How to Do an AI Walkaround on Carsido
How to run an AI walkaround on Carsido: the four required exterior angles, the optional engine-bay and dashboard shots, and the tips that make each readable.
Before you start
- Good light. Daylight or a well-lit area. Avoid harsh shadows and direct glare on the paint.
- Stand back. Get the whole panel or the whole car in frame — don't crop.
- Clean-ish helps. A quick wipe-down means the AI sees the car, not the dust.
- Engine running for the dashboard shot so the warning lights are visible.
The shots to take
The four exterior angles are required; the rest are optional but make the report a lot more useful. For each one, here's what it's for — and a sample photo to match.
Front of the carRequiredStand back so the whole front is in frame.
Passenger sideRequiredFull side profile, the whole car.
Rear of the carRequiredWhole rear with the plate visible — catches bumper scratches.
Driver sideRequiredFull side profile, the whole car.
Open engine bayOptionalHood up, the whole bay — checks for major leaks or missing caps.📷Sample photo coming soonwalkaround/interior.jpgDriver's seat / interiorOptionalSeats and under the dash — checks for tears and heavy wear.
Dashboard (ignition ON)OptionalEngine running, so warning lights and mileage are visible.📷Sample photo coming soonwalkaround/odometer.jpgOdometerOptionalClose-up, digits readable.📷Sample photo coming soonwalkaround/vin-plate.jpgVIN plateOptionalWindshield base or the driver door jamb.
Tips for photos the AI can actually read
- Hold the phone steady — a blurry photo gets rejected by the completeness check.
- One subject per shot. The "front" photo should be mostly the front of the car.
- For the odometer and VIN plate, get close enough that the digits are sharp and readable.
- Shoot the dashboard with the ignition ON (engine running) so any warning lights show.
What the walkaround does — and doesn't do
The AI summarizes visible condition: panel damage, obvious leaks or missing caps, interior wear, warning lights, and whether the basic angles are covered. It is not a mechanical or pre-purchase inspection — it can't tell you about engine internals, transmission health, or anything under the surface. For that, book a Carsido Certified mechanic. The walkaround complements your Verified Report; it doesn't replace a wrench.