Braking system
- Pad thickness front and rear (mm)
- Disc condition and minimum thickness (mm)
- Brake fluid level and moisture (%)
- Hoses, hard lines and unions leak free
- Park brake holds on incline
- ABS warning lamp off after self-test
The 28-point checklist
Tyres and roadholding
- Tread depth at all four corners (mm)
- Tyres above legal minimum
- Cold pressures to placard (PSI)
- No cords, bulges or sidewall splits
- Spare, jack and wheel brace present
Steering and suspension
- No excessive play at the wheel
- Ball joints, track rods and bushes secure
- Shock absorbers not leaking
- Springs intact
Lighting and visibility
- All exterior lamps working and correct colour
- Headlight aim within tolerance
- Windscreen clear of damage in swept area
- Wipers and washers effective
- Horn works
Restraints and structure
- Seat belts retract, latch and show no fraying
- Airbag warning lamp off
- Seats and head restraints secure
- No structural corrosion at mounting points
- Doors, bonnet and boot latch securely
Emissions and leaks
- No fuel, oil or coolant leaks
- Exhaust secure, no blows
- Engine management lamp off
How to use it
Measure, do not guess
Write pad thickness and tread depth in millimetres. A number lets you predict the next visit and gives the customer something concrete to approve.
Photograph every fail
A photo of a split boot or a corroded brake line ends the conversation faster than any explanation from the counter.
Quote before the car leaves
Turn failed items into an estimate on the spot. Approval rates drop sharply once the customer has driven away.
Common questions
- What is checked in a car safety inspection?
- Brakes, tyres and roadholding, steering and suspension, lighting and visibility, restraints and structure, and leaks or emissions faults. These are the items that decide whether a car is safe to drive today.
- How often should a safety inspection be done?
- At every service, before any long trip, and whenever a vehicle changes driver. Fleets typically run a driver walkaround daily and a workshop safety check at each scheduled interval.
- What is the legal minimum tyre tread?
- Most jurisdictions set 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, but many workshops advise replacement at 3 mm because wet braking distance grows sharply below that. Record the actual millimetres either way and check your local rule.
- Can I use this checklist in my shop?
- Yes. It is free to print and use, and the builder lets you add your shop name and your own lines before printing.
Turn this checklist into digital inspections
ShopTop runs the same list on a tablet: photos on every line, red items become an estimate, and the customer approves from their phone.