Find essential car checklists for maintenance, safety, road trips, and inspections. Stay prepared and keep your vehicle in top shape.

Car Checklists

This professional car detailing process checklist provides a structured guide for achieving a spotless and polished vehicle inside and out. It covers essential areas including exterior washing, paint correction, waxing, interior cleaning, upholstery care, dashboard detailing, glass polishing, engine bay cleaning, and final inspection for quality assurance. Ideal for car care experts and enthusiasts aiming for showroom-level results.

Professional car detailing checklist covering exterior, interior, engine bay, and final inspection to ensure a spotless, showroom-quality finish.

Complete Car Detailing Checklist for Professionals

Inspect overall condition: note existing scratches, swirl marks, paint damage

Wash and dry hands/tools, ensure workspace is clean and shaded

Gather all supplies (microfiber towels, detailing sprays, brushes, polishers, etc.)

Pre-rinse the car to remove loose dirt/grit

Protect wheels/tires (so as not to contaminate exterior surfaces)

Tape or mask vulnerable trim, emblems, rubber, plastic edges if needed

Check weather/ambient temperature (avoid extreme heat or direct sun)

Open doors, trunk, hood — inspect jambs and hinges

Pre-Detail / Preparation

Pre-wash / foam or snow-foam to loosen grime

Use two-bucket wash method (wash & rinse buckets)

Use clay bar or decontamination mitt to remove bonded contaminants

Inspect for swirl marks / holograms; plan polishing if needed

Polish or machine-correct paint defects (if part of service)

Wipe down panels with isopropyl or panel wipe to remove residues

Apply wax, sealant, or coating (in thin even layers)

Buff off excess protection, inspect for streaks or missed spots

Final rinse or detail spray for gloss and removal of residues

Exterior – Paint / Bodywork

Spray wheel cleaner / degreaser, let dwell (but not dry)

Scrub wheels (rims, spokes, lug areas) with appropriate brushes

Clean brake dust from wheel faces and inner barrels

Apply protective coating or sealant to wheels (if in scope)

Clean and dress the tire sidewalls (rubber dressing)

Wipe the valve stems, lug nuts, wheel faces

Exterior – Wheels, Tires & Wheel Wells

Clean exterior glass / windshield / mirrors (inside & out)

Clean plastic trim, rubber seals, moldings (with appropriate cleaner)

Restore or dress faded trim (trim restorer or protectant)

Clean door jambs, door sills, edges, and pivot points

Clean the front grille, badge areas, small crevices

Clean license plates and mounting hardware

Exterior – Glass, Trim, Plastic, Emblems & Details

Remove floor mats; shake, vacuum, and deep-clean if needed

Vacuum all carpets, upholstery, seats, crevices, under seats, corners

Use brushes and attachments to dislodge embedded dirt

Shampoo carpets and upholstery (with extractor or wet cleaning)

Clean door panels, armrests, pockets, handles

Clean or condition fabric, leather, vinyl as appropriate

Clean trunks / cargo area, spare tire well

Interior – General & Soft Surfaces

Dust vents, instrument panels, switches, knobs

Clean the dashboard, center console, glovebox area

Clean and polish trim, cup holders, switches

Clean steering wheel, column, shift lever, handbrake

Clean interior surfaces of doors, handles, seat controls

Use interior detailer or protectant (UV-protective) on plastic, vinyl

Clean console displays, screens (use appropriate cleaners)

Clean air vents and HVAC ducts (brush or compressed air)

Inspect for odors; use odor-neutralizer or air freshener as needed

Interior – Dashboard, Consoles & Hard Surfaces

Clean with leather-safe cleaner (pH balanced)

Agitate gently with soft brush or microfiber

Condition leather with a quality leather conditioner

Work conditioner evenly, allow dwell, buff excess

Address cracks, fading, or discoloration if present

Clean vinyl or synthetic surfaces similarly (as appropriate)

Protect upholstery with fabric guard or UV protectants (if in scope)

