Preparing My Car for the Vehicle Mover

Auto shippers are a readily available resource if you need to move cars long distances when selling them or relocating. Preparing the vehicle helps the movers work faster and more ͏efficiently when loading your vehicle. Here are some of the ways to prepare your car for the vehicle mover:

Remove Personal Items and Accessories

Remove all personal effects from inside the vehicle, ͏such as ͏laptops, ͏documents, clothes, sports equipment, and other valuable items. ͏Any accessories that can shift if improperly secured or might come loose should also be taken out. These can include GPS ͏units, custom stereo systems, and mounted electronics. Removing all small, unsecured items prevents scratches and denting ͏inside the car when drivers brake, accelerate, or hit speed bumps.͏

Removing your personal items before transport avoids losing any items and likely adheres to the transporter’s instructions. An uncluttered vehicle interior enables the vehicle mover to inspect the inside of the car faster before shipping. Accessories like roof racks, bike mounts, and bull bars increase ͏the vehicle’s ͏weight and should also be removed. They also hinder the process of loading and unloading and may scratch your vehicle or the transport truck.

Consult a Mechanic

An i͏nspection determines the condition of your vehicle before transport to help verify it retained its current state through transit. The mechanic diagnoses the car based on several factors, such as the engine, the tires, and the fluids. Instruct the mechanic to resolve any issues they find before moving to make the process smoother and safer. A maintained vehicle reduces the possibility of any structural breakdowns that might happen when loading, transporting, and offloading.

Clean It Up

Washing the vehicle removes accumulated grime that could cause ropes and other restrai͏ning devices to slip during transit. A clean car may also help you see any existing scratch, dent, or other form of damage before the transport. You can prevent bad smells from developing by cleaning the interior before transporting the vehicle in hot or humid weather. When washing the vehicle’s interior and exterior, including the ͏engine and underneath the chassis.

Take Pictures or Videos

Document your car’s condition before shipping with pictures or videos to provide͏ evidence of its state. Take pictures of the exterior and interior from ͏different angles and concentrate on any signs of damage. These visuals act as a form of reference in case of any issue concerning th͏e state of the car at the time of delivery. 

Empty the Gas Tank

It’s advisable for vehicle owners to leave the fuel tank below a quarter full. This reduces ͏the vehicle’s overall weight, makes it fuel-efficient to transport, and reduces the probability of fuel spilling during transportation, which may compromise the vehicle’s safety. A quarter-full tank provides sufficient gas to drive the car ͏on and off the truck without manually pushing it.

Secure the Car Keys

Give the ignition key to the transport company along with any other key they may need, such as the one for the trunk if you have a spare tire there.͏ Add a key ring͏ with your tag or put them͏ inside an envelope with labels. This prevents any confusion as to which key is yours when you go to pick up your vehicle. Carry ͏an extra ͏set of keys to still have access to your car if necessary.

Gather Documents for Transportation

Prepare all the required documentation, such as vehicle registration and insurance documents, to prove ownership and provide information to the transport company regarding any legal processes. Contact the transport company or refer to the officials͏ to verify you have all the documents you need before the pickup date. Fill out additional paperwork like the bill of sale, import/export license, and customs clearance documents if you are transporting your vehicle through͏ multiple states or to another country. 

Consult the Vehicle Mover

Ask the transporter what type of vehicle moving services they offer, as many usually have open or enclosed truck solutions. Open trucks should be appropriate during the summer, while enclosed trucks protect your vehicle during spring and winter. Ask them if they have insurance͏ or a bond, as this protects you in case of any incident. Contact your car mover to learn how to prepare your vehicle and how they give progress reports on the delivery service.