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Top Vehicle Inspection Checklist Forms

Ensure safety and quality for vehicles with digital vehicle inspection forms and checklist templates.

Published 30 Nov 2021

What is a Vehicle Inspection Form?

A vehicle inspection form is a document detailing a vehicle's condition. This document is used both as verification of a vehicle's roadworthiness and as a guide for drivers, mechanics, and safety officers in performing vehicle inspection. Performing pre-start checks and regular vehicle inspections proactively reduces risks of accidents and operational downtime.

Featured template

Vehicle Inspection Checklist

A vehicle inspection checklist template can be used by an authorized inspector to identify defects and mechanical issues for most vehicles. Begin by capturing general information of the vehicle including VIN, license plate and mileage and take a photo of the general condition of the vehicle. This comprehensive vehicle inspection checklist include:

• Brake system
• Coupling devices
• Engine operation
• Exhaust system
• Fuel system
• Lighting devices
• Safety equipment
• Safe loading
• Steering mechanism
• Suspension
• Tires and wheels
• Windshield

• Download Template
• Preview Sample Digital Report
• Preview Sample PDF Report

In this article, we will briefly discuss the following:

• items that should be in your vehicle inspection checklist;
• vehicle inspection report;
• the difference between a multi-point inspection checklist and a vehicle inspection checklist;
• making a car checklist; and
• helpful tool for performing vehicle inspections.

What is Included in a Vehicle Inspection Checklist?

A vehicle inspection checklist is used to evaluate a vehicle's working condition. It aims to identify mechanical issues or defects to ensure that vehicles are in good working order and safe for use on the road. Federal laws require vehicle owners to conduct daily inspections to limit the occurrence of accidents on the road. The question is, where do you begin?

There are some areas or items in the vehicle that should be inspected daily, below are some areas that should be included in a vehicle inspection checklist:

• Engine oil – Use an oil dipstick to determine where the level is at, and if you should refill. Ensuring that engine oil is at the right level mitigates the risk of overheating which can result in costly repairs.
• Air pressure of tires – Visually check tires before use and see if they are properly inflated. Also, look out for any signs of damage and unusual wear. Checking these daily does not only ensure safety on the road but also prolongs the life of your vehicle.
• Lights – This involves checking if the headlights, tail lights, and signal lights are all in proper working condition. This is crucial as some of these lights ensure the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, these are especially important in situations with low visibility.
• Horn – Confirm if horn works as it helps avoid collisions by making other drivers and pedestrians aware that a vehicle is nearby.
• Windshield & wipers – Ensure that there is enough water in the wiper system and check the blades. Wiper blades do wear over time. If blades are cracked worn or otherwise damaged they should be replaced.
• Vehicle documents & license plate – Make sure that vehicle documents are stored safely in the glovebox and ensure that your license plate is clean and not obscured or obstructed.
• Engine Noises – Engine noises are a great early indicator of potential issues in a vehicle. If knocking or tapping is noticed from a cold start then it could be an indicator of a serious defect.
• Leaks – This involves checking whether there are any leaks in or around the vehicle. The color and location of the leak can help diagnose the problem, but leaks can indicate serious problems so if any leaks are spotted then it's important to ensure the vehicle is checked by a professional.

And other critical areas and items that you should also check regularly are the following:

• Tires' tread depth
• Battery
• Transmission
• Steering
• Engine belts and hoses
• Brakes

What is a Vehicle Inspection Report?

A vehicle inspection report is the final output that is shared between stakeholders. It contains the assessment data from an accomplished vehicle inspection form or checklist. The vehicle inspector takes the most important pieces of information from the completed vehicle inspection form and outlines them via a simple and direct conclusion with a vehicle inspection report.

Aside from summarizing the vehicle inspection's findings, the inspection report also includes recommendations for repair and maintenance work if deemed necessary.

Multi-point Inspection Checklist Vs. Vehicle Inspection Checklist: What's the Difference?

In general, the intention of both inspection types are similar; identify issues with the vehicle before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. The real difference lies in the way people typically use each term when referring to vehicle assessments. While a "vehicle inspection" can be both quick and short, as well as extensive and time-consuming, a multi-point inspection exclusively refers to a thorough and comprehensive assessment of a vehicle's condition.

For example, since a daily vehicle inspection checklist is designed to be used every day, it is perfectly acceptable for it to cover only a few key areas; most of them concerning safety. Multi-point inspections, however, assess the vehicle in its entirety. This can be quite time-consuming which is why they are fewer and farther between.

The recommended frequency in which to conduct multi-point inspections with a vehicle inspection app may vary.  To be safe, it is best to perform multi-point inspections on vehicles that come in for repair or maintenance work to ensure that nothing critical is missed.