Leather / Upholstery Care

Cover sensitive components (air intakes, sensors, electrical) with plastic covers

Dry-blow out loose debris (leaves, dust) with compressed air

Rinse carefully (low pressure, avoid flooding components)

Dress plastic, hoses, rubber with proper protectant

Inspect belts, hoses, clamps, fluid reservoirs (visual check)

Remove covers, clean underside of hood, hood insulation

Engine Bay / Mechanical Areas

Walk around car; inspect from different angles in good lighting

Check for missed spots, streaks, haze, smudges

Do edge detailing: door edges, jambs, seams

Clean or re-wipe glass / mirrors if streaks observed

Inspect wheels again for dust or overspray

Do a "wipe test" (wipe panels with clean microfiber to check gloss)

Check odors, ventilation, confirm interior freshness

Photograph "after" shots for comparison and records

Final Inspection & Touch Ups

Ensure vehicle is completely dry before delivery

Reinstall and adjust floor mats, trim pieces

Check all doors, windows, locks, lights are working

Remove all tools, waste, towels, masking materials

Review "before vs after" photos with client

Provide instructions or care tips (e.g. curing time, washing method)

Document services performed and products used

Schedule next maintenance/detail appointment

Post-Detail / Client Handoff

Be ready for any roadside situation with this essential car emergency kit checklist. It covers must-have items such as jumper cables, flashlights, first aid supplies, warning triangles, tire repair tools, blankets, and survival essentials. Keeping these items in your vehicle ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind during unexpected breakdowns, harsh weather, or long road trips.

Complete car emergency kit checklist with safety gear, tools, first aid, survival supplies, and key documents for roadside emergencies.

Essential Emergency Kit for Car Checklist

Safety & Signaling

Basic tool set (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches)

Tools & Repair Supplies

Basic first aid kit (bandages, gauze, antiseptic)

First Aid & Health

Emergency shelter (tarp or lightweight tent)

Survival & Comfort

Emergency contacts / phone numbers (printed)

Copies of medical info (allergies, conditions)

Documentation & Miscellaneous

Complete pre-purchase inspection checklist covering all critical areas when buying a used car including documentation verification, mechanical inspection, test drive evaluation, and negotiation preparation.

Comprehensive inspection checklist for buying a used car covering documentation, exterior, interior, mechanical systems, and test drive evaluation.

Used Car Checklist: Essential Steps for a Smart Purchase

Confirm the title / registration papers are genuine and match the seller's name

Check for liens or legal encumbrances on the car

Review vehicle history report (accidents, flood, salvage, recalls)

Verify VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on multiple parts (dash, door jamb, engine)

Match odometer reading with service records and wear

Examine maintenance & service records (oil changes, major repairs)

Check for recall notices and whether they were addressed

Ensure the owner's manual, warranty booklets are present

Ask about previous ownership (how many owners, commercial use)

Confirm insurance / emissions / safety inspection history (if applicable locally)

Documentation & History

Inspect for dents, dings, and scratches across all panels

Look for rust spots, bubbling paint, or corrosion on edges and lower panels

Check that body gaps, panel alignments are consistent (doors, hood, trunk)

Look for signs of repainting / overspray / mismatched paint

Examine doors, trunk, hood for smooth opening/closing and proper fit

Inspect glass and windshield for cracks, chips, or pitting

Test all exterior lighting (headlamps, tail, indicators, brake, fog)

Check mirrors (side & rear) for cracks, looseness, proper adjustment

Inspect wipers, washer nozzles, ensure they work and no leaks

Check badges, trim, moldings for looseness or missing pieces

Exterior Body & Finishes

Measure tread depth on all tires (including spare)

Check for uneven wear patterns (could indicate alignment/suspension issues)

Inspect sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or damage

Confirm all tires are same size / load rating (or compatible)

Assess rim / wheel condition (dents, bends, cracks)

Test wheel lug nuts / torque / locking lug presence

Push down each corner (bounce test) — the car should rebound once

Inspect shocks, struts, springs for leaks, damage or sag

Check ball joints, tie rods, bushings for play or wear

Examine undercarriage / frame rails for rust, damage, signs of repair

Wheels, Tires & Suspension

Check engine oil level and quality (clean, not milky or sludgy)

Inspect coolant / radiator fluid for level, color, and leaks

Examine belts and hoses for cracks, softness, wear

Look for any fluid leaks (oil, coolant, power steering, etc.)

