Transporting your car, whether for a move, a sale, or any other reason, requires careful preparation to ensure it arrives at its destination in the same condition it left. Properly preparing your vehicle can prevent potential damage and minimize any risks during the transport process. Here’s a handy checklist to guide you through the essential steps to prep your car for safe transport.

Choosing the Right Shipping Company

Selecting a reliable shipping company is a crucial step in ensuring your car’s safe transport. Look into Shiply car shipping services to find the types of companies you should be dealing with. Not all companies offer the same level of service or protection, so it’s important to do thorough research before making a choice. Consider the following:

  • Check reviews and ratings
  • Insurance coverage
  • Get multiple quotes
  • Carrier type

1. Clean Your Car Inside and Out

Start by thoroughly cleaning both the exterior and interior of your car. A clean exterior allows you to easily spot any pre-existing damage, such as scratches, dents, or paint chips, that might otherwise go unnoticed. This step is important because it helps you document the car’s condition before transport.

Don’t forget to clean the interior as well. Remove all personal belongings and any loose items, as these can move around during transit and cause damage. Additionally, emptying your car of unnecessary items reduces its overall weight, which may help lower shipping costs.

2. Document Your Car’s Condition

Once your car is clean, take the time to document its current condition. Take clear, high-resolution photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any existing damage. You should also write down a description of your car’s condition, noting any dents, scratches, or mechanical issues. Make sure to date the documentation and store it somewhere safe.

Having detailed records of your car’s condition before transport will be helpful in case you need to file a claim for any damage that may occur during transit.

3. Remove Personal Items and Accessories

While it may be convenient to leave items in your car during transport, doing so is not advisable. Remove all personal items, including GPS devices, chargers, toll passes, and other electronics. Also, take out any accessories like roof racks, bike racks, or custom spoilers if they’re detachable. Not only can these items become damaged during transit, but they could also shift inside the vehicle, causing damage to the car itself.

If you have non-removable parts or accessories, such as a custom antenna, consider securing or protecting them to minimize the risk of damage during shipping.

4. Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues

Before handing your car over to a transport service, inspect it for any leaks or mechanical issues. Any leaks should be fixed, as they could cause problems during transport or damage other vehicles if shipped via an open carrier. Additionally, check your car’s battery, tire pressure, and fluid levels to ensure the vehicle is in good working order.

If your car has any mechanical issues that could impact the transport, such as a problem with the brakes or transmission, make sure to inform the shipping company so they can take the necessary precautions.

5. Reduce Fuel Level

Most auto transport companies recommend that you leave your fuel tank about one-quarter full. This amount is sufficient for driving your car on and off the transport truck but reduces the vehicle’s weight, making it safer and more cost-effective to transport. Having too much fuel can increase the weight of the car and potentially pose a safety risk during shipping.

6. Disable the Alarm System

If your car has an alarm system, make sure to disable it before transport. A triggered alarm can be a major nuisance for the transporters, and it may also drain the car’s battery. In some cases, transport companies may even charge a fee if an alarm repeatedly goes off during shipping.

7. Secure or Fold in Side Mirrors and Antennas

Protect vulnerable parts of your car by securing or folding in side mirrors. If your car has a retractable antenna, make sure to lower it. For fixed antennas, consider wrapping them for protection. This step helps to prevent damage to fragile parts of the vehicle during loading, unloading, and transportation.

8. Lock the Vehicle

Once everything is prepared, the final step is to lock your car. Locking your car adds an extra layer of security, protecting it from potential theft during transit. However, leave the keys with the transport company, as they will need them to move the vehicle on and off the carrier.

Conclusion

Properly prepping your car for safe transport is essential to ensure it arrives at its destination without issues. By following this checklist, you can protect your investment and give yourself peace of mind throughout the transport process.

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