Preparing Your Vehicle for Long-Distance Auto Transport
Long-distance vehicle transportation requires more planning than simply handing over your keys.
Whether you’re moving from Orlando to another state, purchasing a vehicle from a distant seller, or arranging transportation for another reason, preparing your vehicle properly can make the shipping process easier.
Here are several practical steps to consider before your vehicle is transported.
1. Clean the Vehicle
Before transportation, consider washing the exterior of the vehicle.
A clean vehicle makes it easier to identify existing scratches, dents, chips, and other visible imperfections.
You don’t need to perform an extensive detailing service. A basic exterior cleaning is generally enough to make the vehicle’s condition easier to inspect.
2. Document the Vehicle’s Condition
Take photographs of the vehicle before pickup.
Photograph the front, rear, sides, wheels, windows, and other visible areas.
If there are existing scratches, dents, or other noticeable marks, take close-up photographs as well.
Keeping a record of the vehicle’s pre-transport condition provides useful documentation.
3. Remove Personal Belongings
Before shipping your vehicle, remove personal belongings from the interior.
This can include:
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Important documents
- Bags
- Valuables
- Loose accessories
Keeping the vehicle clear of personal belongings also helps reduce unnecessary items inside the vehicle during transportation.
4. Check for Leaks
Look around the vehicle for obvious fluid leaks before transportation.
If you notice something unusual, communicate it before the vehicle is picked up.
This information can be important for transportation planning and vehicle handling.
5. Check the Tires
Make sure the vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.
The tires don’t need to be overinflated. They should simply be maintained at an appropriate level according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
6. Check the Battery
Make sure the battery is securely installed.
A functioning battery can be important when the vehicle needs to be started or moved during loading and unloading.
If your vehicle has a known battery issue, mention it before transportation.
7. Keep the Fuel Level Reasonable
A vehicle generally doesn’t need a completely full fuel tank for transportation.
Keeping the fuel level reasonable can reduce unnecessary weight while leaving enough fuel for vehicle movement during pickup and delivery.
Follow any specific instructions provided for your shipment.
8. Disable or Secure Alarms
If your vehicle has an alarm system, make sure you know how it operates before transportation.
If possible, disable the alarm or provide appropriate instructions to prevent unnecessary activation during transport.
9. Fold or Remove Loose Accessories
Check for loose accessories that could become damaged during transportation.
This may include removable antennas, roof accessories, or other detachable components.
If something is easily removable and could create a transportation issue, consider securing or removing it beforehand.
10. Make Sure the Pickup Location Is Accessible
Large vehicle carriers need enough room to safely load and unload vehicles.
Narrow streets, low branches, construction, traffic restrictions, and other obstacles can make some locations unsuitable for a large carrier.
If the exact address isn’t accessible, a nearby location may be necessary.
This is particularly important for door-to-door auto transport.
Open or Enclosed Transport?
When preparing your vehicle, also consider the type of carrier you’re using.
Open car transport places the vehicle on an open carrier.
Enclosed car transport places the vehicle inside an enclosed carrier and can provide additional protection from outdoor exposure.
Your vehicle type and personal preferences should guide this decision.
Preparing for State-to-State Auto Transport
If your vehicle is traveling between states, make sure your pickup and delivery information is accurate.
Long-distance vehicle transportation involves more distance and planning, so providing complete information before pickup can help keep the process organized.
Keep Important Information Available
Before your vehicle is picked up, make sure you have relevant transportation information available.
This can include:
- Pickup address
- Delivery address
- Contact information
- Vehicle details
- Transportation method
- Special instructions
Having these details ready can make communication easier throughout the shipping process.
Final Checklist
Before your car is transported, consider the following:
- Clean the exterior
- Photograph the vehicle
- Remove personal belongings
- Check for leaks
- Check tire condition
- Check the battery
- Keep fuel at an appropriate level
- Secure loose accessories
- Disable or secure alarms
- Confirm pickup and delivery details
- Make sure the pickup location is accessible
Final Thoughts
Preparing your vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated.
A little planning before pickup can help you document the vehicle’s condition, communicate important information, and make the transportation process more organized.
Whether you’re shipping a vehicle from Orlando, FL, or arranging state-to-state auto transport, taking the time to prepare your car can make the experience easier.
Ready to Arrange Your Vehicle Transport?
Citywide Auto Transport provides open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state vehicle shipping.
Call (689) 314-7914 to discuss your transportation needs.