When shipping a car to another state, proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
By taking the necessary steps to prepare your car for transport, you can help protect it from potential damage and ensure that it arrives safely at its destination.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your car for shipping to another state, from cleaning and inspecting the vehicle to securing personal belongings.
1. Clean Your Car Inside and Out
The first step in preparing your car for shipping is to give it a thorough cleaning, both inside and out.
A clean exterior will make it easier to inspect the car for any existing damage, such as scratches, dents, or chips, before shipping.
Cleaning the interior of your car is equally important, as it will help prevent any items from shifting during transport.
Make sure to vacuum the seats and floor and remove any unnecessary clutter from the interior.
2. Document the Condition of Your Vehicle
Before your car is picked up for shipping, it’s important to document its condition. Take detailed photos of your vehicle from all angles, including close-ups of any existing damage.
This documentation will serve as proof of the car’s condition before shipping, in case any disputes arise after delivery.
Make sure to note any pre-existing scratches, dents, or imperfections, and keep these photos in a safe place until your vehicle is delivered.
3. Remove Personal Items
Auto transport companies typically do not allow personal belongings to be left inside the vehicle during transport.
This is because the contents of the car are not covered by the company’s insurance, and items left in the car could shift or cause damage during transport.
Be sure to remove all personal items, including electronics, important documents, and valuables, from the vehicle before it is picked up for shipping.
4. Check Tire Pressure and Battery
Proper tire pressure is important for the safe loading and unloading of your vehicle during transport.
Ensure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to prevent damage to the tires or rims during shipping.
It’s also a good idea to check your car’s battery to make sure it is fully charged. A dead battery can make it difficult for the transport driver to load or unload your vehicle.
5. Disable the Car Alarm
If your car has a security or alarm system, be sure to disable it before shipping. If the alarm goes off during transport, it could cause unnecessary delays or interruptions.
Some transport companies may also require that you provide them with instructions on how to disable the alarm, in case it goes off during transit.
6. Top Off Fluids
Make sure your vehicle’s fluids are at the appropriate levels before shipping, including engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid.
While your car won’t be driven during transport, it’s important that the fluids are topped off in case the vehicle needs to be started or moved during loading and unloading.
Keep the Gas Tank Low
It’s recommended that you keep your gas tank about a quarter full before shipping.
This is enough fuel to allow the transport driver to move your car if needed, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight to the vehicle.
7. Remove or Secure Loose Parts
If your vehicle has any removable or loose parts, such as antennas, spoilers, or custom accessories, it’s a good idea to either remove them or secure them before shipping.
This will help prevent any damage during transport, especially if the car is being shipped via open transport.
For convertible vehicles, make sure the top is fully secured to protect the interior from weather or debris during transport.
8. Inspect for Leaks
Before your car is picked up, check for any leaks or mechanical issues. If your vehicle is leaking fluids, the transport company may refuse to load it onto the trailer, as this could cause damage to other vehicles during transport.
It’s important to have any leaks or mechanical issues fixed before shipping your car to another state.
9. Confirm Insurance Coverage
Most auto transport companies include basic insurance coverage as part of their service, but it’s important to review the terms of the policy to ensure that your vehicle is adequately covered during transport.
If your car is particularly valuable or has custom modifications, you may want to purchase additional insurance for extra peace of mind.
Contact your transport company to verify their coverage and discuss any options for increasing the protection of your vehicle.
10. Review the Transport Contract
Before your car is picked up, be sure to review the transport contract carefully from the best company to ship car to another state. The contract should include important details such as pickup and delivery locations, estimated delivery time, and the total cost of transport.
Make sure all of the information is accurate and that you understand the terms of the agreement before signing the contract. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask the transport company for clarification.
Conclusion
Properly preparing your car for shipping to another state is crucial for a smooth and successful transport experience.
By cleaning and documenting your vehicle, checking for any issues, and securing personal items, you can help ensure that your car arrives at its destination in the same condition it was in before shipping.
Taking these steps will give you peace of mind throughout the process and help avoid any potential issues during the shipment.
