How to Ship Your Car
Before you ship your car, it’s important to give it a thorough cleaning, inside and out. This will not only help to keep your car in good condition during transit, but it will also help to prevent the spread of dirt and dust to other vehicles. Once your car is clean, be sure to remove all personal belongings from the interior, including all floor mats, garbage, and loose items. You should also check the trunk for any items that could shift during transit and cause damage. In addition, it’s important to make sure that your car has enough oil and coolant before shipping. This will help to prevent any engine problems during transit. Finally, be sure to disable any alarms or security systems that could go off during the move. By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your car arrives at its new destination in good condition.
Tip 1 - Disable Alarm
If your vehicle has a particularly sensitive alarm system that reacts when the car is moved, it's advisable to have it disabled prior to transport. This will avoid your car alarm going off during moving, saving your battery and the sanity of whoever is transporting the vehicle. You can usually disable the alarm by consult your car's owner’s manual or contacting the dealership where you purchased the vehicle. Once you have the alarm disabled, be sure to keep a close eye on your car during transport to ensure that it arrives safely at its destination.
Tip 2 - Get a Car Wash
When you're getting your car ready for a move, one important step is to wash it before transport. This will let you check for any damage like scratches or dings, and make sure your car is in good condition before it's shipped. Once your vehicle arrives at its destination, you'll be able to see it more easily and check that it's still in the same condition. This can help ensure that your car is protected during transport and arrives safely at its new location.
Tip 3 - De-clutter
For many of us, our car is like a second home. We spend hours every week behind the wheel, commuting to work, running errands and taking road trips. As a result, it’s not uncommon for our car’s interior to become cluttered with loose items. However, when shipping your car, it’s important to de-clutter the interior to avoid damage during transport. Remove items such as spare change, emergency kits, water bottles, gum, makeup and air fresheners. If you have electronic equipment like chargers and cables, make sure they are securely stored. And finally, consider having the car’s interior detailed before shipping to ensure it arrives clean and tidy. By following these simple tips, you can help protect your car during transport.
Tip 4 - Drive off most of the gas
As any experienced driver knows, a full tank of gas can be a liability on a long trip. Not only does it add unnecessary weight to the vehicle, but it also increases the risk of fuel spillage. When shipping a car, it is advisable to remove as much gas from the tank as possible. This will help to reduce the overall weight of the car, making it easier and less expensive to transport. It is also important to ensure that there is enough gas in the tank to allow the car to be driven at the loading and unloading locations. By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure a safe and successful car shipment.
Tip 5 - Remove Accessories
When preparing your vehicle for transport, it is important to remove all accessories that could potentially cause damage. This includes trailer hitches, bike racks, and any other attachments that are not essential for the car itself. Leaving these accessories on the car could result in damage to the car, surrounding property, or other vehicles during transport. In addition, it is important to secure all loose items inside the car before transport. This will help to prevent them from becoming damaged or lost during transport. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help to ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination safely and without incident.