When it comes to cross-country auto transport, preparing your car for a long journey is essential to ensure it arrives safely and in the same condition as when it was picked up. Whether you’re relocating, selling a vehicle, or sending your car to a distant destination, taking the necessary steps to get your vehicle ready for transport will help prevent any issues during shipping. Here’s how to prepare your car for long-distance shipping and make the process as smooth as possible.
1. Clean Your Car Inside and Out
Before shipping your car, it’s important to give it a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. A clean car makes it easier to identify any pre-existing damage, such as scratches, dents, or chips, before it’s handed over to the transport company. This helps in creating an accurate condition report, which can be referenced if any new damage occurs during vehicle shipping.
Additionally, remove any personal items from the interior. Auto transport companies typically prohibit personal belongings inside the vehicle, as they can shift during transit and cause damage. Plus, it ensures that nothing valuable is lost or damaged during the journey.
2. Document the Condition of Your Vehicle
Once your car is clean, take the time to thoroughly inspect it and document its current condition. Take clear photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any existing scratches, dents, or other imperfections. This visual record will be useful for comparison once your vehicle is delivered, allowing you to quickly identify any changes.
Be sure to provide the transport company with a copy of your inspection report to ensure everyone is on the same page about the car’s condition before the trip begins.
3. Check for Mechanical Issues
Although your car won’t be driven during the transport process (except for loading and unloading), it’s still important to check for any mechanical issues beforehand. This includes:
- Checking the battery to ensure it’s fully charged.
- Checking the tire pressure to make sure all tires are properly inflated.
- Inspecting for any fluid leaks, such as oil, coolant, or brake fluid.
Address any mechanical issues before the car is shipped to avoid complications during the loading and unloading process.
4. Disable the Alarm System
If your car is equipped with an alarm system, make sure to disable it before handing the vehicle over to the transport company. An active alarm could go off unexpectedly during transit, causing unnecessary disruptions. If the alarm can’t be fully disabled, make sure the transport company has clear instructions on how to deactivate it if necessary.
5. Reduce the Fuel Level
When preparing your car for long-distance shipping, it’s best to leave the fuel tank about one-quarter full. While you want enough gas to drive the car on and off the transport truck, having too much fuel adds unnecessary weight to the vehicle, which could increase shipping costs. A quarter tank is the ideal balance—sufficient for loading and unloading but not too much to affect the overall weight of the car.
6. Remove Custom Accessories and External Attachments
To avoid damage during transport, remove any external accessories or attachments from your car. This includes items like roof racks, spoilers, and custom antennas. These items can be particularly vulnerable to damage when loading or unloading the vehicle, so it’s best to remove them before shipping.
If you have custom or aftermarket modifications that cannot be removed, make sure they are securely fastened to the vehicle to prevent any movement during the journey.
7. Ensure Proper Insurance Coverage
Most cross-country auto transport companies offer insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit. However, it’s always a good idea to review the level of coverage they provide and determine if it’s enough to cover the full value of your vehicle. If your car is particularly valuable or you’re concerned about potential damage, you may want to purchase additional insurance for extra protection.
Before shipping, ask the transport company for a copy of their insurance policy and clarify any questions you may have about claims in the event of damage.
8. Provide Important Information to the Transport Company
Before the shipment, communicate any specific instructions to the transport company. This may include special handling requirements for luxury or classic cars, information about how to operate custom features, or details about your preferred pick-up and drop-off locations. Clear communication helps ensure that your vehicle is handled correctly throughout the shipping process.
Preparing your car for long-distance shipping is essential to ensuring a smooth and trouble-free transport experience. From cleaning and inspecting your vehicle to disabling the alarm and ensuring proper insurance coverage, these simple steps can help protect your vehicle during cross-country auto transport. Taking the time to get your car ready will give you peace of mind, knowing that it will arrive at its destination in top condition. Search for insurance that is right for your needs.