How To Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Did you know that the vehicle shipping services market in America is valued at $10.8 billion?
Shipping your car across the country can be a daunting task.
You have to get your car ready for shipping, and that’s not always easy. There are a lot of things you need to do, and if you miss something, it could cost you big time.
But don’t worry. We’re here to help. Keep reading because, in this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to do to prepare your car for shipping. We’ll show you how to pack it properly, what documents you need, and how to find a reputable shipping company.
Prepare Your Car
Caring for your vehicle before you ship it is essential to ensure its safe arrival. Taking the time to give it a good cleaning can make all the difference in the quality of your car’s condition at its destination.
Vacuum the interior thoroughly and make sure the floor mats are scrubbed clean. On the exterior, wash off mud, dirt, and any other debris from the surface of your vehicle.
Don’t forget to take out anything inside that could be affected by movement while in transit, such as loose items, valuable electronics, or important documents.
Giving your car just a little bit of preparation will help ensure it maintains its pristine condition until it reaches its final destination.
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Change Your Oil
Keeping your car well-maintained is key, especially when it comes time to ship it. To make sure you’re prepping your vehicle for a safe journey, it’s important to change the oil before handing it off.
Doing so will provide your engine with optimal performance and reduce the chances of any hiccups happening down the line. So don’t forget one of the most important maintenance steps along the way – change that oil!
Check Your Tires
It is essential to check your tires before moving a vehicle, as this simple but important step can ensure that your car arrives in the same condition as when it left. Properly inflated tires will make for a smoother ride and help protect the tires from damage during transit.
Making sure that you and your shipment company have inspected the wheels and tires before transport is one of the best ways to help prevent any issues should they arise.
Though it may seem minor, taking time to check that each tire is properly inflated makes all the difference when it comes to making sure your car arrives without any mechanical difficulties.
Check All Fluids
Checking the fluids in your car is a simple, yet important task that should be done regularly. Oil should be checked to reduce the risk of engine damage, brake fluid should be filled to ensure your brakes work properly and transmission fluid must be at the right level for smooth gear changes.
Power steering fluid helps keep you in control of your car, coolant keeps it running smoothly during hot weather and wiper fluid ensures clear visibility so make sure these are all topped up as well.
Ultimately, making sure that all the fluids in your car are in order can prevent a lot of potential problems from arising down the road.
Battery Power
Battery power is one of the most essential elements when it comes to shipping a car. Even if your car is working perfectly fine, you’ll want to make sure that it’s still got enough juice to last until its destination.
The risk of losing power mid-shipping means you could be sending your car off into an unknown fate if something goes wrong – so having a fully charged battery will save you both time and headache.
A spare battery might even be a wise investment when you’re sending your car away on a long-distance trip, just in case any emergencies arise.
Document Everything
Keeping track of the necessary paperwork and documents involved with car shipping is a key step that should not be overlooked. Before you ship your vehicle, make sure all the proper paperwork is valid and that you have copies for yourself as well.
Having this prepared beforehand will ensure a smoother transition throughout the duration of shipping your car. Additionally, taking pictures of the vehicle before it sets off on its journey can help show any existing damage before transit and also provide evidence if something were to happen during transport.
Keeping these simple steps in mind throughout the process helps secure protection for both parties and ensures that your car shipping experience runs as smoothly as possible.
Insure Your Vehicle
Taking out an insurance policy when shipping your vehicle can help you in the future if any unexpected obstacles arise. After all, accidents do happen and it’s essential to be adequately covered.
An insurance plan also shows that you care about being responsible; by researching and selecting a plan, you’re taking proactive steps to protect both yourself and your vehicle against unexpected costs.
Selecting an auto shipping plan does not have to be a daunting task – research different types of plans available and look for ones that offer the most coverage for the lowest cost.
Prepare Your Car For Shipping
Moving your car across the country can be a big undertaking. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prepare your car for shipping. By following these steps, you can ensure that your car arrives at its destination in one piece.
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