How to Prepare Your Car for Transport: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing your car for transport requires a bit of planning and effort. Whether you’re shipping your car across the country or overseas, taking specific steps is essential to ensure its safe arrival at its destination. This blog post will provide important tips and guidance to help you get your car ready for transport. From cleaning and documenting pre-existing damage to removing personal items and disabling custom accessories, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of having all necessary documentation in order and provide helpful advice on navigating any specific requirements or regulations that may apply to your transport needs. With this information at your fingertips, you will feel prepared and confident throughout the transport process.

Clean your car thoroughly, both inside and out.

Before you transport your car, cleaning it inside and out is essential. This will make inspecting the vehicle for damage easier and ensure no personal belongings are left behind. Any items left in the car may shift during transport and cause damage, so it’s best to be cautious and remove them beforehand. Start by removing all loose items from the car’s interior, including floor mats, seat covers, and air fresheners. Then thoroughly vacuum the seats, floors, and dashboard to remove dirt or debris. Finally, wash the exterior of your car with soap and water or take it to a professional car wash for detailed cleaning.

Document any existing damage to your car.

Before transporting your car, it’s essential to thoroughly document any existing damage on your vehicle. This will help you avoid any disputes with the transport company regarding damages that may have occurred during transit. Take clear, detailed pictures of the car’s interior and exterior from multiple angles. Focus on any scratches, dents or other noticeable damage. Consider taking note of the mileage and gas level to verify that nothing has changed during transportation. Finally, ensure you have a physical copy of all your car’s transportation documentation, including contracts and insurance policies.

Once your car is ready for pick up, have these documents and pictures readily available. You can easily mark these documents on the Bill of Lading, a required inspection report you must sign before shipping.

Disconnect or disable any alarm systems or toll tags.

Disrupting or disabling any alarm systems or toll tags before transporting a car by truck is essential. The last thing you want is the alarm to go off during transit, causing unnecessary stress and potentially delaying transport. Similarly, toll tags can inadvertently rack up toll charges en route if they’re not disconnected. To prevent these issues, take the time to disable or remove these electronics before handing the keys over to the transport company. As a result, you will have the assurance that your car is in good hands and will arrive at its destination without hiccups.

Empty your car of all personal belongings and remove any add-ons. 

When preparing your vehicle for transport, you must remove all personal belongings and any add-ons that can be easily detached. This not only helps to ensure the safety of your possessions but also reduces the weight of your car, which can significantly impact car shipping costs. Clear out anything in the glove compartment, trunk, or floor mats. It is necessary to remove personal items such as books, toys, gadgets, or loose objects during transit as they can become dangerous projectiles during transit. Additionally, remove easily detachable add-ons such as bike racks and spoilers to avoid any unnecessary damage during transportation. These steps will help ensure a seamless experience when transporting your vehicle and prevent potential setbacks.

Check the battery and tire pressure, and ensure the gas tank is only a quarter full before transport.

Before transporting your car, it’s essential to check the battery and ensure it’s charged. A dead battery can cause severe damage to your vehicle during transportation. Additionally, ensure that the tire pressure meets the recommended levels in your car manual. This will prevent any issues with flat tires during transit or even damage to your wheels. It’s also important to note that your gas tank should be incomplete when preparing for transport; instead, fill it up only to a quarter level before pick up. A full tank adds excess weight to your vehicle and can increase transport costs, while an empty tank runs the risk of fuel leaks during transit. Enough fuel in the tank is sufficient for loading, offloading, and moving. These steps will help ensure a successful and stress-free vehicle transport experience.

Wave goodbye and sign the bill of lading.

After cleaning your car, the next step is getting everything in order legally. Before the auto transport driver comes, have all necessary registration and insurance documentation ready. Additionally, if you chose door-to-door shipping, ensure that someone will be home to receive the vehicle upon arrival. It is necessary to ensure that you or someone responsible is present for the driver’s arrival to inspect and sign the bill of lading. Alternatively, if you opted for dropping the car yourself, double-check the address and delivery instructions before the car transportation day. This document provides essential protection for your vehicle during its shipment.

Conclusion

Preparing your car for transport requires careful planning and attention to detail. Following the steps outlined in this guide ensures that your vehicle is ready for safe and secure transportation. Remember to clean your car thoroughly, document any existing damage, disconnect or disable alarm systems and toll tags, and remove personal belongings and add-ons. Moreover, check the battery and tire pressure, and ensure the gas tank is only a quarter full. Additionally, ensure all necessary documentation is in order and be present to sign the bill of lading upon pickup or delivery. By taking these steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will arrive at its destination in pristine condition. Remember to prepare your car to ensure the best possible results when using a transport service. You’ll be glad you did!

Request your free quote now.

To get car transport quotes from Shipedi, go to Get Quotes and select your category. Once you’ve filled in and published your information, you’ll receive car transport quotes in no time. There will be competition between professional transport companies for your job. You will get the best deal as each company tries to win the job, and the price drops.