Shipping your car can feel like a daunting task, but with a little preparation, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly. While the drivers handling the transport will do most of the work, there are a few key steps you should take in advance to make things easier and protect your vehicle during the journey. Here is how to properly prepare your car for shipment.
Remove Personal Belongings
While it is allowed to leave some items inside your car during shipment, it is highly recommended to remove all personal belongings, especially valuable or sentimental items. Your car is covered by insurance during transit, but this coverage does not extend to any personal items left inside. In addition, these items could interfere with the vehicle inspection process or create delays during loading and unloading. To avoid potential problems or loss, take the time to pack up and remove your belongings before the pick-up.
Remove External Additions
If your car has external accessories such as antennas, roof racks, spoilers, or bike carriers, it is wise to remove them before shipping. These accessories can be easily damaged during transport or make it harder to secure your vehicle onto the carrier. Furthermore, removing external additions reduces the chance of delays or complications when loading or unloading your car. If you are unsure about whether something should be removed, feel free to ask your car shipping provider for advice.
Wash Your Car
At first glance, giving your car a good wash might seem like an unnecessary step, but it is actually very important for a smooth shipping process. A clean car allows both you and the driver to conduct a more thorough inspection, making it easier to document any pre-existing damage such as dents, scratches, or chips. This documentation is critical, as it will be noted on your Bill of Lading (the shipping receipt) and serve as the baseline for comparing your car’s condition when it arrives at its destination. Thoroughly cleaning your vehicle beforehand ensures that any existing issues are easily identified and noted, which is essential for protecting you from disputes about potential new damage during transport.
Maintain a Quarter Tank of Gas
For safety and efficiency, it is important to keep your car’s fuel tank at about a quarter full. This amount of gas provides just enough fuel for the vehicle to be driven on and off the carrier without overloading it with unnecessary weight. A full tank of gas can add extra weight, which could impact fuel efficiency and make the car harder to handle during transport. On the other hand, running the tank too low could cause issues if the driver needs to move the car more than expected. For electric vehicles, it is recommended to maintain a charge of around 50% to ensure that the car can be safely loaded and unloaded.
