Vehicle identification
License plates must be in good condition with the correct arrangement of letters and numbers.
Identification plate (VIN) should read well.
Turn on the ignition and check the operation of the horn.
Check the operation of the washer and windshield wipers. Replace damaged or deformed brushes. Also check the operation of the brake lights.
Check the operation of the parking lights and license plate lamps. Lenses and reflectors must be securely fastened. be clean and free from damage.
Check the operation and direction of the beams of the headlights. The headlight reflectors must not be stained and the lenses must not be damaged.
Turn on the ignition and check the operation of the direction indicators (including indicators on the dashboard) and alarm operation. Turning on the side lights and brake lights should not turn on the indicators - if this happens, the reason is poor grounding in the rear group of lamps.
Check the operation of the rear fog lights by turning on the indicator on the dashboard or on the switch.
The ABS warning lamp should turn on and off in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In most vehicles, the warning lamp of the system lights up when the ignition is turned on, and then (in the absence of faults) goes out after a few seconds.
Foot brake
Check the master cylinder, brake hoses, and booster unit for leaks, corrosion, or other damage.
Inspect both front brake hoses for cracks. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and make sure that the hoses do not touch the wheels, tires. suspension parts or steering mechanism. Press the brake pedal and without releasing it. Check hoses for bulges or pressure leaks.
Steering and suspension
Have an assistant turn the steering wheel slightly from side to side until the wheels begin to turn. Check for excessive free play between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism, which would indicate excessive wear or poor mounting of the steering column, steering shaft connection to the gear, or the gear itself.
Now let the assistant turn the steering wheel more vigorously from side to side so that the wheels just begin to turn. Inspect all hinges, bearings and connections of the steering mechanism. Replace parts that show signs of wear or damage. On vehicles with power steering, check the condition of the power steering pump. drive belt and hoses.
Make sure the vehicle is approximately level and at normal height above the ground.
Shock absorbers
Press each corner of the car in turn, then release it. The vehicle should rise, then return to its normal position. If the car continues to rock, the shock absorber is faulty. If the car does not return to its original position at all, then the shock absorber is also faulty.
Exhaust system
Start the engine. Plug the muffler pipe with a rag and check the system for leaks. Repair or replace failed sections.