Shipping Company Checklist: How to Prep Your Car for May Transport
As temperatures steadily climb during the month of May, the operational dynamics of auto transport undergo a significant shift. Late spring heat can create high-stress environments for vehicles resting on open multi-car carriers, where asphalt radiation and intense UV exposure become major factors. If you are preparing to work with a professional shipping company, taking a few technical precautions is vital. EZ Auto Movers has compiled this comprehensive vehicle preparation checklist to ensure your car remains safe, mechanically sound, and ready to drive the moment our car movers deliver it to your destination.
The Thermal Realities of May Auto Transport
When a vehicle is stationary on a transport trailer, it is subjected to what logistics engineers call “micro-climate heat accumulation.” On a 90°F May day, the metal deck of a trailer can reach temperatures exceeding 130°F. This localized heat impacts a vehicle’s fluid containment, tire pressure, and battery life differently than standard highway driving.
Choosing the best car shipping company means partnering with a team that guides you through these environmental variables. At EZ Auto Movers, our professional vehicle mover network relies on owners performing basic fluid and structural checks before pickup. This proactive maintenance prevents minor technical failures from turning into delivery-day issues.
The Ultimate May Preparation Checklist
To optimize your vehicle for transit this month, follow this technical checklist developed by the logistics experts at EZ Auto Movers:
1. Fluid Level and Seals Inspection
Coolant/Antifreeze: Ensure your radiator reservoir is filled to the recommended level. High temperatures during auto transport can cause residual pressure buildup in the cooling system.
Brake and Transmission Fluids: Check for any active leaks. Heat expands seals, and a microscopic tear can turn into a significant leak under May thermal stress, potentially dripping onto vehicles loaded below yours.
The Quarter-Tank Rule: Keep your fuel tank at exactly one-quarter (1/4) full. This provides enough fuel for our car movers to load and unload the vehicle safely while significantly reducing the carrier’s overall weight and minimizing fuel vapor expansion inside the tank.
2. Battery Health Calibration
Voltage Test: High heat drains battery fluid and accelerates internal corrosion faster than winter cold. Ensure your battery is holding a charge of at least 12.6 volts.
Terminal Cleaning: Clean any white or green oxidation from the terminals. A secure connection ensures that your vehicle mover can start the car quickly during terminal transfers without needing a jump-start.
3. Tire Pressure (PSI) Adjustment
Account for Heat Expansion: Tire pressure increases by approximately 1 PSI for every 10°F rise in ambient temperature.
Deflate Slightly if Necessary: If your tires are capped at maximum PSI, reduce the pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended “cold PSI” listed on your driver-side door jamb. This prevents over-inflation while the car rests on the hot metal decks during interstate car transport.
Why EZ Auto Movers Prioritizes Technical Prep
As a leading national shipping company, EZ Auto Movers utilizes a comprehensive digital Bill of Lading (BOL) at pickup. Our car movers log your fluid levels, tire status, and cosmetic condition into our tracking app. By following our May checklist, you streamline this inspection process, allowing our drivers to secure your vehicle onto the trailer quickly and safely. For high-value sports cars or electric vehicles (EVs) that are especially sensitive to battery drainage under thermal duress, we highly recommend opting for our enclosed auto transport service, which provides a shielded environment away from direct solar radiation.
FAQs About Shipping Company
Why does EZ Auto Movers require only a 1/4 tank of gas?
It is a safety regulation enforced by the best car shipping company standards. It minimizes weight on the trailer and reduces the risk of fuel expansion and vapor buildup due to May heat.
What happens if my car develops a fluid leak during transit?
Our cargo insurance covers transit-related issues, but pre-existing leaks must be disclosed. Our car movers place leaking vehicles on the bottom deck to protect other cargo.
Can the May heat trigger a car alarm during transport?
Yes. Rapid temperature changes can cause body panels to expand, triggering sensitive aftermarket alarms. EZ Auto Movers requires all alarms to be completely deactivated prior to loading.
Is enclosed auto transport better for avoiding heat damage?
Yes. If you are shipping a vehicle with a custom wrap, premium leather interior, or a sensitive EV battery, our enclosed carriers shield the asset from direct UV rays.
How do I check if my battery is ready for a long-distance move?
Visit a local auto parts store for a free load test before your scheduled pickup date with our vehicle mover.