Shipping your vehicle can be a simple process when you know what to expect. Whether you are moving to another state, purchasing a vehicle from a distant seller, or relocating for work, preparing your car properly can help make the transportation process smoother.
At Clearwayz Auto Shipping, we help customers arrange reliable vehicle transportation through a range of shipping options. Before your carrier arrives, there are several important steps you should take to prepare your vehicle.
1. Clean Your Vehicle
Start by washing your car inside and out. A clean vehicle makes it easier to inspect the exterior before transportation and identify any existing scratches, dents, or other damage.
You do not need to have your vehicle professionally detailed. A basic exterior wash and interior cleaning are generally sufficient.
2. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove valuable and unnecessary personal items from the vehicle. This includes electronics, important documents, jewelry, loose accessories, and other belongings.
Personal property left inside a vehicle may not be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance. Removing unnecessary items also reduces the risk of damage to the interior.
3. Check for Existing Damage
Walk around your vehicle and inspect the exterior carefully. Look for scratches, dents, chips, cracks, or other visible damage.
Take clear photographs of the vehicle from several angles. These photographs can provide a useful record of the vehicle’s condition before transportation.
4. Check the Tires
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Tires that are significantly underinflated or overinflated can create unnecessary complications during loading and unloading.
Also inspect the tires for obvious damage.
5. Check the Battery
Your vehicle should generally have a properly secured and operational battery. If your battery is loose, have it secured before pickup.
A vehicle that cannot be moved easily may create additional loading or unloading challenges.
6. Keep the Fuel Level Low
Your vehicle usually does not need a full tank of fuel when being transported. A small amount of fuel is generally sufficient for loading, unloading, and necessary vehicle movement.
Keeping the fuel level relatively low also reduces unnecessary weight.
7. Disable Alarms
If your vehicle has an alarm system, disable it before pickup whenever possible. An activated alarm can create problems during transportation.
If the alarm cannot be completely disabled, provide the carrier with the appropriate instructions.
8. Make Sure You Have Your Keys
The carrier will generally need access to the vehicle for loading and unloading. Keep the necessary keys available and provide clear instructions if your vehicle has special operating requirements.
Choosing the Right Auto Transport Service
Your shipping method depends on your vehicle, budget, destination, and preferred level of protection.
Open car transport is commonly chosen because it offers an economical way to move standard vehicles.
Enclosed car transport provides additional protection from road debris and weather exposure and may be appropriate for luxury, classic, collectible, or specialty vehicles.
Door-to-door auto transport can provide convenient pickup and delivery near your desired locations when local road and carrier access allow.
For longer-distance moves, state-to-state auto transport can make relocating a vehicle much easier than driving it yourself.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your vehicle properly can help reduce delays and make the transportation process more organized. Take photographs, remove personal belongings, check the vehicle’s condition, and communicate any special requirements before pickup.
If you are looking for auto transport services in Pembroke Pines, FL or need to ship a vehicle between states, Clearwayz Auto Shipping can help you choose a transportation option that fits your needs.
Contact Clearwayz Auto Shipping to request a quote and discuss your vehicle transportation requirements.