How Do I Prepare My Car for Auto Transport Pick-Up?

11/30/2010

Preparing your vehicle for auto transport can ensure the process goes more smoothly. To prepare for auto transport, take the following four steps:

  1. Wash your car – This may seem counterintuitive, since your vehicle will be on the back of a truck and sitting out in the elements for several days or more. However, a clean car allows you and the driver of the car carrier to do a proper inspection of your vehicle. This allows the driver to accurately record any digs or dents, so there are no disputes about damage upon delivery.

  2. Remove personal items – While it may be tempting to load up your vehicle when transporting it, this is not a good idea. Items can be lost or stolen, and it can put your vehicle overweight. See the post about including personal belongings during auto transport for more details.

  3. Secure aftermarket add-ons - Protect your vehicle’s aftermarket add-ons or special effects such as spoilers, fog lights, and antennas by removing or securing them. Anything that extends beyond the original shape of your vehicle can be easily damaged during auto transport. So, it is best to remove or secure it.

  4. Be sure battery is charged – A charged battery will ensure that your vehicle can be started and driven on and off of the car carrier.

In addition to these four steps, you can check with your auto transport company to see if they have any additional recommendations for preparing for auto transport.