1. Research Shipping Options and Choose the Right Service
Before you start preparing your car, it’s essential to decide which shipping service is best for your needs. There are two primary shipping options to consider:
- Door-to-Door Car Shipping: This is one of the most convenient methods of car transport. With door-to-door car shipping, the copyright will pick up your car from your specified location and deliver it directly to your destination. This service is ideal if you want convenience and don’t want to worry about getting your vehicle to a shipping terminal.
- Across Country Car Shipping: If you’re moving to a different state or a different part of the country, across country car shipping is the service for you. You’ll need to work with a company that specializes in long-distance transportation. While door-to-door service can be used for across-country moves, it's worth noting that sometimes pick-up or delivery may be limited to specific locations, depending on your address.
After selecting your shipping method, the next step is to prepare your vehicle for transit.
2. Clean Your Car Thoroughly
Cleaning your car before shipping it is essential for two main reasons: it allows for a clear inspection of the vehicle’s condition, and it helps to prevent dirt and debris from causing scratches or damage during the shipping process. A clean car also helps the driver to take accurate photos and note any pre-existing damage, which is vital for insurance purposes.
- Wash the exterior: Clean your car’s exterior to remove dirt, grime, and debris. This will help prevent scratches during transport and allow for easy identification of any existing damage.
- Clean the interior: Empty your car of all personal belongings. Not only does this prevent items from shifting around during transit, but it also reduces the weight of the car, which is an important consideration for the shipping company.
3. Remove Personal Belongings and Valuables
One of the most important steps in preparing your car for shipping is removing all personal items. While it might be tempting to leave things like electronics, clothes, or documents in your car, shipping companies typically do not allow personal belongings inside vehicles due to liability concerns.
- Remove all items: Take out any valuables, electronics, and loose items from your car. Not only is this for your safety, but also to ensure that your items don’t get damaged during shipping.
- Check the glove compartment and trunk: Many people forget about these hidden spaces, so be sure to empty both.
4. Check Your Car for Leaks and Mechanical Issues
Before shipping your car, make sure it’s in good working condition. While cars don’t need to be in perfect shape, they should be safe for transport. If your car has mechanical issues or leaks, it could create complications during the shipping process.
- Inspect for leaks: Check your vehicle for any fluid leaks that could cause problems during transit. If your car has any leaking fluids, inform the shipping company, as this could potentially delay the shipping process.
- Ensure it’s running properly: If your car has issues starting or moving, inform the shipping company, as they may need to use special equipment to load and unload it.
5. Check Tire Pressure and Fluid Levels
Proper tire pressure and fluid levels are essential to ensure your vehicle is in a safe, transportable condition. Before shipping, make sure your tires are properly inflated, as low tire pressure can make loading and unloading more difficult. Additionally, check your fluid levels to ensure there are no issues with coolant, oil, or brake fluid.
- Tire pressure: Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This ensures that the car is easier to load and unload and that it won’t shift during transport.
- Fluid levels: Ensure that your car has enough coolant, oil, and brake fluid. This not only helps your car perform better but ensures that it stays in good shape during the journey.
6. Document the Condition of Your Vehicle
Before handing your car over to the shipping company, it’s crucial to document the vehicle’s condition. Take detailed photographs of the car from all angles, both inside and outside. This will serve as a record of its condition before shipping, which is essential in case of any damage during transport.
- Photograph every angle: Take clear, high-quality photos of the exterior, interior, and undercarriage of your car. Make sure to capture any dents, scratches, or other damage.
- Document existing damage: Note any scratches, dings, or other visible imperfections that could potentially be overlooked by the driver.
7. Check Your Vehicle’s Fuel Level
Most car shipping companies ask that you leave only a small amount of gas in your vehicle—typically about a quarter tank. This is because vehicles that are too full of gas are heavier, making them harder to load and transport. Additionally, shipping companies prefer to minimize the risk of fuel leaks or fires.
- Keep it minimal: A quarter tank of gas is usually the standard recommendation. If your vehicle has more fuel than that, it’s best to remove some before shipping.
8. Secure Loose Parts or Accessories
If your car has any loose parts or accessories, such as side mirrors, spoilers, or antennas, it’s a good idea to secure or remove them before shipping. These parts can get damaged or bent during transport if they aren’t properly secured.
- Remove or secure loose items: Fold in side mirrors, remove any roof racks, and make sure everything is tightly secured.
- Check for aftermarket parts: If your car has aftermarket parts like spoilers or body kits, you may want to remove or cover them to avoid damage.
9. Choose Insurance Coverage for Extra Peace of Mind
While most car shipping companies offer basic insurance, it’s always a good idea to ask about additional coverage, especially if your vehicle is of high value. Depending on the shipping method, your car may be exposed to elements or conditions that could cause damage, so extra protection can offer peace of mind during the journey.
- Review insurance options: Ask the shipping company about the coverage they offer and consider adding supplemental insurance if necessary.
- Understand the terms: Make sure you fully understand the insurance policy, including what is covered and what is not.
Conclusion
Preparing your car for shipping is essential to ensure that it arrives safely and without issues. Whether you’re using door-to-door car shipping or across-country car shipping, following these steps will help streamline the process and prevent potential problems. From cleaning your vehicle to removing personal items and documenting any existing damage, the more prepared you are, the smoother your car shipping experience will be.
With proper preparation, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the journey, knowing that your car is in safe hands and will reach its destination in good condition.