subject: Steps To Take To Prepare Your Car For Shipping [print this page] Shipping your vehicle, for a first time auto shipper, can be a bit of a chore. There are however some steps that you can take to make your auto sipping experience run much smoother. Shipping a car or truck can be fast and easy if you follow these simple steps:
First off, start with a clean car. You together with your shipper will want to inspect your vehicle thoroughly before the pick up to record any pre-existing damages to your vehicle. This is very important for an easy and accurate final inspection at the end of the trip.
Check to see that your car is running properly. This means that the car is in working condition and that the battery has a charge. There may be reason for your auto transporter to move your vehicle from one place to another. While they will likely have a means other than the cars own power to do this, it is easiest if the car runs. If your car does not run make sure to notify your shipper before pick up.
Anything on it's exterior that can be knocked off with little trouble or may damage another car in transit should be removed. These items include such exterior attachments as luggage or bike racks, spare tire covers or a non-retracting antenna. Do not ship your car with any of your personal belongings such as a GPS, CD holder, removable CD player or anything that can be reasonably taken from the car. Shippers insurance will not usually cover anything but the vehicle it is transporting, so leaving personal belongings in the car is risky.
Make sure that your car does not leak fluid of any variety. Your car may be on top of a car carrier and leaky fluids could drip onto lower cars. Some fluids are vary harmful to the environment and other cars and you wouldn't want to have your vehicle damaged by someone else's leaky car. Make sure that you show the other vehicle owners the same respect that you expect from them.
You will, of course, disarm or even better, disconnect any alarm systems that may be on your car and make sure that the hauler has a full set of keys to your car. This means ignition key, door key, trunk key, gas cap key, glove compartment key, etc.
If you follow these quick tips before shipping your automobile you should save yourself some time and possible some unneeded headaches.