How do I Make a Car Checklist?

To make your own car checklist, you first need to be familiar with your own car and be knowledgeable enough about vehicles to know what needs to be checked. But why go through the trouble of making a car checklist from scratch when you can review existing one's already made available for you and edit, if you prefer, to fit the needs of your own car. Feel free to check and download the vehicle checklists here or in our public library.

Vehicle Inspections App

iAuditor is the perfect tool for conducting vehicle inspections. Convert your paper vehicle inspection forms to a digital format. iAuditor allows you to conduct inspections on your mobile or tablet, take photos of vehicle defects, generate PDF reports on your mobile and securely store all data in the cloud. Preview a sample vehicle inspection report generated using the iAuditor mobile app.

To help you get started, we have provided a collection of vehicle inspection templates below for you to download and use for free.

Preview a sample on web and print PDF report.

Featured Vehicle Inspection Checklists

Heavy Vehicle Inspection Sheet

A heavy vehicle inspection checklist can be used to inspect commercial vehicles for roadworthiness prior to long haul commercial trips. Regular heavy vehicle inspections can prepare your business for regulatory inspections. Conduct a walk-around of the truck making sure to inspect the general condition of the vehicle, exterior, in-cab and engine compartment. Conclude by rating the overall condition and roadworthiness of the vehicle.

• Download Template

Company Vehicle Inspection Checklist

A company vehicle pre commissioning checklist can be used before purchasing a vehicle for work. Capture registration and photos of the vehicle intended to be purchased. Ensure the vehicle is fit for purpose and all registration, permits and licences have been sought. Check that relevant safety and training practices are in progress. You can modify this template for your workplace and pre-approval requirements.

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Vehicle Accident Report

Vehicular accidents inevitably occur anytime and anywhere. Use this vehicle accident report to generate a summary of a vehicle accident. This can be used to identify the root cause of the accident, document physical damages of vehicle, and record witness statements. Capture photo evidence of the injury and environment and track the exact location of the accident being reported.

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Driver Training Checklist

Driver assessment training template used to assess the performance and safety of commercial drivers. Capture photo of drivers license and driver details. Check if the driver follows standard start-up procedures. While driving assess the drivers engine management, driving skills and speed management. At the end of the trip check shut down procedures and rate the overall professionalism of the driver. Speak to the driver and record any past incidents that have occurred. Conclude the assessment by discussing and recording what additional actions or training is required. Use iAuditor to complete these assessments on your mobile while riding with the driver and generate reports on the spot.

• Download Template

Forklift Operator Daily Checklist

Use this checklist before use of forklift trucks to ensure that the equipment is safe to use. Conduct general pre-start checks to inspect the physical condition of the truck (including tyres, plates, guards) as well as fluid levels and battery condition. After starting the vehicle, check to ensure all controls, signals, steering and brakes are in proper working condition. Document any hazards or items that need to be repaired and generate a report on the spot. You can modify this checklist for your specific forklift vehicle (e.g. propane, electric, yard trucks).

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Daily Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Vehicle inspectors and vehicle maintenance personnel can use this daily vehicle inspection checklist to assess the condition of a vehicle's exterior and interior components, emergency equipment, and necessary documentation, in order to ensure its safe usage and preserve the quality of performance.

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Daily Light Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Vehicle inspectors can use this compliance-focused light vehicle inspection checklist to check if a light vehicle complies with accepted standards for brakes, gauges, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, steering, and seat belts, among other items.

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Weekly Vehicle Inspection Checklist

This weekly vehicle inspection checklist can be used by vehicle inspectors to inspect the vehicle's condition, engine compartment, external bodywork, and the required documents for operating the vehicle on a weekly basis. Download and customize according to weekly needs.

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SafetyCulture staff writer

Carlo Sheen Escano

Carlo Sheen Escano is a contributing writer for SafetyCulture based in Makati City, Philippines. Sheen has experience in digital marketing and has been writing for SafetyCulture since 2018. His articles mainly discuss risks in the workplace and well-known safety and quality processes used to mitigate them. Furthermore, Sheen is passionate about providing insights to global customers on how technology can help them to do the best work of their lives.

Carlo Sheen Escano is a contributing writer for SafetyCulture based in Makati City, Philippines. Sheen has experience in digital marketing and has been writing for SafetyCulture since 2018. His articles mainly discuss risks in the workplace and well-known safety and quality processes used to mitigate them. Furthermore, Sheen is passionate about providing insights to global customers on how technology can help them to do the best work of their lives.

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Source: https://safetyculture.com/checklists/vehicle-inspection/

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