Most vehicles are transported without incident. However, taking a few simple steps increases the likelihood that everything will go smoothly:
Ensure battery is fully charged – With a full battery, you can be confident that your car can be started and driven on and off of the car carrier, even if your car transit time is a week or more.
Remove personal items from your car – It is against DOT regulations for car carriers to transport personal items inside vehicles. In addition, your stuff could be stolen or it can put your vehicle overweight, if you include heavy items. For more details, the post Can I Include Personal Items during Car Shipping .
Wash your vehicle – It may seem counter intuitive, given that your vehicle will be on the back of a truck for several days or more; however, a clean vehicle makes it easier to do a thorough inspection. When the auto hauler can more accurately record any digs or dents, you reduce the chance of any disputes about damage upon delivery.
Secure any aftermarket add-ons – Protect any aftermarket add-ons or special effects on your vehicle by removing them. This includes spoilers, fog lights, and antennas. Anything that extends beyond the original shape of your vehicle can be easily damaged during auto transport.
Run fuel level down to ¼ tank or less – A full tank of fuel adds additional weight to your vehicle. Auto haulers appreciate you providing your vehicle with a tank that is ⅛ to ¼ full.
You may also want to check with your car shipping company to see if they have any additional recommendations to prepare your car for shipping.
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