If you have a long-distance move ahead of you, you might be anxious about driving your vehicle to the new location. Hours of driving, possibly through desert or very remote parts of the country? That may not sound appealing. You do not want to break down or face car trouble. You may be moving across an ocean, and driving isn’t an option. Or, maybe you have more cars than drivers in your household, so there simply aren’t enough people to drive all the vehicles. If one of these sounds like you, vehicle transport may be the answer.
One of the biggest reasons people transport their car is to avoid racking on the miles. Whatever your reason, the first step is to find long-distance movers who offer such a service. Ensure they are reputable, experienced, have positive reviews online, and are transparent about their pricing and fees. Finding full-service movers who will be a one-stop shop for all your moving needs is a good idea. Coordinating with multiple different companies to move your belongings is a hassle.
Many moving companies in Utah offer a wide range of options, including house-packing services, moving, and storage. Working with a moving company that does everything will make your move as convenient as possible.
Getting Your Car Ready for Transport
Once you’ve locked down an excellent moving company that partners with licensed car shippers, it’s time to prepare your car for transport. Here are 11 steps to take to get the car ready:
1. Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly for a Proper Pickup Inspection
Give your car a good wash before your transport company comes for pickup. With a clean vehicle, you’d better be able to spot any damage caused by the shipping process once you’re reunited.
2. Remove any Items From Your Vehicle
Your car may get jostled during transport. It’s best to clean your vehicle so things don’t get tossed around. Remove anything unsecured, such as fresheners, spare change, chargers, etc.
3. Remove Your Toll Charging Device (If You Have One)
If you have a toll charging device and don’t remove it before transport, you will get charged every time the carrier passes through a toll charging point.
4. Turn Off the Alarm
To avoid being hated by your truck driver and drivers, turn off any alarm systems your cars may have.
5. Leave the Gas Low
Nobody is driving your car, so there is no need to gas up before transport. That will only make your car heavier, adding risk to the shipment. It only needs to be driven on and off the transport trailer. A good rule of thumb is to leave the gas ⅛ to ¼ full. However, there’s no need to drain gas if you have more than that.
6. Check for leaks
Make sure to do your part to prepare your car before transport. Check for any leaks in the undercarriage. If your moving company spots a leak, they may refuse service. Check this in advance so you can fix it before moving day if needed. In addition, fixing the leak is an act of courtesy for all the vehicles that may be below yours during the transport process.
7. Check the Tire Pressure
It would help if you didn’t have over or under-inflated tires when driving or transporting. Tires not properly inflated increase the risk of damage to your car.
8. Remove Custom Accessories
Remove custom accessories such as car spoilers to minimize the risk of damage due to their odd size.
9. Take Pictures of Your Vehicle
You want to avoid being in a position where your transport company is denying responsibility for any damage to your car. Take good-quality photos of your vehicle from every angle to protect yourself if additional damage occurs during transport.
10. Take Photos of the Odometer
This part is for peace of mind if you want to be sure one of your drivers doesn’t take your car for a joy ride. No reason exists for anyone to enter your car once loaded onto the transport truck. Lock the doors to reduce the risk of theft.
11. Park your car somewhere convenient for pickup
Help make pickup easy for your transport team by parking your car somewhere easy to access. Remember, moving trucks and auto transport carrier trucks are very large. Make sure there is ample space for them. Consider meeting in a large, empty parking lot if your home doesn’t accommodate this.
These tips will help prepare your car for smooth transport and keep the process moving seamlessly. If your vehicle is brand new without plates, there is no need to worry; your car doesn’t need plates for transport. Before choosing a company to transport your vehicle, request and compare quotes so you can estimate the cost and plan accordingly. Moving can be pricey, so using a spreadsheet to keep track of expenses and form a budget can help you stay on track financially.
Being prepared and organized are the best defenses against mishaps, damage, and headaches. Whether you need a residential moving company, packing and moving services, or long-distance movers, we’d love to help!