You’re entrusting an auto transport company with one of your most prized possessions, so you want to ensure everything goes smoothly. Before you hand over the keys, you should do a few things. For example, remove custom accessories like spoilers, toll tags, and parking passes. Also, make sure your car is clean and lock it up.
Check the Battery
Auto transport drivers at American Auto Transport appreciate customers who make their vehicles easy to load and unload. This includes removing personal items like luggage, bike or ski racks, custom spoilers, and retractable antennas. This is important because small-scale movements could damage these items when the car moves on and off the trailer. It’s also a good idea to record the vehicle’s condition and share these notes with the driver so they can acknowledge any preexisting damage on the bill of lading/inspection report. It is also best to leave only a quarter gas tank in the vehicle. This will help save the truck’s weight and prevent your vehicle from running out during transit. This will save you time at pick up and delivery.
Wash It
Before shipping your car, it should be thoroughly cleaned inside and out. Removing or securing loose items like spoilers, custom mirrors, antennas, and personal belongings is also a good idea. You’ll want to check the fluid levels (excluding gas-keep it to a 1/4 tank) and tire pressure, which helps ensure safe loading and unloading. In addition, washing your vehicle will help you identify any existing damage. This will allow you and the driver to document its condition straightforwardly when it’s time for inspection. This is very important as it can help determine who is responsible for any damages incurred during transit. It can also prevent preexisting damage from being blamed on the carrier driver.
Disable Alarms
A car carrier driver will do thorough inspections before and after transport. This includes checking for preexisting damage that could cause a claim during shipment. If you have any extra items in your car, like bike racks or custom spoilers, it’s best to remove them. This will help make the car lighter and save you money on shipping costs. Also, please turn off your alarms so they don’t go off during transit. Also, record any damage on your vehicle by taking pictures and making written notes. If you have any special handling instructions for the driver, note them. Finally, only leave a quarter gas tank in your car so the driver can drive it on and off the trailer.
Check the Tires
The tire pressure on your car should be properly inflated. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can damage your car during loading and unloading. The tires should be inflated to the recommended pressure in your owner’s manual. If you leak, make sure that it’s fixed before the truck driver comes to pick up your car. Leaks can drip onto other cars shipped on the same trailer, so you don’t want to risk it. Likewise, if your car is inoperable, let the driver know so they can prepare accordingly. Then, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will be safe for transport. Lastly, ensure that all personal items are removed from the car before loading onto the carrier.
Lock It Up
When preparing your vehicle for auto transport, you want to ensure everything is in good working condition and that any personal items have been removed. Loose items can get tossed around during transport, which could cause damage to your vehicle or the items inside it. If you have any custom parts or accessories, it’s a good idea to remove or secure them so they don’t break during transportation. Also, turn off any alarm systems or toll tags in your vehicle so you don’t incur unnecessary charges while the car is being shipped. Finally, ensure you have a spare key for your vehicle and provide the carrier with a copy of your driver’s license. This will help expedite the loading and unloading process.