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A reliable vehicle transport service will get your car to its destination safely and has insurance to honour its commitment in the unlikely event of damage. However, there are still things you should do in preparation for the move to ensure your car is in suitable condition for transport. In this blog, we are sharing valuable tips on how to prepare your car for transport before trusting your vehicle to a shipping company.
Vehicles must be in full working order to be shipped. Any mechanical problems should be repaired before shipping. The shipping company cannot risk being unable to load, unload or otherwise operate the vehicle. Note that shipping companies will not accept liability for pre-existing conditions or mechanical issues.
The shipping company will do a thorough survey of the vehicle before and after shipping. This is to the benefit of both the shipping company and the customer as it provides a clear understanding of the vehicle condition pre and post shipping. Images of a clean car provide a clearer view of its condition so ensure the vehicle is clean inside and out.
Top up your engine oil and all other fluids. Make sure your vehicle has at least a quarter tank of gas.
Check your tire pressure and ensure they’re properly inflated. Ensure that the spare tire is in its place and in good condition. Remove accessories like bike racks, spoilers and antennas. If possible, fold your mirrors in.
It is recommended that you deactivate your car alarms before preparing your vehicle for shipping. Staff will need to enter the vehicle to load and unload and alarms will cause delays and any costs to rectify the situation will be charged back to the customer.
It is also important that you deactivate or remove any toll tags or automatic payment devices that may be attached to your vehicle. Leaving tags activated in your vehicle may trigger toll gates and result in unexpected charges.
When preparing your car for shipping, it is important to ensure you have a copy of your vehicle’s registration in the glove box. This serves as proof that the car legally belongs to you.
To ensure that your vehicle can be safely and effectively transported, it must have a ground clearance of at least 4 inches. This refers to the distance from the lowest point of your car to the ground.
If you own an electric vehicle, ensure it is fully charged. A dead battery prevents the vehicle from being moved, loaded, or unloaded, potentially causing disruptions, significant delays in the shipping process and increased costs for the customer. For that reason, it is always advisable to double-check your EV's battery level before shipping. Learn more about preparing your electric or hybrid vehicle for shipping.
If you own a truck with a cap, it is fundamental that you check that it is properly bolted into the box of the truck. Lose canopies can move and even detach during transit, which can lead to serious damage to your car and other vehicles that are being transported. Ensuring bolts, screws and clamps are holding the cap in place helps you prevent accidents and contributes to a smooth and safe move.
Every car shipping company has its own set of requirements for car shipments. At Hansen’s, we’ve prepared a detailed list of steps to take to get your car ready for our auto transport drivers.
Now that you have read valuable information on how to prepare your car for shipping, why not take the next step? When you can’t afford to take any chances, the Hansen’s team has the expertise, fleet capacity and infrastructure to get your vehicle where you need it to go. With over 40 years of experience in vehicle relocation including secure storage facilities, insurance and a partnership with CPKC Railway, we have everything it takes to move your car safely and seamlessly. Contact us today to request a quote and learn more about our vehicle transport services.
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