Preparing Your Car for Transportation
If you’re moving, bringing your child home from college, or going on an extended vacation, you may want to consider transporting your car. There are a ton of things to consider when deciding which auto shipping company to use, you want to make sure your vehicle is delivered safely. It’s important to remember than less than 5% of vehicles transported sustain any measurable damage. To make your transport process as easy as possible, and minimize any risk associated with transporting, take a look at our tips below on how to prepare your vehicle for shipping.
Inspect Your Car Before Shipping
Take the time to check your vehicle for any pre-existing damage. Take a few pictures of the outside of your car from various angles, make a written record of any dents, scratches, chips, or other cosmetic damage. Date the photographs you take and verify the transport company you choose makes an official note into your personal records.
Remove Any Personal Items
It’s a good idea to clean the interior of your vehicle before transport, remove any lose change, receipts, garbage and most importantly, any valuable items. Remember, your vehicle will be inspected, loaded and unloaded numerous times while being transported, which means it will most likely be unlocked while traveling. You can decrease the risk of threat by removing any valuables before hand.
Remember your transporter may refuse transport if your car is packed with personal belongings, as it’s the transporter’s responsibility to deliver your vehicle, not move personal items. Keep in mind packing your car may seem like an easy way to get your stuff to your destination, but cramming in with suitcases and boxes will effect the weight, resulting in penalties.
Auto transporting companies will not cover any personal items damaged or stolen inside your vehicle, these items may shift while traveling, causing damage to your vehicle and valuables.
Prepare Your Car for Transport
While your car won’t be driven during transport, it still should be in good driving condition. Inoperable vehicles can be shipped, but you must let your transporter know in advanced so they may properly prepare. Mechanical issues can cause unforeseen delays and damages, you should perform a maintenance check prior to shipping your vehicle. Take a look at the list below:
- Check the battery has a full charge and that the tires are properly inflated.
- Top off all fluids in the car.
- Run down your gas tank to a quarter or eighth full. An almost empty tank will save weight and help keep your shipment moving along quickly.
- Keep an eye on the vehicle for a few weeks prior to shipment. If there are any leaks or mechanical problems make sure the driver knows. Vehicles with leaks should never be placed on the top rack of a multi-car carrier because they can drip on the vehicles below.
- Document mechanical problems and write down any special steps needed to drive your car on and off the trailer (including problems starting or stopping your car). Give these instructions to your driver.
Prepare for on and off loading
Prepare your car for an easy loading and offloading process. Remember, the more prepared you are for shipment, the more likely it will arrive on time and without damage. Fold back mirrors and retract antennas, specialty items such as spoilers or fog lights should be secured or removed. If you have a convertible, be sure the top is secure to avoid damage from air, moisture, or debris. If you can’t secure the top, add a wind resistant tarp for extra protection. Lastly, disable your car alarm, if you can not provide the company with instructions on how to turn off the alarm in case it’s triggered.
Remove Toll Tags & Parking Passes
Remove toll tags or parking passes from your car, these items could be charged continually on the way to your vehicles destination. Furthermore, they are valuable and could be targeted for theft.
Be Careful About Extra Weight
You’ll want to be extra careful about adding any additional weight inside of your vehicle. Depending on the transport company you choose, you may have up to 100 pounds of extra weight, which is equivalent to about two suit cases. Remember, we do not recommend you keep any valuables in your vehicle. Keep in mind the carrier is only responsible for your vehicle, and not for any additional items you have confined to your trunk.
Lastly, if you can not be present at either end, make arrangements with a responsible person to be there on your behalf. By following the basic guidelines above, your auto transport should run smoothly!
For all of your auto transporting needs, call the experts at Auto Transport 123! Call us today for a free quote and get started on your auto transport today!