Auto transport. If you’re preparing to have your car shipped, some important things must be taken care of before the driver arrives. By following these top tips, you can ensure smooth and secure auto transport.
First, you’ll want to inspect your vehicle for any existing damage. This will allow you to document any potential issues and ensure that your car is in good condition for shipping.
Inspect Your Vehicle
Before California to New York auto transport, it’s important to inspect it to ensure no major issues. This will help the auto transport company avoid any delays and extra fees.
You can also take pictures with your phone to document your vehicle’s condition. This will help the trucker and your insurance company if you ever have an issue with your car after it’s delivered.
Disable Car Alarms
One of the most important things you can do when transporting your car is to disable your car alarms. This will prevent unnecessary distractions during the drive to your auto-shipping facility.
Most factory alarms are designed to shut off once you insert your key into a locked driver’s door. It’s a very simple technique that can work wonders!
Clean the Interior
If you want to make sure your car arrives at its destination in pristine condition, a thorough cleaning is essential. This will also help you to spot any dents or scratches that might occur during the shipping process.
The interior of most vehicles is very small and contains many particulates that can easily get into the paint if not properly cleaned.
Check the Tires
The tires on your vehicle need to be properly inflated before it’s transported. This will help ensure they can handle the stresses of transporting your car across the country.
Check your tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at home or a gas station. The recommended PSI should be printed on the doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.
Check the Battery
The battery powers your car, so it’s important to ensure that it has a full charge before transporting your vehicle. A battery that isn’t functioning properly can cause issues with other electrical components in your car.
Several factors can affect the function of your battery, such as size and temperature. This means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Inspect the Undercarriage
The undercarriage is a vital part of the car that protects its bottom mechanics. It’s also designed to withstand constant exposure to the elements and driving wear and tear.
Potholes, rocks, and salt from the road can damage your vehicle’s undercarriage. Luckily, you can avoid this by being cautious on the road and having your vehicle checked regularly for undercarriage problems.
Check for Leaks
Leaks can be challenging to spot, but checking for them when transporting your car is important. You don’t want to risk damaging your vehicle or another vehicle on the transport truck.
If you see a leak, get it repaired before loading your car onto the carrier. Also, ensure all your tires are inflated to the factory recommendations.
Top Up the Gas
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your car for auto transport is top up the gas. Not only will this make the driver’s life a little easier, but it will also save you money in the long run.
Ideally, you want your tank to be about a quarter full. This is the perfect fuel to keep your car running on and off the truck.
Remove Any Personal Items
During auto transport, your vehicle may get jostled around, so you should remove any personal items that aren’t securely secured. This includes air fresheners, spare change, and electronics (phone holders, chargers, etc.).
This will decrease the chance of theft or loss during transport. Plus, it can help prevent any damage to your car during shipping.
Lock Up Your Car
Locking it up is one of the best ways to make your car shipping experience more secure. Whether you choose an enclosed or open hauler, this is a smart idea to avoid the pitfalls of having a stranger come up and go with your prized possession.
Locking your vehicle is a simple, low-cost way to protect it from thieves. It also shows that you’ve taken the time to prepare your car for transport safely and responsibly.
Find more tips in our vehicle maintenance series.
Clay is a dad of 4 living in Kentucky. He is the co-owner/blogger here at Cinnamon Hollow. Clay enjoys DIY home projects, traveling in the Great Smoky Mountains and is an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan. He and Crystal have been married for 1000 years, give or take a few. :0)