables noted
  Document any visible personal items, aftermarket accessories, or valuables left in the vehicle.
• Additional notes and exceptions
  Capture any other observations, exceptions, or follow-up items not covered above.
• Inspector sign-off
  Inspector confirms the intake walk-around was completed and the record is accurate.