RAC Approved - Vehicle Preparation Standard
The vehicle has been prepared to ensure that the following items/parts/functionality are in the correct working order.
1. Vehicle History
- VIN Inspection
- Vehicle History Report Obtained
- Scheduled Maintenance Performed (inc timing belt)
- Current MOT Certificate (if applicable)
2. Road Test
- Cruise Control (if applicable)
- Satisfactory starting, general performance and behaviour of the vehicle
- Particular attention to the operation of clutch, transmission, steering, suspension and brakes including A.B.S.
- Ensure there are no abnormal noises
- There are no visual fluid leaks after the road test
- Gauges operate property
- Check the battery and starter motor, and start the engine with ease from both hot and cold
- Check to ensure no excessive visual emissions from the exhaust
- Check hot-starting and ensure no evidence of over-heating
- Check no stored faults on the OBD
- Ensure correct operation and efficiency of the parking brake
3. Vehicle Exterior
- No dents or scratches visible to the eye from a distance of 2m
- Windscreen is free from any damage that would exclude the vehicle from an MOT test
- Ensure there are no signs of bodywork corrosion
- Operation and condition of exterior mirrors
- Ensure all structural body repairs/accident damage have been repaired using manufacturer-approved methods
- Ensure correct body panel fitting and alignment
- Operation of fuel filler system including petrol caps and lever release system
- Operation of bonnet catch, safety catch, hinges, and tailgate supports
- Operation of door Locks and central locking including child safety locks
- Ensure exterior trim for security and correct fitment
4. Vehicle Interior
- Operation of door windows (manual/electric)
- Operation of all exterior Lighting equipment and respective control lights and cluster illumination Operation of wipers and washers
- Operation of convertible roof mechanism (if applicable) Visual check of correct SRS functionality
- All warning Lights operate correctly
- Operation of audio and alarm systems
- Operation of Navigation System (if applicable)
- Operation of Air-conditioning, heating and demist systems Operation of instruments, gauges and controls
- Operation of all internal equipment (eg cigarette lighters, sun visors, arms rests etc)
- Operation of visual and audible driver warning systems Operation of parking assistance systems (if applicable) ALL drive pedals operate correctly
- Ensure no evidence of water ingress
- Operation and condition of seatbelts / Mountings
- Security of seat mountings, headrests and seat adjustment mechanism
- 301655 RAC Approved preparation standard insert 0513 v Operation of interior lights
- Operation of rearview mirror /sun visors
- Operation and condition of sunroof mechanism(if applicable)
- Ensure correct operation of parcelshelf
- Ensure interior trim / dashboard for tears, holes, burns or excessive soiling
5. Road Wheels & Tyre Check
- Ensure the vehicle jack, tool kit, locking wheel nut and safety equipment
- Ensure minimum tread depth of 3mm across all tyres including spare (if applicable)
- Ensure road wheels are free from distortion, gouges or visible cracking
- Ensure tyres are free from cuts, bulges and inappropriate repairs
- Ensure no evidence of uneven tyre wear or casing damage
6. Engine Compartment
- Check engine oil for the correct level and dipstick oil sample is free from contamination
- Ensure coolant antifreeze content, and ensure the system is free of visual contamination
- Check the vehicle’s charging system for minimum output
- Ensure correct gearbox fluid levels, manual or automatic (where applicable)
- Check to ensure all fluid levels; e.g. brake, clutch, power steering, washer reservoir and battery (including security)
- Auxiliary drive belts, condition and tension
- Engine mountings for security and condition
- Wiring, pipes, hoses, oil and fuel feed lines for routing; are free from damage, chafing and leaks (where visible)
- Free from fluid leaks
- Condition of cooling system radiator and engine oil cooler /intercooler are free from damage or excessive corrosion
- No evident undue engine noise
- For hybrid vehicles only:
- Operation of Hybrid cooling system
- Switchable power-train mount
- Hybrid entertainment and information display
7. Underbody
- Exhaust condition and mountings
- Clamps and security
- Ensure no evidence of fluid or exhaust leaks
- Catalytic Converter
- Operation and condition of steering for leaks and security
- Tie rod ends, CV boots and rack boots condition
- Front and rear suspension
- No visual evidence of faults in braking components
- Ensure brake pads have a minimum of 50% material remaining
- Check the underbody for excess corrosion and ensure that the Chassis is free from extensive structural repairs
- Ensure transmission / driveshaft is secure and free from excessive free-play
8. Convenience
- Fully cleaned and valeted vehicles
- Owners Guide
- Keys and remote fobs
- Service history (if applicable)