Live Agents Available!
Need your car shipped from your old home to the new one? You’ll have to enlist the help of an auto transport company for that. With an auto transport company, your vehicle is securely loaded onto a carrying truck and transported to its destination. Keep in mind that there are various methods of transport and at the request of the customer. You can check out the different styles of transport here.
However, if you want your vehicle to arrive as expected, the key component is in the preparation. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of steps you should follow before transport.
#1. Wash your car
You may be wondering why since it’ll be on a trailer for days. But the fact is, dings, scratches, and dents are easily masked under dirt and debris. So, wash your car thoroughly. Not to mention, with a clean car, you’ll be able to spot any damages accumulated while in transit.
#2. Clean the interior of the car
Also, because vehicles tend to shift a bit during transport, it is best to clean the inside of the car, as well as remove anything that is not fastened. From air fresheners, spare change, and everything in between. Additionally, you should remove all electronics and cables/chargers, too.
#3. Deactivate the alarm
This task may seem apparent, but you’ll be surprised by the number of customers who do not. In the unfortunate event that your vehicle’s alarm goes off, the carrier will be forced to turn it off by any means necessary. So, do you and the driver both a favor, and just disable your alarm beforehand.
#4. No need for gas
Furthermore, there is no need to gas up as your vehicle is being delivered by a carrier, and not driven. Not to mention, a full gas tank increases the vehicle’s weight. And, additional weight can lead to risks. Therefore, leave as little fuel in the tank as possible.
#5. Check for leaks
Moreover, you should inspect the vehicle’s undercarriage for any possible leaks. You wouldn’t want it dripping oil or fluids all over the cars below it, or vice versa. Besides, a shipping company might even refuse service altogether if a leak is presented. So, if you spot one, get it fixed!
#6. Check tire pressure
Additionally, tires that are incorrectly inflated only increase the risk of more damage to the tire.
During loading and unloading is where most tire damage can occur. However, if you check your tire pressure prior to transport, you won’t have this problem.
#7. Remove custom accessories
Also, be sure to remove any custom parts or fixtures to prevent the risk of anything breaking during transport.
#8. Lock the vehicle
Last, but not least…lock everything! Not only does this reduce the risk of burglary, but once your vehicle is loaded onto the carrier, there really is no reason for it to be opened until it is delivered to its destination.
