The 60 Point RAC Inspection Checklist

1. Check engine oil level for correct level and dipstick oil sample is free from contamination
Use engine dipstick or electronic test system to confirm oil level is within maximum and minimum marks. Examine oil condition for signs of debris, unusual odour and moisture emulsification

2. Check coolant level for correct level and coolant is free from visual contamination
Confirm coolant level is within maximum and minimum marks specified by the manufacturer on the coolant reservoir/radiator.
Measure antifreeze strength using a hydrometer to determine if level of protection is within safe limits

3. Check screen wash to correct level where visible
Confirm windscreen washer fluid level is to a satisfactory level where visible within the washer fluid reservoir

4. Check engine compartment for visual evidence of all fluid/fuel leakage
Examine complete engine compartment for evidence of oil or fuel leakage from pipes and hoses

5. Check brake/clutch fluid level to manufacturer's specification
Confirm both brake and clutch (where applicable) hydraulic fluid levels are within manufacturers specified maximum and minimum marks as indicated on the fluid reservoirs

6. Check power steering fluid level to manufacturer's specification
Using power steering fluid reservoir dipstick (where visible) confirm fluid level is within manufacturers indicated maximum and minimum marks

7. Check condition/adjustment of visible drive belts
Examine external engine auxiliary drive belts for signs of cracking, perishing, splitting, missing teeth and damage. Carry out a physical deflection test on the drive belt to confirm it they have adequate tension

8. Check condition of engine compartment pipes and hoses
Visually examine all coolant, oil and power steering hoses for cracking, splits, deterioration and leakage

9. Check condition of engine mountings
Observe where visible engine mountings for cracking, missing bolts/nuts deterioration to rubber mounting assemblies

10. Check battery is secure and starts engine with ease
Visually check battery mounting cradle for security and that all mountings are present. Confirm where visible that wiring connections are secure

11. Check vehicle charging system
Visually check battery mounting cradle for security and that all mountings are present. Confirm where visible that wiring connections are secure

12. Check under body and chassis for excess corrosion and ensure chassis is free from extensive structural accident repairs
Examine underside body sections and chassis for evidence of excessive corrosion and / or deterioration to underseal. Visually examine body and chassis for evidence of previous accident repairs and if repaired determine if work is of an acceptable quality (see item 24)

13. Check exhaust system for security and ensure free from gas leakage/excess corrosion
Examine exterior of exhaust pipes, silencers and catalysts for correct positioning, component integrity, excessive corrosion, holes, fractures and leakage

14. Visual check of steering rack and pinion or box for leakage/mountings and test for any excess component free-play
Visual check of steering rack and pinion or box for leakage/mountings and test for any excess component free-play

15. Visual check of steering rods, joints and gaiters for excess component free-play leakage
Visual check of steering rods, joints and gaiters for excess component free play or leakage

16. Braking system - visual check component condition, leakage and test for any excess component free play
Examine brake pads where visible/accessible and assess whether replacement is required. Examine brake pipes for excess corrosion and leakage. Examine flexible hoses for bulges, splits, cracks, leakage, twisting and poor routing

17. Suspension (front) - visual check component condition, leakage and test for any excess component free-play
Examine front suspension arms, ball joints, wishbones, tie rods and anti roll bars for security, split/leaking gaiters, excess play in ball joints and mountings, debonding of bushes and integrity of suspension arms, i.e not bent or visibly distorted or damaged

18. Suspension (rear) - visual check component condition, leakage and test for any excess component free-play
Examine rear suspension arms/location rods, anti roll bars, ball joints, wishbones, bushes and cross bars for damage, distortion, excess play, split gaiters and grease leakage

19. Gearbox - visual check for leakage, linkages, mounting condition and backlash
Where visible, examine gearbox for security and condition of mountings, oil leakage, gear linkage rods, bushes and cables for wear, damage and excess free play

20. Final drive - visual check for security excess free-play and leakage
Where final drive is a separate unit from the gearbox and where visible, examine for oil leakage, damage, security and condition of mountings

21. Prop shaft where applicable - check for security and excess free play
Where applicable examine prop shaft for security, confirm all securing bolts and nuts are present. Examine joints and couplings for excess free play and perishing of rubber mounts

22. Check underside for any evidence of fluid/fuel leakage
Examine underside of vehicle to determine presence of oil/fuel leaks

23. Check underside pipes/hoses for condition
Examine pipes and hoses routed beneath the vehicle for perishing, corrosion, damage, leakage and splitting

24. Check all previous structural body repairs/accident damage has been repaired to a satisfactory standard
Visually confirm previous accident repairs have been carried out to an acceptable standard. I.E examine repairs for poor welding quality, poor panel alignment on repaired damage, corrosion, poor paint and corrosion protection applications

25. Check body panel/alignment
Examine exterior body panels to determine condition and assess panel alignment for correct panel location. Panels should not be fouling and free from major accident damage

26. Check child locks for correct operation
Physically switch child safety locks to the 'on' position and test operation by attempting to open the doors from the inside

