Congrats on making it to Tesla delivery day! The following checklist will ensure that you thoroughly identify any issues with your car. This will help remove or limit potential headaches dealing with Tesla post-delivery.
Print out a copy of this list and take it with you. Work your way through this Tesla checklist and make sure you take your time. Document specific details when it comes to any dings, dents, scratches, paint and alignment issues in the notes area provided. Take a photo of the issue along with a numbered sticky note or piece of tape in the frame so you can easily identify the area and issue later. This will help when dealing with Tesla to have the issue resolved.
Pre-Delivery
Before heading to your appointment, there are a few things to check and bring with you.
- Payment details – bring bank draft, wire details, or financing paperwork
- Bring driver’s licence and insurance details if required
- Download the Tesla App if not already done
- Paperwork – Verify personal details (Name, address etc…)
- Paperwork – Verify VIN in the App matches up
- Microfibre cloth for wiping areas of concern
- USB A and C cable and device for power testing
- Device to power test DC 12 volt port – I use this Portable DC air compressor
- Post-it notes/painters tape and pen to add photo reference numbers.
Vehicle Inspection
Time to check over the condition of the vehicle. Run through this list from outside to in.
Exterior
The main things to be on the lookout for here are issues with paint, dents/scratches, panel gaps/alignment issues, and malfunctioning parts. Also, look for anything that might have been missed when the car was detailed before delivery. My first Model Y had residue from the film used to transport the car.
For paint issues, be sure to check low visibility areas as well ie. door hinges and inside the frunk.
Check off items as you go. Again, if you find issues with dents/scratches, paint, or alignment, circle the item(s) on the list and provide details in the notes section along with photo reference number.
Driver’s Side
Front Fender
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Check underside for scratches or damage
- Other
Wheel – Front
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Check for curb rash
- Check for valve stem
- Check mudflaps installed
- Other
Front Door and Window
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Other
Test:
- Door open/close
Back Door and Window
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Other
Rear Wheel
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Check for curb rash
- Check for valve stem
- Check for PPF in front of wheel
- Other
Rear Fender and Charge Port
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Inspect Charge Port pins for damage
- Other
Test:
- Charge Port opens by touch
- Charge Port opens by app or screen in the car
Back of Car
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Check for condensation inside the light housings
- Other
Test:
- Left Turn Signal
- Right Turn Signal
- Brake Lights
- Trunk Open – Exterior button
- Trunk – hold height (hold interior button)
- Trunk Close – Interior button
- Other
Passenger Side
Front Fender
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Check underside for scratches or damage
- Other
Wheel – Front
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Check for curb rash
- Check for valve stem
- Check mudflaps installed
- Other
Door and Window – Front
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Other
Test:
- Door open/close
Back Door and Window
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Other
Rear Wheel
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Check for curb rash
- Check for valve stem
- Check for PPF in front of the wheel
- Other
Rear Fender
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Other
Front of Car
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Check for condensation inside the light housings
- Condition inside funk
- Check for towing eye – ensure it can be removed easily
- Other
Test:
- Left Turn Signal
- Right Turn Signal
- Hazard Lights
- Frunk Open/close
Interior
Inside the vehicle, you are still looking for dents and scratches but the main areas of concern are fit and finish along with functionality.
Driver Seat
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Steering wheel condition
- Dash and trim condition
- Sun visor and vanity mirror
- Rearview mirror
- Floor mat condition
- Footwell light
- Door flood light
- Other
Test:
- Left Turn Signal
- Right Turn Signal
- Wipers – speed, free of hitting frunk lid, washer fluid spray
- Hazard Lights
- Window open/close – free of rubbing
- Seat belt
- Seat adjustments – free of rubbing
- Steering wheel scroll buttons
- Voice command ie. “Open glovebox”
Screen and Center Console
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Center console condition
- Other
Test:
- Interior lights
- Screen functionality – Open sketch pad (voice command) and draw on screen, covering as much area as possible
- Climate control – Set to full heat and A/C, check flowing free of odd noises/obstructions
- Sound System – fade front to back and listen for popping or cracks as you adjust.
- Steering wheel adjustments – free of rubbing noises
- Side Mirrors – functionality
- Cameras
- Center console lids
- DC power in the centre console
- USB ports
- Wireless charge pads
- Bluetooth phone connection
Passenger Seat
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Dash and trim condition
- Sun visor and vanity mirror
- Glove box condition
- USB memory stick present in the glove box
- USB port in the glove box
- Floor mat condition
- Footwell light
- Door flood light
- Other
Test:
- Seat belt
- Seat adjustments – free of rubbing
- Window open/close – free of rubbing
Rear Seats
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Steering wheel condition
- Trim condition
- Floor mat condition
- Footwell lights
- Door flood lights
- Other
Test:
- USB ports
- Rear centre console
- Both coat hooks and lights
- Seat belts
- Seat adjustments – free of rubbing
- Manual fold buttons
Trunk
- Dent/Scratch
- Paint Issues
- Gaps/Alignment Issues
- Malfunctioning parts
- Trim condition
- Condition of trunk storage (shallow, deep, and both sides)
- Trunk light
- Mobile connector condition (Orders before March 2022)
- J1772 adapter
- Other
Test:
- Rear seat fold buttons – should free fall
- 12 volt DC power
Test Drive
Now that you have checked off all items on delivery it’s time to take it for a test drive. Schedule a Tesla Service appointment through the App or return to the service centre immediately depending on the severity of the issue found. Here you are looking for odd noise and drive issues. Common ones include:
Check:
- Ensure you have all paperwork
- Tesla key cards x 2
- High pitch noise coming from motors at various speeds
- Rattling at speed
- Audible sound when reversing (UFO sound)
- Sensor issues – ie frunk open when it is clearly closed
- Autopilot issues
- Charging OK – test at Supercharger or home
Accessories and Protection
Now that you have your car checked over, time to pick up some accessories to enhance your driving experience and protect your ride!
Check out the accessories I have reviewed and recommended on myevtrips.com!
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