What Gets Checked
Every RideCheck inspection follows a structured process. Here's what our inspector evaluates when they visit the vehicle.
Exterior Condition
- Body panels — dents, dings, rust, repaint indicators
- Glass — chips, cracks, seal condition
- Lights and lenses — headlights, taillights, signals
- Trim, moldings, and weather stripping
- Frame and undercarriage visual check (where accessible)
Interior Condition
- Seats — wear, tears, stains, adjustments
- Dashboard — warning lights, gauges, controls
- Steering wheel, pedals, and shift mechanism
- Air conditioning and heating function
- Odors — smoke, mildew, flood indicators
- Windows, mirrors, and locks operation
Under the Hood
- Engine bay visual inspection
- Fluid levels and condition — oil, coolant, transmission, brake
- Belts and hoses — cracking, wear, leaks
- Battery condition and terminals
- Visible leak indicators
Tires & Brakes
- Tread depth measurement on all four tires
- Tire age and condition — cracking, uneven wear
- Spare tire presence and condition
- Brake pad thickness assessment (when visible)
- Rotor condition observation
Diagnostic Scan
- OBD-II code scan (when port is accessible)
- Active and pending trouble codes
- Check engine light status
- Emissions readiness indicators
Operational Observations
- Cold start behavior
- Idle quality and engine sounds
- Warning lights on startup
- Unusual sounds, vibrations, or smells
- Steering and suspension feel (when test conditions allow)
Note: RideCheck is an on-site inspection, not a full mechanical teardown. Some conditions may require a repair shop diagnostic for complete evaluation. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make a smart buying decision.