How to Prepare Your Car for Long-Distance Auto Transport
Inspect Your Vehicle Thoroughly
Before you hand over your car for long-distance auto transport, it's crucial to inspect it thoroughly. Start by cleaning your car inside and out. This will help you notice any pre-existing damage that you might want to document. Make sure to take clear photos of your vehicle from all angles, including close-ups of any existing scratches, dents, or other imperfections.
Documenting the condition of your car is essential. Create a written report noting the date and time of the inspection. This documentation will be invaluable if you need to file a claim for any damage that occurs during transport.
Remove Personal Items
One of the most important steps in preparing your car for transport is to remove all personal items. Auto transport companies are not responsible for any personal belongings left in the vehicle, and these items could potentially cause damage or be stolen during transit.
Check all compartments, including the glove box, center console, and trunk, to ensure that nothing is left behind. It's also a good idea to remove any custom accessories, such as GPS devices, phone holders, and aftermarket stereo systems, to prevent them from being damaged or stolen.
Check Fluids and Battery
Ensure that all your car's fluids are at appropriate levels before transport. This includes engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. If any fluids are low, top them off. Additionally, make sure that your battery is fully charged and in good working condition.
If your car has any fluid leaks, it's important to address these before transport. Leaking fluids can cause damage to your vehicle and others during transit. If you can't fix the leak in time, inform the transport company so they can take necessary precautions.
Disable Alarms and Secure Parts
To avoid any unnecessary complications during transport, disable any car alarms. An alarm going off during transit can be a nuisance and may result in additional charges if the transport company has to deal with it.
Additionally, secure any loose parts, such as convertible tops, antennas, and side mirrors. If your car has a removable antenna, it's best to take it off and store it inside the vehicle. For convertible tops, make sure they are fully closed and latched.
Check Tire Pressure
Properly inflated tires are crucial for the safe transport of your vehicle. Check the tire pressure and ensure that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can cause issues during loading and unloading, and may even lead to damage during transit.
Leave Some Gas in the Tank
While you don't need a full tank of gas for transport, it's important to leave some fuel in the tank. A quarter to a half tank of gas is usually sufficient. This amount of fuel is enough for the car to be driven on and off the transport truck but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight to the vehicle.
Having too much fuel in the tank can also pose a safety risk during transport, so it's best to keep it to a minimum.
Confirm Contact Information
Before your car is picked up for transport, confirm all the necessary contact information with the transport company. Provide them with your primary phone number, an alternate phone number, and an email address where you can be reached during the transport process.
Make sure you have the contact information for the transport driver as well, so you can stay updated on the status of your vehicle and coordinate the drop-off at the destination.
Final Preparations
On the day of the pickup, do a final walk-around of your vehicle to ensure that everything is in order. Double-check that you've removed all personal items, secured loose parts, and disabled the alarm. Have your inspection report and photos ready to share with the transport company if needed.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your car is well-prepared for long-distance auto transport, giving you peace of mind that it will arrive safely at its destination.
