How To Prepare A Car For Transport

I. Introduction

Transporting your beloved set of wheels from one place to another can be a nerve-wracking experience, can't it? As an experienced Auto Transport Broker who has overseen countless vehicle transports across this beautiful country, let me tell you, you're not alone in feeling this way. But don't fret! With the right preparation, this process can go off without a hitch. So let's talk about how to get your car ready for its journey.

II. Choosing the Right Auto Transporter

First things first, choosing a reliable auto transporter is crucial. Remember that story about my buddy Joe? He went with a cheap service, and his car ended up arriving two weeks late! Ouch. So, take some time, do your homework, and choose a company that has solid reviews and a good rating from the BBB. Don't skimp on this step—it's the foundation for a smooth transport experience.

III. The Importance of a Clean Car

This brings us to the first item on our checklist: washing your car. I know what you're thinking, "Why does it matter? It's just going to get dirty on the road!" True, but this is about more than just having a shiny car. A clean car allows us to better document any pre-existing damage. Trust me, it's much easier to spot that little dent from the shopping cart incident last month on a clean car.

IV. Document Your Vehicle’s Condition

Now that your car is all spick-and-span, it's time for a photo shoot! I once had a customer who was so diligent with this; she took pictures from every angle possible and even filmed a video. She laughed about being paranoid, but I told her she was doing exactly the right thing. Good quality, dated photographs of your vehicle are essential for documenting its pre-transport condition. It helps protect you in the rare event of any damage during transport.

V. Secure Your Vehicle's Interior

Here's a funny story for you—I once transported a car with a loose bobblehead on the dashboard. Every time I hit a bump, that thing would bounce around like a pinball! Save your bobbleheads (and other loose items) the wild ride. Remove them from your car to prevent any damage during transit. This goes for any car accessories too, like that bike rack you used last summer. If it's not secured or can be removed, take it off.

VI. Check Your Vehicle's Functional Aspects

It might sound like a no-brainer, but it's important to ensure your car is in good working condition before it's transported. Check the antifreeze level in the radiator, ensure the battery is fully charged, and that your tires are properly inflated.

Once, I transported a car that had a slow oil leak. The owner thought it was minor, but by the time the car arrived, it had left a trail of oil all along the route! Always double-check for fluid leaks and address any mechanical problems beforehand.

VII. Fuel Level and Vehicle Weight

On to the next tip, and this one's about fuel. Your vehicle doesn't need to be brimming with gas for its journey. Just enough to move it on and off the trailer is perfect—about 1/8 to 1/4 full. This can help reduce the vehicle's weight for transport. Don't worry, no one's going to penalize you if you have more, but it's a helpful hint.

VIII. Keep Alarms and Toll Tags in Check

Here's a little secret, car alarms going off on a transport trailer? Not fun! Trust me, your driver will be eternally grateful if you were to disarm the alarm system.

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