Tyres
Record outer, centre and inner tread depths, tyre condition, pressure observations and the wheel position.
PRACTICAL VHC GUIDE
A vehicle health check checklist built around the workshop
A useful VHC follows the order in which a technician can reach each area of the vehicle, records measurements as well as condition, and makes every advisory or urgent finding clear to the customer.
01
Start with the vehicle at ground level
Confirm the registration, make and model, mileage, inspection date and technician before recording any findings. Note the customer or booking concern separately so it does not become an inspection result by mistake.
Begin under the bonnet with visible fluid levels and leaks, battery condition, belts, hoses, washer operation and bonnet, door and boot latches. At this stage the technician can also record anything that needs a closer look once the vehicle is raised.
02
Use the middle-height ramp position for wheels, tyres and brakes
Keep measurements next to the exact corner or component inspected.
Wheels and fixings
Note visible wheel damage, missing or damaged fixings and whether the locking-wheel key is present.
Brakes
Enter measured front and rear pad thickness, disc condition and rear shoe condition where shoes are fitted.
Springs and suspension
Inspect visible springs, dampers, joints, bushes and wheel-bearing condition while the wheels are accessible.
03
Continue at full height with the underside
Inspect the underbody in a consistent direction so no area is skipped. Typical checks cover steering components, brake pipes and hoses, exhaust condition and mountings, engine and gearbox leaks, driveshafts, fuel system, structural corrosion and undertrays.
If an area cannot be inspected, record it as not inspected with a reason. A pass should mean the item was actually checked and no defect was found at the time of inspection.
04
Finish with exterior, road-test and interior checks
The final stage brings together driver-facing and handover items.
Lights and visibility
Check the combined exterior lighting set, lenses, washers, wipers, mirrors, glass and number plates.
Body and access
Record panel, trim, door, lock, latch, bonnet and boot operation with the affected position identified.
Controls and warnings
Check warning lamps, horn, heating and ventilation, windows, central locking and other fitted controls.
Safety and final observations
Inspect restraints and seatbelts, record the road-test outcome where applicable and add any final evidence.
05
Record enough information to support the result
A traffic-light colour alone is not a diagnosis. For each fault, identify the component and position, describe the condition, add the measured value where relevant and attach a clear photograph when it helps explain the recommendation. More than one fault may be needed against a single checklist item.
Tyre and brake wear percentages are estimates based on the entered new and service-limit values. The technician should retain the actual measurement, check the fitted component and follow manufacturer, legal and workshop guidance when deciding whether work is required.
06
Fast-pass each inspected item without bulk results
Every checklist item has its own Fast pass action. It records no defect found for that item only, leaving every other check untouched. Existing tyre and brake measurements remain in place and can still make the result advisory or urgent.
After review, a dealer VHC moves to preparation-job completion and the buyer PDI. An enabled garage customer VHC can instead price relevant repairs, share a customer report and track authorised work.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions about a vehicle health check checklist built around the workshop
What should a vehicle health check include?
A VHC normally records vehicle identity, under-bonnet condition, tyres and wheels, brakes, suspension, the underside, exterior lighting and visibility, body access, interior controls and safety items. The exact checklist should match the vehicle, business and work being performed.
Is a vehicle health check the same as an MOT?
No. A VHC is a workshop inspection and communication record. It does not replace the statutory MOT test, an MOT certificate or manufacturer servicing requirements.
How should tyre tread be recorded?
Record the measured tread depth in millimetres at the relevant outer, centre and inner positions for each tyre. Keep the measurements visible even when software also shows an estimated wear percentage or traffic-light result.
How should brake-pad wear be calculated?
Use the measured friction-material thickness together with a suitable new-thickness and replacement-limit value for the fitted pad. Dealer VHC provides editable defaults because front and rear pads and vehicle applications vary.
Can a dealership create its own VHC checklist?
Yes. A dealership can keep selected checks from the supplied library, clear the template completely, and build an ordered checklist entirely from its own custom checks for new VHCs.
What does no defect found mean?
It means the item was inspected and no defect was recorded at that time. It should not be used for an item that was inaccessible or not checked; those items should be marked not inspected with a reason.
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