Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Exterior Inspection Checklist

A thorough vehicle inspection protects your asset and builds trust with renters. Perform this inspection before and after every rental, always with the renter present. Document everything with timestamped photos.

Body and Paint

• ☐ Walk around the entire vehicle slowly, checking all body panels
• ☐ Look for scratches, dents, dings, and paint chips
• ☐ Check door edges for contact marks
• ☐ Inspect bumpers (front and rear) for scuffs and cracks
• ☐ Check fender wells for damage
• ☐ Look along the rocker panels (under doors) for scrapes
• ☐ Inspect the roof for hail damage or dents
• ☐ Check the hood for stone chips

Glass

• ☐ Windshield: check for chips, cracks, or star breaks
• ☐ Rear window: check for cracks or defroster damage
• ☐ All side windows: check for chips or scratches
• ☐ Window tint: check for peeling, bubbling, or scratches

Lights

• ☐ Headlights (low and high beam): working and not yellowed
• ☐ Tail lights: both working
• ☐ Brake lights: both working (have someone press the brake while you check)
• ☐ Turn signals (front and rear, both sides): working
• ☐ Reverse lights: working
• ☐ Fog lights (if equipped): working
• ☐ License plate light: working
• ☐ Hazard flashers: working

Tires

• ☐ Tread depth on all four tires (minimum 3mm for rental vehicles)
• ☐ Tire pressure (check against door sticker specifications)
• ☐ Sidewall condition (no bulges, cracks, or cuts)
• ☐ Uneven wear patterns (indicates alignment or suspension issues)
• ☐ Spare tire: present, properly inflated, and in good condition
• ☐ Jack and lug wrench: present and functional

Mirrors

• ☐ Both side mirrors: intact, no cracks, adjustable
• ☐ Rearview mirror: secure, clean, properly positioned

Interior Inspection Checklist

Seats

• ☐ All seats: check for tears, stains, burns, or excessive wear
• ☐ Seat adjustments: all seats move and lock properly
• ☐ Headrests: present and adjustable
• ☐ Seat belts: all functional, retract properly, no fraying
• ☐ Child seat anchors (ISOFIX/LATCH): accessible if equipped

Dashboard and Controls

• ☐ Dashboard: no cracks, warping, or discoloration
• ☐ Instrument cluster: all gauges working, no warning lights
• ☐ Steering wheel: no wear, damage, or sticky residue
• ☐ Gear shift: smooth operation, no looseness
• ☐ Handbrake/parking brake: engages and releases properly
• ☐ Pedals: proper resistance, no sticking

Electronics

• ☐ Radio/infotainment system: powers on, volume works, Bluetooth pairs
• ☐ USB/charging ports: all functional
• ☐ Power windows: all four go up and down smoothly
• ☐ Central locking: all doors lock and unlock
• ☐ Interior lights: dome light, map lights, trunk light
• ☐ Horn: working
• ☐ Backup camera (if equipped): displays properly
• ☐ GPS navigation (if equipped): powers on, updated maps

Climate Control

• ☐ AC: blows cold within 2-3 minutes
• ☐ Heat: blows warm/hot
• ☐ Fan speeds: all settings working
• ☐ Vent direction controls: functioning
• ☐ Defrost (front and rear): working
• ☐ No unusual smells from the AC system

Mechanical Check

Engine

• ☐ Starts smoothly, no unusual sounds
• ☐ Idles evenly, no rough idling or stalling
• ☐ No visible smoke from exhaust (white, blue, or black)
• ☐ No fluid leaks visible under the vehicle
• ☐ Oil level within normal range
• ☐ Coolant level within normal range

Brakes

• ☐ Firm pedal feel, no sponginess
• ☐ Vehicle stops in a straight line
• ☐ No squealing, grinding, or pulsating during braking
• ☐ Parking brake holds the vehicle on a slight incline

Steering and Suspension

• ☐ Steering is responsive, no excessive play
• ☐ Vehicle tracks straight on a flat road
• ☐ No pulling to one side
• ☐ No clunking or creaking over bumps
• ☐ No vibration at highway speeds

Documentation Requirements

For every inspection, capture the following photos:

Minimum Photo Set (15 photos)

1. Front view (full vehicle)
2. Rear view (full vehicle)
3. Driver side (full vehicle)
4. Passenger side (full vehicle)
5. Front-left corner (45-degree)
6. Front-right corner (45-degree)
7. Rear-left corner (45-degree)
8. Rear-right corner (45-degree)
9. Dashboard/odometer reading
10. Fuel gauge
11. Driver interior (from door)
12. Rear seats
13. Trunk/cargo area
14. Roof (if accessible)
15. Each tire close-up (4 photos)

Pre-Rental Inspection (With Renter Present)

The pre-rental inspection should be conducted together with the renter:

• Walk around the vehicle together, pointing out the current condition
• Show the renter any existing damage and note it on the contract
• Take photos while the renter is present (they can see what you are documenting)
• Have the renter confirm they agree with the documented condition
• Both parties initial the inspection section of the contract
• Demonstrate vehicle features and controls
• Answer any questions the renter has about the vehicle

Post-Rental Inspection (With Renter Present)

The post-rental inspection follows the same process:

• Walk around the vehicle together before the renter leaves
• Compare condition to the pre-rental photos
• Check all items on the inspection checklist
• Note any new damage or issues on the contract
• Take post-rental photos
• If no issues, confirm the return in the Sicarro app
• If damage is found, document it and file a report before the renter leaves

Recording Condition on the Contract

The Sicarro affiliation contract includes a vehicle condition section. Use it to note:

• Odometer reading (pickup and return)
• Fuel level (pickup and return)
• List of existing damage (at pickup)
• List of new damage (at return, if any)
• Both parties' signatures confirming the condition

Dealing with Discrepancies

If you and the renter disagree about the vehicle condition:

• Remain calm and professional
• Show your pre-rental photos as evidence
• Point to the contract's existing damage log
• Take additional photos and video of the disputed area
• If you cannot agree, file a damage report through Sicarro and let the platform mediate
• Never escalate to a confrontation - the evidence speaks for itself

Seasonal Inspection Considerations

El Salvador's climate affects your vehicle differently across seasons:

Rainy Season (May - October)

• Check windshield wipers more frequently (replace if streaking)
• Inspect tire tread depth carefully (hydroplaning risk)
• Check for water damage or leaks in the trunk and around windows
• Test all lights (visibility is critical in heavy rain)
• Check undercarriage for mud and rust

Dry Season (November - April)

• AC system is under heavy use - test thoroughly
• Check coolant levels more frequently (higher engine temperatures)
• Inspect sun damage to paint, dashboard, and upholstery
• Battery health (heat shortens battery life)
• Tire pressure increases in heat - adjust accordingly