This now an app, CarPrep, on the App Store!
If you find this guide helpful, I'd appreciate you using my referral link when ordering from Tesla!
This is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android, too.
This pre-drive checklist is designed to be done in a specific flow to save time and make sure nothing is missed. You will essentially do several "laps" around the car. Start at the beginning and work your way down the list. By the end, your car will be fully reviewed. Feel free to print this out and bring it, along with a pen. Don't feel like you need to rush through the inspection. The delivery team at Tesla will certainly seem like they want to move quickly, but you don't need to leave the lot until you're 100% satisfied. Take your time
Make sure the car you ordered is the car you're getting!
- Check for the correct full name and address on your paperwork
- Confirm the vehicle's VIN matches your paperwork
- Check the vehicle's "About" screen for any information that does not match the vehicle (found by tapping the car icon in the bottom-left, then tapping Software)
- Verify that the vehicle's Monroney record matches your configuration
- Verify that the vehicle's body color, interior, and wheels match what you configured
Do a lap of the car, check for any obvious body panel misalignment, or large gaps
- Front of frunk properly aligns with where it meets the bumper
- Trunk arms properly align with where they meet the left and right quarter panels
- Headlights and rear lights are flush with the body
- Charging port is flush with the body
Looking for scrapes, damage, overspray, underspray, dents and dings. Include all trim and door handles as part of this review
WITH ALL DOORS CLOSED
- Inspect vehicle underside plastic trim (front and rear) for signs of scraping, or damage
- Front bumper
- Right front quarter panel
- Right front wheel
- Right passenger door
- Right rear door
- Right rear wheel
- Right rear quarter panel
- Trunk
- Rear bumper
- Left rear quarter panel
- Left rear wheel
- Left rear door
- Driver's door
- Left front wheel
- Left front quarter panel
- Frunk
OPEN ALL DOORS, INCLUDING FRUNK, TRUNK
- Test power liftgate operation on trunk
- Test all doors (including frunk and trunk) to ensure they open and close without unreasonable effort or sound
- Ensure door windows auto-close completely when doors are closed
- Check the frunk/trunk lighting
- Check paint in areas such as door hinges, the bottom of the frunk/trunk, etc. that are not visible when doors are closed
- Inspect all glass (including side mirrors) for signs of distortion, scratches, or cracks
- Inspect the weather seals around door gaps and windows
- Verify that the water guards that line the trunk (below the rear windshield) are free and clear
- Check for proper windshield and windshield trim installation
- Inspect all edges of the roof glass panel and rear window
- Inspect interior seat upholstery, door surfaces, dash, headliner and carpets (including passenger compartment, frunk, and trunk)
SIT IN DRIVER'S SEAT
- Check for any error messages on the display screen
- Check all four windows to ensure they roll up and down properly
- Test the windshield wipers
- Test the rearview camera
- Check side mirrors for proper operation of folding and position adjustment
- Test the steering wheel position controls to ensure proper operation
- Press the center of the steering wheel to make sure the vehicle's horn works
- Check the rearview mirror for any warping or distortion
- Check sunvisor operation, mirror condition and lighting operation
- Front overhead driver and passenger lights
- Check center console cover slide operation and middle/rear compartment lights
- Check glovebox opening and closing functions (and lighting)
- Check seat all position controls
- Check driver and passenger footwell lighting
- Check steering wheel control lights (they may need to be enabled in Driver settings)
- Test connectivity of wireless phone charger
- Test the sound system to ensure all speakers are working (move fade/balance to all four points to verify)
- Tap the "Toybox" icon at the bottom right of the screen and launch the Sketchpad app. Leave the Sketchpad up for a minute to make sure there are no phantom touches happening on the display, or dead pixels
GET OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT
- Gently test the driver and passenger door emergency releases
- Check driver and passenger door puddle lights
- Check all door latch button lights
- Check all door window button lights
- Check front, rear and middle seatbelts for proper operation
- Check rear left and right clothing hook operation in the rear passenger area
- Check the rear seats for proper fold-down operation
- Check rear left and right overhead lights
- Test connectivity in all USB ports (1 USB-A/1 USB-C in the front, 2 USB-C in the rear)
- Front headlights (low and high-beam) operation and alignment. Ensure there is no condensation inside the light's housing
- Front park lights
- Front fog lights
TURN ON HAZARD LIGHTS
- Front turn signal lights
- Left and right turn signal lights
- Rear turn signal lights
- Rear running lights
- Rear brake lights. Ensure there is no condensation inside the light's housing
- Check the charge port door for proper operation and alignment (manual tap, through screen/app, and button on charger)
- Check charge port indicator light
- Ensure the vehicle will accept a charge at the Supercharger at the delivery center if avaliable
- Check for J1772 adapter
- Test both key cards to ensure they work with your vehicle. Keep one key card on your person in case the phone app does not operate properly
- Pair your smartphone to your vehicle over Bluetooth
- Check for front license plate bracket (if applicable in your region)
- Check for the towing eye under the frunk mat
- Maryland state deliveries should include Tesla's official inflation kit (usually stowed in trunk)
- Verify that any additional floor mats are included (if ordered)