What is a Vehicle Walkaround Inspection?
Helps catch problems before they become expensive repairs.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
A walkaround inspection is a quick visual check of the outside of your car, done once a month or before any long journey. It takes about three minutes and can reveal tyre damage, fluid leaks, light failures and body damage before they become dangerous or costly. Many fleet drivers do this daily; for a private car, monthly is a good habit.
"Like a pilot walking around their aircraft before take-off — a quick look now prevents a big problem later."
How it works
Stand in front of the car and work your way around clockwise. Check each tyre for cuts, bulges and tread depth — the legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters, but 3mm is safer. Look under the car for fresh fluid drips. Check all lights are clean and intact. Inspect the windscreen for stone chips or cracks. Check wiper blades for damage. Look at the bodywork for new scratches or dents that might indicate a bump you did not notice. Open the bonnet and glance at fluid levels and the battery terminals. If anything looks wrong, investigate further or book it in. If everything looks good, you have peace of mind for the month ahead.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Tyre damage or uneven wear visible
- ⚠Fluid spots on the driveway
- ⚠New scratches, dents or rust bubbles
- ⚠Lights cracked or full of condensation
- ⚠Unusual smells or smoke from the engine bay
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.