Shipping your vehicle over a long distance requires careful preparation to ensure it arrives safely and in good condition. Whether you’re moving across the country or purchasing a car from a different state, following these steps will help you prepare your vehicle for its journey.
- Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly
Exterior Cleaning
Start by washing your car’s exterior. A clean vehicle makes it easier to identify any pre-existing damage such as scratches, dents, or paint chips.
Interior Cleaning
Clean the interior as well. Remove all personal items and valuables. Auto shipping companies generally prohibit personal belongings inside the vehicle during transport for safety and insurance reasons.
- Document Your Vehicle’s Condition
Take Photos
Take clear, high-resolution photos of your vehicle from multiple angles. Ensure you capture close-up shots of any existing damage. These photos will serve as a record of your vehicle’s pre-shipping condition.
Written Documentation
Make a written note of any existing damages, including dents, scratches, and other blemishes. Share this documentation with the shipping company and keep a copy for yourself.
- Perform Necessary Maintenance
Check for Leaks
Inspect your vehicle for any fluid leaks. Address any issues beforehand to prevent them from worsening during transit.
Battery and Fluids
Ensure your battery is fully charged and that all fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.) are topped off. This is important for the overall health of your vehicle and ensures it is in good running condition.
Tire Pressure
Check that your tires are properly inflated. Proper tire pressure is crucial for the safe handling of your vehicle during loading and unloading.
- Disable Alarms and Secure Loose Parts
Turn Off Alarms
Disable any car alarms to prevent them from going off during transport. This helps avoid unnecessary interruptions and potential battery drain.
Secure Loose Parts
Remove or secure any loose parts or accessories, such as spoilers, antennas, or custom add-ons. If possible, retract antennas and fold in side mirrors to minimize the risk of damage.
- Fuel Level and Personal Items
Fuel Level
Keep your fuel tank around one-quarter full. A full tank is unnecessary and adds extra weight, while too little fuel could be problematic for loading and unloading.
Remove Personal Items
As mentioned earlier, remove all personal items from your vehicle. Auto shipping companies are not responsible for any lost or damaged belongings left inside the car.
- Prepare for Pickup and Delivery
Spare Key
Provide the shipping company with a spare key. This allows the transport driver to move your vehicle if necessary without using your main set of keys.
Confirm Details
Double-check all pickup and delivery details with the shipping company. Ensure that addresses, contact information, and any special instructions are clear and confirmed.
Conclusion
Preparing your vehicle for long-distance shipping involves a thorough cleaning, detailed documentation of its condition, necessary maintenance checks, and securing loose parts. By following these steps, you can ensure that your vehicle is ready for transport and will arrive at its destination safely. Proper preparation not only protects your car but also provides peace of mind during the shipping process.
FAQs
- Why should I clean my car before shipping?
Cleaning your car makes it easier to inspect and document its condition, ensuring any pre-existing damage is clearly noted before transport.
- Can I leave personal items in my car during shipping?
No, it’s recommended to remove all personal items as they are not covered by the shipping company’s insurance and could cause delays or damage.
- How do I document my car’s condition before shipping?
Take high-resolution photos from multiple angles and make detailed written notes of any existing damage. Share this documentation with the shipping company.
- What maintenance should I perform before shipping my car?
Check for leaks, ensure the battery is charged, fluids are topped off, and tires are properly inflated. Disable alarms and secure any loose parts.
- How much fuel should be in my car during shipping?
Keep the fuel tank about one-quarter full. This is enough for loading and unloading while avoiding unnecessary weight.
