The Three-Point Inspection
The standard for excess wear and use is set forth in your lease. Mercedes-Benz Financial's unique Three-Point Inspection process helps you understand how many of the important components of excess wear and use are assessed to determine the condition of your vehicle. The Three-Point Inspection is:
1. Credit Card Test
Generally, if exterior and interior damage cannot be seen when placing a credit card over it, then it "passes the test" and you will not be charged. The Credit Card Test does not apply to windshields, lights, wheels, tires, exterior cracks, gouges, collective damage or holes in the sheet metal or frame, or other major damage outside of ordinary wear and use.
What is considered damage when inspecting your vehicle's exterior and interior:
Any scratch through the paint larger than the size of a credit card (Scratches that do not go through the paint pass The Credit Card Test, regardless of Size)
Any dent that is larger than the size of a credit card
Any damaged safety items regardless of size (e.g., torn seats)
Collective damage that is caused by a single event, regardless of size (e.g., hail damage)
Any holes, cracks, gouges, tears, or cuts in the sheet metal
Any tears to the interior larger than a credit card
2. Windshield, Lights, Wheels and Tires
A quick visual check of these areas can also help take the guesswork out of the damage assessment process.
What is considered damage when inspecting your vehicle's windshield, lights, wheels, and tires:
Wheels that are cracked or bent
Wheels that are not those originally equipped with the vehicle
Tires that are the incorrect size, have sidewall damage, or exposed cords
Glass and lights that have cracks, stars, holes, or plugs. Glass repair is not acceptable.
3. Missing Items
Check for the original equipment and verify that scheduled maintenance is up to date.
What items must be turned in with your vehicle:
Maintenance book
Owner's manual
Second set of keys
Removable CD disc changers
DVD system
Navigation system disks
Headrests
Toolkit
Spare tire
To be sure your driving experience is safe, as well as pleasurable, anything that makes your vehicle unsafe or unlawful to operate is also considered damage. This is in your lease agreement as well.
Your 90 day to maturity package contains complete guidelines for chargeable damage.
Check it out before turning it in. Contact your Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule an optional Vehicle Condition Review to prepare for your lease-end inspection.
