Whether moving across the country or buying a car from a dealership, shipping your vehicle is an essential step in your move. This guide will help you prepare your vehicle for shipping so that it arrives in the same condition it left.
Washing the exterior and cleaning the interior are vital steps before your car is loaded onto the transporter. Scrutinize your vehicle and take photographs of it.
Wash the Exterior
Whether washing your car for a car show or prepping it for shipping, start with a thorough wash. You want your vehicle to be as clean and free of preexisting damage as possible when the truck driver inspects it before loading it on the trailer for transport.
Use quality cleaning products with a low pH balanced car wash shampoo. Also, consider investing in a proper wash mitt and some microfiber cloths to reduce the risk of scratching your vehicle’s exterior.
Also, double-check that all the windows and mirrors are thoroughly cleaned and that your car alarm is disabled (this can tick off a trucker). Take timestamped photos of your clean car for proof in case your vehicle does sustain any damage during transport.
Clean the Interior
When you schedule auto transport, the carrier will conduct a visual inspection before loading your car. If your car is dirty when the driver inspects it, they’ll have difficulty spotting existing damage and writing it down in the bill of lading or vehicle condition report. Vacuum your seats and clean every nook and cranny of the interior. Shampoo carpets, wipe down the dashboard, and remove trash (change, soda cans, pens).
Cleaning your car might seem like an ordinary task to you, but it’s essential when it comes to shipping your vehicle. A dirty car will deteriorate faster, lower its reselling value, and might even cause problems during transportation. It’s best to clean your vehicle regularly to be pristine when you ship it.
Lock Up the Car
Car shipping companies perform a visual inspection before loading your vehicle on their truck. During this inspection, they may record any existing damage. Removing your items from the car before the transport company arrives is essential to avoid paying for unnecessary repair expenses.
Lock your car to reduce the theft risk while your vehicle is being transported. It is crucial to have after-market accessories such as spoilers, fog lights, and other particular components.
Also, leave the car with at least a quarter tank of petrol to be driven onto and off the transport truck. Finally, remember to give the auto transport driver a spare set of keys. You want to keep your location private during the shipment process!
Inspect the Car
If you’re shipping your car, it’s crucial to inspect the vehicle for any existing damage thoroughly. It will help speed up the inspection process at pick up and again at delivery. Performing a visual inspection of your car will make it much easier to spot any scratches, dents, or discolorations already present in the car’s body. It is unlikely that the shipping process will cause any of these issues, but it’s best to be prepared if they are.
Using a digital camera or smartphone to take clear photos of the vehicle and write down any imperfections is a good idea. It will serve as a valuable piece of evidence if you need to file an insurance claim for damages.
Take Photographs
It’s always good to take pictures of the car before handing it over for shipping. These photos are a valuable record and can serve as proof in the rare event that damage occurs during transport. Be sure the photographs are dated, and capture the full car (including the underside, back, and tires) and close-ups of any existing damage.
Also, remember to avoid distracting reflections, like those from nearby cars, signs, and buildings. These reflections are distracting to shoppers and can cause the images to look low-quality.
Remove Accessories
The first thing a car owner needs to do before they turn their vehicle over to a car transportation company is remove any personal items. It includes sunglasses, car chargers, water bottles, and anything not permanently mounted in the vehicle. It also means eliminating loose audio/video/navigation equipment, liquids or pressurized cans, flammable, combustible, hazardous substances, and CB radios.
Loose items in a vehicle can move around during transport on a trailer, which could damage them or cause them to be lost. Remove any customized items or extras from your car, such as pens, cords, spare change, air fresheners, and other accessories. It will decrease the theft risk and save you money on toll fees and parking passes. If the car has a custom alarm, you should disable it before shipping.
Take Notes
As you prepare your vehicle for shipping, take notes of its condition. It will help you keep track of any damages that may occur during the shipping process and give you documentation in case you need to file a claim with your car transport company later on.
Whether moving to a new city, relocating to another base, or sending a loved one off to military duty, sometimes it’s better to skip the long drive and ship your car instead. Working with a reputable auto shipping company will ensure your vehicle gets to its destination safely and on time.
But preparing your vehicle for transportation can feel daunting at first. There are so many steps to remember! But with this helpful guide, you can relax and have a seamless auto transport experience.