What this checklist covers
A body and paint shop earns its reputation one repair at a time: an accurate estimate, a repair done to the manufacturer’s method, paint that matches, and a car returned clean and on time. This checklist covers the shop from reception to delivery, including the paint booth and the safety controls that come with paint and solvents.
The Body and Paint Checklist for Dealerships is a 15-point scorecard for bodyshop facility, equipment, workflow control, and customer handling. Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5 on what the auditor sees on the day, and every gap goes into an action plan with an owner and a close date.
AutoSmart tip: Body & Paint audits should include a live walkthrough of the paint booth, mixing room, and preparation area — not just a document review. Light intensity, filter condition, and equipment operability can only be reliably assessed in person. Ask to see the last three maintenance records for the paint booth and frame aligner.
The checks
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Paint facility and equipment
- Is the paint booth clean, with regular maintenance and documented light intensity of 1000 lux?
- Are the filters not clogged, and is regular replacement done as per the manufacturer's recommendations, with records available?
- Is there an air-conditioning system, proper ventilation, and a test spray cabin available in the colour mixing room, and is the minimum light intensity in the area 1500 lux, or is colour matching light being used?
- Is spray gun cleaning equipment available, properly maintained, and used in accordance with environmental and safety guidelines?
- Is a dust extraction or vacuum system available in the sanding and preparation area, and is it maintained in working condition?
Body repair equipment
- Is the frame aligner (floor type or bench type) available, free from defects, damages, and oil leaks, and in good working condition?
- Is the body measurement tool available and fully functional?
- Is the gas shielded arc welding machine available and being used as required?
Process and workflow control
- Is there a clear SOP available that explains the step-by-step process of body and paint operations, and are all staff members well aware of the SOP (verified by checking with 2 or 3 staff members)?
- Is there a process control board (or digital tool) available to control the workflow, is it being properly used and updated in a timely manner, and is there a document control board available to manage the document flow?
- Is the back order managed using a control board or digital tool, and can all current back orders be tracked from the board or tool?
- Is cycle time per job tracked and reviewed — i.e., is estimated vs. actual repair time recorded and used to improve workshop scheduling? CUSTOMER & QUALITY HANDLING
- Does the Bodyshop Advisor check and confirm all required documents (e.g., insurance, accident report, vehicle registration, etc.) with the customer as per local regulations, and clearly explain the approval and repair procedure for insurance jobs?
- Is a pre-delivery quality inspection checklist completed for every Body & Paint job before vehicle return to the customer, with the signed checklist retained on file?
- Is the customer kept informed of repair progress at defined intervals, and is a final walkthrough conducted with the customer upon vehicle collection to confirm satisfaction before sign-off?
How to run it
How the scoring works
Before the visit, fill in the dealer or centre, the auditor, the date and the audit cycle. Then score each of the 15 checks from 1 to 5 on what you see on the day, not on what the site aims for, and add them up out of 75.
- 1Not in place
- 2Attempted
- 3Defined
- 4Managed
- 5Fully sustained
- Green60–75 · 80–100%Compliant. Keep the standard.
- Amber38–59 · 50–79%Improvement needed: a structured action plan within 30 days.
- Red0–37 · Below 50%Priority intervention, escalated to regional management.
Then close every gap
Each gap goes into the action plan tracker and moves through four stages until the auditor closes it.
- 1PendingOwner and close date set
- 2In progressWork under way, evidence gathered
- 3CompletedEvidence submitted for review
- 4ApprovedVerified and closed by the auditor
Questions about this checklist
What does a body shop audit look at first?
Whether repairs follow the manufacturer’s methods and whether quality is checked and signed off before delivery.
Does this cover BS 10125?
It overlaps. For UK repairers preparing for BS 10125 or the Kitemark, use the BS 10125 checklist as well.
Is there a guide on body repair quality control?
Yes: see our guide to auto body repair quality control, linked below.