27. Check all locking systems operate correctly
Test operation of all door handles, locks and knobs. Where applicable insert keys into all exterior door lock barrels and test locking/unlocking and test remote central locking systems and remote window open close systems

28. Check road wheels are free from visual damage, i.e.kerb damage (including wheel rims)
Examine road wheels for excessive damage, distortion both on the outside and inside of the rims

29. Check tyres meet legal requirements and have a minimum tread depth of 2mm
Examine tyres for abnormal wear, sidewalls and treads for splits, cuts, bulges and cracking. Measure tread depths and record a minimum depth present

30. Check jack and wheel brace present and intact
Confirm presence of vehicle jack, wheel brace and locking wheel bolt release key

31. Check windshield and other glass for damage, i.e. chips and excessive scratches
Examine all vehicle glass for excessive scratches, stone chips, cracks and damage

32. Check visible areas of wiring for damage and security
Examine visible wiring harnesses for signs of external damage, chafing, perished insulation, exposed conductors and poor routing

33. Check lights and indicator for operation, security and damage
Test the operation of sidelights, dipped/main beam headlamps, foglamps, auxiliary lamps and number plate lamps. Test operation of all indicators, wing repeaters and hazard lights. Assess all associated switches for correct operation. Examine light and indicator units for security of mounting and integrity of lenses.

34. Check windscreen washers, wiper motors and wiper blades
Examine front and rear wiper blades to determine security and condition of blade elements. Operate wash/wipe systems to test all wiper speeds and that all the washer jets are clear and free from blockage

35. Check horn
Operate horn, test for acceptable tone/volume and assess switch operation

36. Check in-car entertainment - Radio; tape, CD
Where fitted operate vehicle radio, cassette and cd players for operation. Determine if all speakers are working with a reasonable sound reproduction

37. Check seat belts for condition and security
Operate front and rear seat belts to assess webbing for damage. Operate buckles and catches and test security. Observe the seat belt recoil action to determine correct operation

38. Check dashboard warning lights for correct operation
Switch on ignition and check the instrument panel warning lamps illumination. Check that all appropriate lamps extinguish correctly

39. Check window and exterior mirror operations
Test operation of electric windows and switches. Check for abnormal noises and operation of window drop glasses. Operate all external door mirrors and test adjustment switches to confirm that mirror glasses move in all directions. Confirm electric door mirror folding function operates where applicable

40. Check heating/air conditioning and ventilation system operation
Test heating/air conditioning and ventilation system for function and confirm operation. Operate all vents, switches and controls. Listen for any abnormal noises from the heater mote, control or system

41. Check seat adjusters
Operate manual and electrical seat controls and check for correct function

42. Check seat security/mountings
Examine seat structure for security and excess movement

43. Check general equipment, i.e. cigar lighter, gauges and sun visor etc.
Check general equipment e.g. cigar lighter and sun visors operation

44. Check ease of engine starting and that the starter motor performs as expected when starting the engine
Start engine, observe the ease and speed at which the engine cranks over and then fires. Listen for abnormal starter motor noises during and after the starting process

45. Conduct Road Test
Carry out a road test to assess overall handling and performance

46. Check footbrake action for correct operation to ensure free from excess travel etc.
Test footbrake operation to assess pedal travel, judder and to determine if the effort required and brake performance is of acceptable level

47. Check handbrake action for correct operation to ensure free from excess travel etc.
Operate handbrake/parking brake and assess extent of travel, determine security of level mechanism

48. Check clutch and accelerator operation and pedal position
Whilst operating the clutch and accelerator pedals assess operation including excess travel and/or binding

49. Check clutch operation to ensure free from slip, drag, judder
Conduct a stall test to assess the clutch mechanism for slippage. During normal gear changes observe the clutch operation to assess for judder

50. Check transmission for correct operation and gear selection
Check all gears engage/disengage correctly. Determine if any excess free play is present in the gear linkage

51. Check engine performance
Assess engine acceleration determining that no hesitation, flat spots or lack of power is evident

52. Check for excess engine noise
Assess engine for abnormal and excessive noise

53. Check for excess smoke emissions from exhaust
Examine exhaust for evidence of excess smoke

54. Check instruments and controls for correct operation
Test all controls to determine correct functionality e.g. indicator self cancel, oil pressure gauges and temperature gauges

55. Check for evidence of overheating
Assess coolant temperature via vehicle gauge to determine if reading of needle is within the safe zone

56. Check steering wheel alignment
Check steering wheel centralises

57. Check general handling stability
Assess vehicle handling for abnormal characteristics e.g. vehicle drifting, steering judder, wheel vibration and body vibration

58. Check footbrake and handbrake performance
Confirm that the foot brake performance is satisfactory, including the vehicle stops without veering to either side or the need for excess foot pedal pressure. Determine that the handbrake/parking brake holds the vehicle when fully applied

59. Check hot restarting
Confirm that the engine restarts correctly

60. Check for oil and fluid leaks under bonnet after road tests
Check for oil and fluid leaks under the bonnet after road tests