If you are preparing to ship your vehicle on a long distance trip, there are a variety of steps to take in order to prepare your car for the trip. Here are 7 things you should do in order to make things easier (and potentially cheaper) for you prior to sending your vehicle.
1. Wash Your Car
This is the first and most obvious step to take. The reason washing your car is important is because having dirt or dust on the outside may obscure any new dings or scratches that may happen to your vehicle during transport. While your car is not guaranteed to take on any damage, it is important to be vigilant in checking any existing scratches or dents so that you know if any additional damage occurs. It is also important that you document any existing damage by taking notes and pictures. Doing this will provide you with documentation in case any further damage occurs, and you wish to be reimbursed.
2. Ask About Insurance
While reliable transport companies do their best to take care of your property, accidents do happen during shipment. If you are worried about damage, it is important that you ask about insuring your car with either the transport company itself or their insurance company and see what kind of coverage they offer. If there are still feelings of unease after contacting these companies, you can also take the option of purchasing additional coverage from insurance companies outside of the transport company you are using.
3. Clean the Inside of Your Vehicle
Remove the valuables from your car, a reputable shipping company should take steps to deter any potential theft, but there is not a person monitoring your vehicle 24/7. Valuable items that often get left are GPS devices, DVD players, and stereo systems. While in transport there is potential for things inside of the vehicle to get thrown around, especially on a bumpy road. It will be best to take out any loose items, so they do not cause any damage inside the vehicle.
4. Empty the Gas Tank
It is recommended that your vehicle should only contain ΒΌ tank of gas during shipment. Having a full tank will only cause your car to be heavier, and the additional weight only adds unnecessary risk during shipment.
5. Perform Maintenance
It is important to make sure things in your vehicle are working properly prior to shipment. First, make sure your battery is charged and secure in its bracket. Next, you should check to make sure your tires are in good condition. Make sure your emergency brake is in good working condition because it will be necessary during transport. Last, make sure to remove any external parts such as antennas or spoilers. Also, fold your side mirrors in to avoid any potential damage to them.
6. Disarm Your Alarm
Make sure your alarm is disabled, you definitely do not want it to go off during transportation because the trucker transporting your vehicle is given permission to disable it by any means necessary. This includes breaking your window or damaging another part of your car.
7. Have an Extra Set of Keys
Having an extra set of keys on you is vital because the trucker moving your vehicle will need a copy of them. While many cars do have spare sets of keys, if yours does not, you must go and make a copy before you transport your vehicle. Giving your only set of keys to the company comes with the potential for them to lose them, causing a large potential headache for you.