4 min read

Tesla Delivery Checklist

Your brand new Tesla is almost here! Make sure you have my thorough checklist with you during your delivery appointment to ensure you don't forget areas of your new EV.
Tesla Delivery Checklist

My delivery checklist is also available as a downloadable PDF. Click the button below to download it for FREE!


Initial Checks

[ ] VIN confirmation
[ ] Paint confirmation
[ ] Interior confirmation
[ ] Wheel/Rim confirmation
[ ] Accesories

This seems like a very straight forward thing to check, but you'd be surprised. Make sure the vehicle they are delivering to you matches the one that you ordered, to include the VIN.

Make sure you check for your included accessories such as your mobile charger and J1772 adapter.


Exterior

[ ] Panel Gaps
[ ] Paint imperfections
[ ] Lights On/Off
[ ] Turn Signals (Left, Right, & Emergency button)
[ ] Brake Lights
[ ] Fog Lights (if equipped)
[ ] Windshield
[ ] Roof Glass
[ ] All Cameras
[ ] Wheels/Rims
[ ] Charge Door

Go around the outside of the vehicle and ensure all panel gaps are uniform and even. Ensure there are no areas that rub together and/or are too far apart. You also want to check the paint for any imperfections, scratches, or dents.

You also want to go around and test all lights to ensure they operate as they should (you will need someone to help with this). Also ensure there is no condensation inside any of the lights.

Check the roof glass & windshield to ensure there are no cracks or damage. You may also want to check to ensure it is properly tinted by the factory and properly aligned to ensure there will be no wind noise or water leaks.

Ensure that all cameras on the vehicle operate and are free of any scratches or defects (ensure there is no tint to the image as well).

Finish off by checking all wheels and tires to ensure there is no curb rash or other damage before you even take delivery.


Doors/Windows

[ ] Front Driver door
[ ] Front Drivers door window
[ ] Rear Driver door
[ ] Rear Drivers door window
[ ] Front Passenger door
[ ] Front Passenger door window
[ ] Rear Passenger door
[ ] Rear Passenger door window
[ ] Trunk
[ ] Frunk
[ ] Electrical & Mechanical door releases

Make sure you check all doors and windows to ensure they open and close as they should. Ensure the seals on all windows and doors are also secure and free of any tears. It is also important to ensure all the windows property open and close as they should, to include when closing the doors. Don't forget to check the electrical and mechanical door releases on all 4 doors!


Seats

[ ] Driver Seat
[ ] Passenger Seat
[ ] Rear Seat
[ ] Heated Seats
[ ] Ventilated Seats
[ ] Auto Seat Controls

Make sure you sit in each seat and make sure the material is within your standards. Also ensure you test out the heated and ventilated seats (where equipped). And finally ensure all automatic seat controls are tested to include lumbar support.


Technology

[ ] Main Screen
[ ] Rear Screen (if equipped)
[ ] Key Cards Connect
[ ] Bluetooth Connects to Phone
[ ] Stereo / Speakers
[ ] Sentry Mode (ensure you have USB stick)
[ ] Check Wireless Phone Charger
[ ] Check USB C outlets
[ ] Ensure Tesla App shows vehicle
[ ] Memory Positions
[ ] Windshield Wipers

Make sure the main screen turns on and doesn't have any scratches or imperfections. Ensure the screen has no dead pixels or areas that don't match the rest of the screen.

Take your time to connect the BOTH key cards, and connect your phone via Bluetooth to confirm there are no issues there.

Turn on the stereo and move the audio around the vehicle to confirm that all speakers work without any crackling or static.

Don't forget to open the glove box to make sure the USB stick is present and installed, and change the setting to turn on Sentry mode. Make sure you test out the wireless phone chargers and all USB-C outlets in the vehicle.

Open up your Tesla app and make sure your vehicle shows on your account. You should even test out the phone key to lock/unlock the vehicle.

Finally, set some memory positions for driver profiles (seats, steering wheel, mirrors) and make sure they adjust without squeaks or issues.


Steering Wheel

[ ] Leather Wrapping/Stitching
[ ] Scroll Wheels
[ ] Buttons
[ ] Horn

Make sure you test that steering wheel out as well. You want to confirm it doesn't make any squeaks or rattles while turning, that the leather/stitching is good, and the buttons and scroll wheels work. Finish off by testing out that horn!

PRO TIP: Make sure you hold both scroll wheels down for approximately 5 seconds to see if it resets the main screen.


HVAC

[ ] A/C
[ ] Heat
[ ] Front Vents
[ ] Rear Vents

This portion should be pretty quick. Turn on the A/C and heat and ensure that it goes to both extremes. Make sure you can move the vents where you need.


Other Interior

[ ] Ambient Lighting
[ ] Visors / Visor lights
[ ] Rear view mirror

Let's quickly check the interior lighting of the vehicle. Ensure all door ambient lights work properly, and the visor lights turn on/off. Confirm the rear view mirror can be adjusted without issue.


Final Checks

[ ] Ensure no warnings on the car prior to leaving
[ ] Ensure your battery is at or very near the range advertised at 100%
[ ] Ensure you remove that big smile as you leave the delivery center

You are done! Make sure that there are no errors on the screen and your battery is near the advertised range at 100% prior to leaving. And then try your best to hide that smile as you drive off. Enjoy your vehicle!