When you ship your car, you want to ensure it is ready for its journey. It includes cleaning the interior, documenting pre-existing damage, and removing anything that might be stolen during transit.
These suggestions will help your car get to its destination safely, whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a new car online.
Check for Fluid Leaks
Nothing can be more frustrating than walking away from your car only to return to find a puddle of mysterious liquid pooling underneath. While some fluid leaks are regular (for example, water drips from your air conditioning system during regular operation), others can indicate a severe problem that must be fixed immediately.
The key is to know which of the six common fluids to look out for and understand their characteristics, including color, consistency, smell, and location. With this knowledge, you can quickly determine whether the leak is harmless or something that could cause a massive problem on the road.
Fixing leaks before the driver picks up your vehicle is also a good idea. It ensures that your car is ready for transportation and that you can let the driver know that any areas need special attention. Before shipping, washing your car and taking pictures of the inside and outside is a good idea. It will help ensure that any potential damage from the auto transport process, though unlikely, can be adequately documented.
Prep the Interior
Before you start packing your car, ensuring it’s as empty as possible is a good idea. It will reduce the chances of stolen items during transportation and make it easier for your vehicle to get on and off the carrier’s truck.
If they’re not permanently mounted, you should remove any custom accessories, such as a bike or luggage racks and antennae. Leaving them on could damage your vehicle during transport, and they might get in the way when the carrier needs to maneuver the vehicle for loading or unloading. If you’re worried about the items inside your car, check with your shipping company about their cargo insurance coverage.
Ask for references from previous clients to learn more about the company’s cargo insurance policies and other precautions they take when shipping expensive cars. It can help you decide if they’re the right choice to ship your car safely and securely.
Remove Any Removable Parts
It’s crucial to pick the best auto shipping company to ship your automobile, whether relocating across the nation or simply taking it on a summer road trip. A reliable business will try to deliver your car unharmed and in the same state as when it was picked up. You may determine a company’s reputation by reading reviews and ratings on trustworthy review sites.
Once you have found a company you trust, you should wash your car and do a visual inspection. Make sure it is squeaky clean, as this will help you notice any pre-existing damage that might occur during shipping. Also, removing any removable parts from your automobile, such as roof racks and custom spoilers, is a good idea.
Upon arrival, the driver to pick up your vehicle, or if you opted for door-to-door shipping, they would do a full inspection of your car. It includes checking fluids, inspecting the tire pressure, and completing a bill of lading that notes any pre-existing damage or issues.
Inspect the Vehicle
It is natural for car owners to be protective of their vehicles, especially if they have spent a lot of money on them or inherited them from loved ones. When it’s time to ship your car, it’s critical to inspect it thoroughly and take pictures of every component before giving it to the auto transport company. These pictures should be dated and time-stamped, as well, to provide proof that any damage to your car did not occur during shipment.
Do your inspection in the morning when there is enough light to see the vehicle. It will speed up the pickup and delivery process and make it easier to notice any existing scratches or dents that might have occurred during transport. You must document it on the car shipping bill of lading for any future claims you may have to file with the carrier. It is an excellent excuse to work with a car shipping business that relies on a tried-and-true mode of transportation.
Prepare a List of Operation Instructions
A car is a significant purchase and investment for most people, and you want to ensure it arrives at its destination intact. Whether you’re moving across the country, heading to a new military base for duty or a vacation, or just needing to ship your car for work, you can take some preventative measures to help it get there safely and securely.
Wash your vehicle before shipment, and take photographs of both the exterior and interior. Thorough cleaning and photo documentation will make it much easier for the carrier to inspect your car upon pickup visually. It will record any existing damage and allow both parties to note your vehicle’s condition before shipping.
Lastly, decide what day and time you (or a representative) will meet with the driver for the initial inspection of your vehicle. If you’re using door-to-door auto transport services, it will be convenient for you and the driver if this is done at your home or another location that is easy to access.
