How to Prepare Your Car for Long-Distance Transport

Are you planning to ship your vehicle across the country? Proper preparation is crucial to ensure your car arrives at its destination safely and in the same condition it left. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare your car for transport, whether you’re using open or enclosed carriers.

Table of Contents

1. Pre-Transport Checklist
2. Cleaning Your Vehicle
3. Documenting Your Car’s Condition
4. Removing Personal Items
5. Preparing the Exterior
6. Preparing the Interior
7. Mechanical Preparations
8. Special Considerations for Open Transport
9. Special Considerations for Enclosed Transport
10. Final Steps Before Handover
11. FAQs About Preparing Your Car for Transport
12. Customer Testimonials

Pre-Transport Checklist

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick checklist to ensure you don’t miss any crucial steps:

• [ ] Wash and clean the vehicle
• [ ] Document the car’s condition with photos and notes
• [ ] Remove all personal items
• [ ] Disable the car alarm
• [ ] Check and adjust tire pressure
• [ ] Ensure the battery is fully charged
• [ ] Check for and repair any fluid leaks
• [ ] Fold in side mirrors and retract the antenna
• [ ] Leave only about 1/4 tank of fuel
• [ ] Provide a spare key to the transport company

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Cleaning Your Vehicle

Start by giving your car a thorough wash and cleaning. This step is crucial for:

1. Allowing you to inspect the car’s condition easily
2. Ensuring accurate documentation of any existing damage
3. Making it easier for the transport company to conduct their inspection

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to clean the undercarriage, especially if you’re shipping your car during winter when roads might be salted.

Documenting Your Car’s Condition

Before transport, meticulously document your vehicle’s condition:

1. Take clear, well-lit photos of the exterior from all angles
2. Photograph any existing scratches, dents, or other damage
3. Take pictures of the interior, including the odometer reading
4. Make notes of any specific concerns or existing issues

This documentation will be invaluable in case you need to file an insurance claim later.

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Removing Personal Items

Most auto transport companies prohibit personal items in the vehicle during shipping due to insurance and safety reasons. Make sure to:

1. Remove all personal belongings from the car
2. Check all compartments, including the glove box and trunk
3. Remove any aftermarket electronics or detachable items
4. Take out toll tags or parking passes

Note: Some companies may allow a small amount of personal items (usually up to 100 lbs) in the trunk. Always check with your specific transport provider for their policy.

Preparing the Exterior

To protect your car during transport:

1. Fold in side mirrors and retract or remove any antennas
2. Remove or secure any loose parts or custom accessories
3. If you have a convertible, ensure the top is securely fastened
4. For open transport, consider using a car cover for added protection

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Preparing the Interior

Inside the vehicle:

1. Secure or remove any loose items
2. Disengage the parking brake to allow the carrier to move the car if necessary
3. Ensure all windows are fully closed
4. If you have a sunroof or moonroof, make sure it’s fully closed and sealed

Mechanical Preparations

To ensure your car is ready for transport:

1. Check all fluid levels and top up if necessary
2. Ensure the battery is fully charged
3. Inflate tires to the recommended pressure
4. Check for and repair any fluid leaks
5. Leave only about 1/4 tank of fuel (reduces weight and complies with transport regulations)

Important: If your car has any mechanical issues, inform the transport company in advance.

Special Considerations for Open Transport

If you’re using open transport:

1. Be prepared for your car to be exposed to the elements
2. Consider using a high-quality car cover for added protection
3. Remove or secure any loose parts that could be affected by wind
4. Be aware that your car may get dirty during transport, especially in bad weather

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Special Considerations for Enclosed Transport

For enclosed transport:

1. While your car will be protected from the elements, still follow all preparation steps
2. If you have a low-clearance vehicle, inform the transport company in advance
3. For high-value or classic cars, consider additional insurance coverage

Learn about our specialized classic car shipping services

Final Steps Before Handover

On the day of transport:

1. Disable the car alarm
2. Provide a spare key to the transport company
3. Conduct a final walk-around with the driver and sign the bill of lading
4. Make sure you have the contact information for the driver and the transport company

Understand our step-by-step transport process

FAQs About Preparing Your Car for Transport

Customer Testimonials

“Following All Day Auto Transport’s preparation guide made the whole process so smooth. My car arrived in perfect condition!” – Emily R., California

“As a classic car owner, I was nervous about shipping my 1969 Camaro. The detailed preparation instructions, especially for enclosed transport, put my mind at ease.” – Robert T., Florida

Ready to ship your well-prepared vehicle? Get an instant quote or contact us to discuss your specific needs. At All Day Auto Transport, we’re committed to ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.