Preparing Your Vehicle for Enclosed Transport: A Comprehensive Guide
When shipping a valuable, classic, or luxury vehicle, choosing enclosed auto transport offers the highest level of protection during transit. Unlike open car transport, which leaves your vehicle exposed to the elements, enclosed transport shields your car from weather, road debris, and potential damage. Whether you’re shipping a high-end sports car, a vintage model, or any other vehicle that requires extra care, preparing your vehicle for enclosed transport is crucial to ensure it arrives at its destination in the best condition.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take in order to prepare your vehicle for enclosed transport, ensuring it is ready for the journey and minimizing the risk of damage during shipping.
Step 1: Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly
Before your car is picked up for enclosed transport, give it a thorough cleaning. This isn’t just for aesthetic purposes; a clean vehicle allows you and the transport company to spot any pre-existing damage more easily. Whether you’re shipping a new car or a classic model, taking the time to clean your car inside and out is an essential part of the preparation process.
Why It Works:
- Pre-existing damage: A clean vehicle helps you identify scratches, dents, or other issues that may have occurred before shipping.
- Inspection purposes: Both you and the transport company will be able to inspect the car properly before and after transit.
- Interior cleanliness: Although personal belongings are typically not allowed, cleaning the interior can ensure that no debris or items are left behind that might cause damage.
Tip:
Wash and vacuum your car, paying special attention to the wheel wells, tires, and undercarriage. This ensures that dirt and grime don’t obscure any potential issues.
Step 2: Remove Personal Items
Most enclosed auto transport services advise against leaving personal belongings inside the vehicle. Not only does this violate many companies’ policies, but it can also affect your car’s insurance coverage. Personal items are typically not insured during transport, so it’s best to remove them before shipping.
Why It Works:
- Insurance coverage: Transport companies usually don’t cover damage to personal items in the vehicle. Removing them ensures that you won’t face any risk of loss.
- Space and safety: Personal items may shift during transit and cause internal damage or interfere with the car’s operation. Emptying the car of personal belongings reduces this risk.
Tip:
Remove any valuable items such as electronics, clothing, or documents. Also, take out any loose items that might roll around inside the car, such as change, loose papers, or pet accessories.
Step 3: Document the Vehicle’s Condition
Before your vehicle is loaded onto the enclosed transport truck, it’s important to document its condition. This documentation will be useful in case you need to file an insurance claim if damage occurs during shipping. Take detailed photos of the car’s exterior, interior, and any existing damage. Include close-ups of any dings, dents, or scratches.
Why It Works:
- Proof of condition: In the unlikely event that your car is damaged during transport, photos provide evidence of its condition prior to shipping, helping you avoid disputes with the transport company.
- Better claims process: If damage occurs, having detailed pictures ensures that the claims process is easier and quicker.
Tip:
Take wide-angle photos of the vehicle and close-ups of areas that might be prone to damage, like the front bumper, side mirrors, and wheels.
Step 4: Ensure Your Vehicle is in Running Condition (if Applicable)
If your vehicle is operable, make sure it’s in running condition before it’s picked up for enclosed transport. While most enclosed car transport companies offer both running and non-running vehicle shipping services, it’s important to confirm that the car can be driven onto the transport truck. If your vehicle isn’t running, the company may need to bring special equipment, like a winch, to load the car onto the truck.
Why It Works:
- Easy loading: A running vehicle can be driven directly onto the transport carrier, which simplifies the loading and unloading process.
- Avoiding extra fees: If your vehicle isn’t running, the transport company may charge additional fees for the special equipment needed to load and unload the vehicle.
Tip:
Check your battery, tire pressure, and fluid levels before pick-up. Make sure there’s enough gas (a quarter tank is usually sufficient) to drive the vehicle onto the carrier.
Step 5: Disable the Car Alarm and GPS Systems
To avoid any complications during transport, make sure to disable the car alarm and any other security systems (including GPS tracking devices). Car alarms can trigger during transport, especially if the car is moved around or bumped, and you don’t want to inconvenience the driver or cause unnecessary distractions.
Why It Works:
- Avoiding disruptions: Car alarms can go off during transit, which could cause stress or disrupt the transport process.
- Preventing battery drain: Disabling your vehicle’s alarm system helps conserve the car’s battery during transport, especially for longer trips.
Tip:
Ensure that any aftermarket GPS devices are either removed or turned off to avoid draining the battery or interfering with the transport process.
Step 6: Check for Fluid Leaks and Mechanical Issues
Inspect your vehicle for any fluid leaks or mechanical issues that might need to be addressed before shipping. Transport companies often ask that your vehicle be free of leaks to avoid causing issues during loading, unloading, and transit. If your car has minor mechanical issues, consider addressing them before shipping to ensure a smooth process.
Why It Works:
- Preventing environmental hazards: Leaking fluids can damage the transport truck or other vehicles on the trailer, and can create safety hazards during the transport process.
- Ensuring smooth transport: Addressing mechanical issues ahead of time ensures your vehicle can be loaded and unloaded without issue.
Tip:
If your vehicle has significant mechanical issues or is not running, let the enclosed transport company know ahead of time so they can make special arrangements.
Step 7: Confirm the Shipping Details and Schedule
Before the transport truck arrives, double-check the shipping details with the company. Make sure you have the correct pick-up and delivery locations and confirm the schedule. If you’re using door-to-door service, ensure that both locations are easily accessible for the transport vehicle, especially if you live in a remote area or have a narrow driveway.
Why It Works:
- Clear communication ensures that the transport company can provide you with the best service possible and minimize delays.
- Scheduling accuracy allows you to prepare for the vehicle’s pick-up and delivery, reducing stress on the day of transport.
Tip:
Ensure that someone is available to hand over the car at pick-up and take delivery at drop-off. If you cannot be there in person, make arrangements with an authorized representative.
Preparing your vehicle for enclosed transport is an essential step in ensuring that your car arrives at its destination safely and in the same condition it was in when it was shipped. By thoroughly cleaning your car, removing personal belongings, documenting its condition, and making sure it’s ready for transport, you can minimize the risk of issues during shipping.
Choosing enclosed auto transport provides your vehicle with the best protection possible during transit, but proper car shipping preparation is just as important. By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and secure transport process for your valuable vehicle. Search for insurance that is right for your needs. It is important if you rent a car.
