RAC Preparation Standards

RAC Preparation Standards

RAC Approved - Vehicle Preparation Standard

The vehicle has been prepared to ensure that the following items/parts/functionality are in correct working order.

1.Vehicle History

  • VIN inspection
  • Vehicle history report obtained
  • Scheduled maintenance performed (inc timing belt)
  • Current MOT certificate (if applicable)
    • 2.Road Test

      • Cruise control (if applicable)
      • Satisfactory starting, general performance and behaviour of the vehicle
      • Particular attention to the operation of clutch, transmission, steering, suspension and brakes including A.B.S.
      • Ensure there are no abnormal noises
      • There are no visual fluid leaks after road test
      • Gauges operate property
      • Check battery and starter motor start engine with ease from both hot and cold
      • Check to ensure no excessive visual emissions from exhaust
      • Check hot-starting and ensure no evidence of over-heating
      • Check no stored faults on the OBD
      • Ensure correct operation and efficiency of the parking brake

      3.Vehicle Exterior

      • No dents or scratches visible to the eye from a distance of 2m
      • Windscreen free from any damage that would exclude the vehicle from an MOT test
      • Ensure there are no signs of bodywork corrosion
      • Operation and condition of exterior mirrors
      • Ensure all structural body repairs/accident damage have been repaired using manufacturer approved methods
      • Ensure correct body panel fitting and alignment
      • Operation of fuel filler system including petrol caps and lever release system
      • Operation of bonnet catch, safety catch, hinges, tailgate supports
      • Operation of door Locks and central locking including child safety locks
      • Ensure exterior trim for security and correct fitment

      4.Vehicle Interior

      • Operation of door windows (manual/electric)
      • Operation of all exterior Lighting equipment and respective control lights and cluster illumination operation of wipers and washers
      • Operation of convertible roof mechanism (if applicable) visual check of correct SRS functionality
      • All warning lights operate correctly
      • Operation of audio and alarm systems
      • Operation of navigation system (if applicable)
      • Operation of air-conditioning, heating and demist systems operation of instruments, gauges and controls
      • Operation of all internal equipment (eg cigarette lighters, sun visors, arms rests etc)
      • Operation of visual and audible driver warning systems operation of parking assistance systems (if applicable) all drive pedals operate correctly
      • Ensure no evidence of water ingress
      • Operation and condition of seatbelts / mountings
      • Security of seat mountings, head rests and seat adjustment mechanism
      • 301655 RAC Approved preparation standard insert 0513 v operation of interior lights
      • Operation of rear view mirror /sun visors
      • Operation and condition of sunroof mechanism(if applicable)
      • Ensure correct operation of parcel shelf
      • Ensure interior trim / dashboard for tears, holes, burns or excessive soiling

      5.Road Wheels & Tyre Check

      • Ensure vehicle jack, tool kit, locking wheel nut and safety equipment
      • Ensure minimum tread depth of 3mm across all tyres including spare (if applicable)
      • Ensure road wheels are free from distortion, gouges or visible cracking
      • Ensure tyres are free from cuts, bulges and inappropriate repairs
      • Ensure no evidence of uneven tyre wear or casing damage

      6.Engine Compartment

      • Check engine oil for correct level and dipstick oil sample is free from contamination
      • Ensure coolant antifreeze content, and ensure system is free of visual contamination
      • Check vehicles charging system for minimum output
      • Ensure correct gearbox fluid levels, manual or automatic (where applicable)
      • Check to ensure all fluid levels; e.g. brake, clutch, power steering, washer reservoir and battery (including security)
      • Auxiliary drive belts, condition and tension
      • Engine mountings for security and condition
      • Wiring, pipes, hoses, oil and fuel feed lines for routing; are free from damage, chafing and leaks (where visible)
      • Free from fluid leaks
      • Condition of cooling system radiator and engine oil cooler /inter cooler are free from damage or excessive corrosion
      • No evident undue engine noise
      • For hybrid vehicles only:
      • Operation of hybrid cooling system
      • Switchable power-train mount
      • Hybrid entertainment and information display

      7.Underbody

      • Exhaust condition and mountings
      • Clamps and security
      • Ensure no evidence of fluid or exhaust leaks
      • Catalytic Converter
      • Operation and condition of steering for leaks and security
      • Tie rod ends, CV boots and rack boots condition
      • Front and rear suspension
      • No visual evidence of faults to braking components
      • Ensure brake pads have a minimum of 50% material remaining
      • Check underbody for excess corrosion and ensure that the chassis is free from extensive structural repairs
      • Ensure transmission / driveshaft is secure and free from excessive free-play

      8.Convenience

      • Fully cleaned and valeted vehicles
      • Owners guide
      • Keys and remote fobs
      • Service history (if applicable)
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