Why conduct a used car inspection before shipment?
1. Stay away from hidden serious vehicle risks. Many second‑hand cars have hidden repair records from crash, flood or fire. Once goods are shipped out, return transport will cost a lot and trigger heavy disputes. Early screening keeps defective units from reaching buyers.Why conduct a used car inspection before shipment?
2. Match real‑world condition against sales description. Odometer reading, equipment level and maintenance records claimed by sellers need on‑site verification. It prevents mismatched goods and lowers rejection or return cases upon arrival.
3. Make certain the car is safe for transit. Check brakes, tyres, steering system and fluid levels. Avoid breakdowns during short‑distance moving or carrier transportation.
4. Verify completeness of legal papers. Confirm vehicle registration, driving license and insurance documents are valid. Prevent transfer‑of‑title failures that hold up the whole deal.
5. Protect reputation for both sides. Expose defects ahead of shipment for negotiation. It cuts after‑sales conflicts and supports long‑term business cooperation.
Inspection Standards
Sampling rule
For used‑car pre‑shipment inspection: Critical defects AQL 0 (zero tolerance, one defective unit leads to lot rejection), Major defects AQL 2.5, Minor defects AQL 4.0. Units with crash, flood or fire damage shall be 100‑percent checked.
Inspection items
1. Document and VIN check【Critical】
Match VIN plate against registration and export papers. Tampered VIN or incomplete documents count as critical defects. Record odometer reading by photo and check odometer roll‑back signs.
2. Exterior body check【Major / Minor】
Check paint condition, sheet‑metal work and panel gaps. Heavy collision repair or cut‑weld work belongs to major defects. Fine scratches and tiny paint chipping are minor defects.
3. Chassis and vehicle structure【Critical】
Lift vehicle to inspect frame and welding spots. Frame distortion, fire damage, flood‑caused heavy rust and structural rewelding are critical defects. Common surface rust on undercarriage counts as minor defect.
4. Engine & transmission【Major】
Start engine, listen for abnormal noise, check oil leakage and exhaust smoke. Read OBD trouble codes. Gear shifting should be smooth without slipping. Severe leakage or power failure are major defects.
5. Brake, steering and suspension【Major】
Braking system and ABS work normally. Brake pad and disc wear stay within allowed limit. No strange noise from steering parts. Suspension shall not have obvious loose clearance.
6. Tyres, lamps and glass【Major / Minor】
Tyre tread depth meets requirement, no bulge or crack. All lamps light up properly. Windshield without crack. Bulged or cracked tyres are major defects. Small stone pits on glass are minor defects.
7. Interior and safety components【Major】
Seat‑belt locking function works. No SRS air‑bag warning light. Look for flood or fire residue inside cabin. Test power windows, air‑con, central control and other electric accessories.
8. Markings and on‑board accessories
Vehicle nameplate remains intact. Count spare tools, warning triangle and other supplied parts.
Lot decision
- Lot is rejected once any critical defect is found.
- Accept or reject lot according to AQL‑2.5 for major defects and AQL‑4.0 for minor defects when sample exceeds allowable number of defects.
