<p>The walkaround check is the cheapest safety system a fleet has. It takes two minutes, catches most roadside failures before they happen, and gives you a dated record that the vehicle was fit for use.</p> <h2>What the driver looks at</h2> <ul> <li>Tyres: tread, pressure by eye, cuts, bulges and anything embedded</li> <li>Lights and indicators, including brake lights and reversing lamps</li> <li>Mirrors, glass, wipers and washer fluid</li> <li>Fluid leaks under the vehicle overnight</li> <li>Bodywork: new damage, loose panels, insecure doors and the load area</li> <li>Number plates clean and readable, and any livery undamaged</li> <li>Inside: brake feel, warning lights, horn, seatbelts and the handbrake</li> </ul> <h2>Reporting defects</h2> <p>Every check needs a result, including nil defect. A defect report should say what, where and when, with a photo if possible, and go to one named person who decides whether the vehicle stays in service. Drivers stop reporting when nothing happens, so close the loop visibly.</p> <h2>Making it stick</h2> <ul> <li>Keep it to one page or one phone screen. Long forms get ticked without looking.</li> <li>Tie it to something drivers already do, like collecting keys.</li> <li>Spot check a handful each month and thank people who find things.</li> <li>Never punish a driver for reporting damage. You want to hear about it early.</li> </ul> <h2>New damage found?</h2> <p>Photograph it the day it appears and get an estimate straight away. Fresh scuffs and dents are usually a SMART repair; the same damage six months and one car wash later can mean a full panel refinish.</p> <p>Grab our <a href="/fleet-checklists">free driver walkaround checklist</a> or <a href="/find-repairer">find your nearest repair centre</a>.</p>