Choosing enclosed auto transport is an excellent way to ensure your car receives maximum protection during transit, especially if you own a luxury, classic, or exotic vehicle. While enclosed transport shields your car from weather, road debris, and other external factors, it’s still important to properly prepare your vehicle for shipping. Taking the right steps ahead of time can help ensure a smooth and worry-free experience.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your car for shipping, along with key enclosed auto transport tips to make sure your vehicle arrives at its destination in perfect condition.
- Clean Your Vehicle Inside and Out
Before your car is loaded onto the enclosed trailer, it’s essential to give it a thorough cleaning. Washing your car helps to reveal any pre-existing scratches, dents, or cosmetic damage that could otherwise go unnoticed. Once the vehicle is clean, you’ll have a better view to inspect it for any damage and document its condition.
Here’s what to do:
- Exterior: Wash the exterior of your vehicle to remove dirt and grime. A clean car makes it easier to spot any imperfections.
- Interior: Clean out the interior to remove clutter, trash, or personal items. This prevents items from shifting around during transport and potentially damaging the car.
By documenting the condition of your car before shipping, you’ll have a clear record to refer to after delivery if any disputes or damage claims arise.
- Take Photos and Document Existing Damage
After cleaning your vehicle, it’s a good idea to take clear photos of it from all angles. These photos will serve as documentation of your car’s condition before shipping and can help protect you in the unlikely event that any damage occurs during transport.
- Photograph all sides of the car: Take pictures of the front, back, sides, roof, and close-ups of any existing scratches or dents.
- Focus on specific details: Pay special attention to the car’s paint, wheels, and any unique features, such as custom finishes or delicate parts.
This visual record will help you compare your car’s condition before and after transport, providing peace of mind throughout the process.
- Remove Personal Items and Accessories
It’s important to remove any personal items, valuables, or accessories from your car before shipping. Auto transport companies typically do not allow personal belongings inside the vehicle during transport, as they can shift and cause damage.
Here’s what to remove:
- Personal items: Remove any personal belongings, including GPS devices, chargers, electronics, and other loose items.
- Exterior accessories: Detach external accessories like bike racks, roof racks, or custom spoilers, which could be damaged during transport.
By clearing out your vehicle, you help ensure that nothing inside will shift during transit, protecting both the car and any belongings that might have been left inside.
- Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues
Before shipping your vehicle, it’s a good idea to perform a quick mechanical check-up. This step helps ensure that your car is in good working order and won’t cause any issues during transport.
Here’s what to inspect:
- Check for fluid leaks: Make sure there are no oil, coolant, or brake fluid leaks, as leaks could cause damage to other vehicles on the transport trailer or create hazards during shipping.
- Check tire pressure: Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Over- or under-inflated tires can cause problems when loading and unloading the vehicle.
- Ensure the battery is charged: Your car should have a fully charged battery to start it up during loading and unloading.
If your car has any mechanical issues or is inoperable, be sure to inform the transport company in advance. Some companies may require special equipment to load a non-operational vehicle onto the enclosed trailer.
- Disable Alarm Systems
If your car has an alarm system, it’s important to disable it before shipping. Alarms can sometimes be triggered during transport, especially when the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. A car alarm going off during transit could cause unnecessary delays and potentially drain your battery.
To avoid any complications, make sure the alarm is turned off or disconnected before your car is picked up for shipping.
- Reduce Fuel Level
While your vehicle needs some fuel for loading and unloading, it’s best to keep the gas tank around one-quarter full. This is enough to move the car on and off the trailer without adding unnecessary weight to the vehicle during transport.
A lighter vehicle helps reduce overall weight on the transport trailer, contributing to fuel efficiency and safety during the journey.
- Prepare Special Instructions for Luxury or Classic Cars
If your car has any special handling requirements due to its value or unique features, make sure to inform the transport company. Vehicles with low ground clearance, for example, may require hydraulic lift gates for safe loading and unloading. Similarly, cars with delicate paint or custom parts may need extra care during transit.
By communicating these details in advance, you ensure that the shipping company takes all necessary precautions to protect your car during transport.
- Inspect and Sign the Bill of Lading
On the day of pick-up, the transport driver will perform an inspection of your vehicle and note its condition on a Bill of Lading. This document serves as the official record of the car’s condition before it’s loaded onto the trailer.
- Review the inspection carefully: Make sure the driver’s notes accurately reflect the condition of your car, including any existing damage.
- Sign the Bill of Lading: Once you’ve confirmed the condition report, sign the Bill of Lading. You’ll receive a copy of this document, which you’ll use to compare the car’s condition upon delivery.
This step is essential in protecting both you and the transport company throughout the shipping process.
- Track Your Vehicle During Transit
Many enclosed auto transport companies offer tracking services that allow you to monitor your vehicle’s progress during its journey. Real-time tracking provides peace of mind and keeps you updated on the status of your car.
If tracking is available, ask the transport company how you can access updates and what the estimated delivery time will be.
Enclosed auto transport offers the ultimate protection for high-value, luxury, and classic cars during transit, but preparing your vehicle properly is key to ensuring a smooth experience. By cleaning your car, documenting its condition, removing personal items, and performing a basic mechanical check, you can rest assured that your vehicle will arrive safely at its destination. Following these enclosed auto transport tips helps protect your car from potential issues, making the shipping process worry-free and seamless from start to finish. See some different payment options like pay per card, Bitcoin and other.