Model 3 Checklist
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
SECTION A - Verify pre-delivery vehicle records
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
SECTION B - Exterior inspection
Panel gaps
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
Paint condition walkaround
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
Glass and seal condition
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
SECTION C - Interior inspection
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
Infotainment inspection
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)
SECTION D - Lighting inspection
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
SECTION E - Charging ability
Check the charge port door for proper operation
Check charge port indicator light
Ensure the vehicle will accept a charge
Check the mobile charging kit (J1772, NEMA 5-15, mobile connector with cable)
SECTION F - Inspect pairing connectivity
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
SECTION G - Optional equipment
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)