Inspect the battery (age, terminals, corrosion)

Check air filter, intake system, ducting, hoses

Inspect engine mounts for crack or looseness

Check spark plugs, wires (if accessible) for condition

Inspect radiator, cooling fins, fan, shrouds for damage

Smell for burnt odors, smoke or coolant smell when engine runs

Under the Hood / Engine Compartment

For automatic, inspect transmission fluid (color, smell, level)

For manual, test clutch pedal for free play, smooth engagement

Check gear shifts (automatic/manual) — smooth transitions, no slipping

Listen for gear noise, whining, jerks during shifting

Inspect drive axles / CV joints for boots, leaks or damage

Test 4WD / AWD / differential (if equipped) operations

Check for transmission leaks around seals and pan

Inspect universal joints / driveshaft for play/vibration

Assess the differential fluid (if accessible)

During test drive, verify reverse gear, uphill starts, torque delivery

Transmission & Drivetrain

Check brake pads / shoes thickness and even wear

Inspect rotors / drums for grooves, warping, rust

Check brake fluid level and clarity (not dark or muddy)

Test emergency / parking brake for holding power

During test drive, evaluate straight-line braking (no pull)

Check for vibration or pulsation in pedal or steering wheel during braking

Inspect brake lines, hoses for cracks, leaks or bulging

Confirm power steering fluid, rack & pinion, gear box condition

Test steering response (no looseness or play)

Check for steering noise (clunks, clicking), binding at turns

Brakes & Steering

Test all dashboard warning lights at startup (ABS, check engine, airbags)

Ensure gauges (fuel, temp, oil, volt) operate correctly

Try radio, speakers, infotainment, Bluetooth connectivity

Check climate control / AC / heater blowing cold / hot air promptly

Test power windows, power locks, mirrors, central lock

Check sunroof / moonroof for operation and seal integrity

Test interior lights, map lights, dome lights

Verify USB / charging ports / 12V outlets

Test rear camera, parking sensors, backup assist (if equipped)

Check alarm / immobilizer / key fob functions properly

Electrical / Electronics / Features

Inspect seats / upholstery for tears, stains, sagging

Check for water stains, dampness, mildew odor (possible leak)

Inspect headliner, trim, door panels for damage or looseness

Check carpets / mats for wear or moisture

Test all seatbelts for locking, retraction, condition

Inspect door seals, weather stripping for cracks or gaps

Test glove box, console, storage compartments

Verify sun visors, mirror covers, overhead console condition

Listen for rattles, squeaks in interior when shaking doors etc

Interior & Comfort

Cold start: engine should start easily, idle smoothly

Accelerate from low to highway speed — no hesitation or lag

Cruise at higher speed — check stability, vibrations, noise

Brake firmly — should feel smooth, straight, no pulsing

Turn corners / curves — check for pulling, uneven behavior

Listen for suspension noises over bumps or rough roads

Shift through all gears (manual/auto) and test reverse

Test AC / heater during drive, watch temp gauge for overheating

Check for vibrations in steering wheel, seats, or body

Car Checklists

Complete Car Detailing Checklist for Professionals

Essential Emergency Kit for Car Checklist

Used Car Checklist: Essential Steps for a Smart Purchase

Car Maintenance Checklist – 100 Essential Safety Tasks

Step-by-Step Car Inspection Checklist for Safe Driving

Car Camping Checklist: What to Pack for a Comfortable Trip