Introduction
Shipping a car across states can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. From choosing the right transport company to ensuring your vehicle is ready for pickup, there are a lot of moving parts.
At Cross State Car Movers, we believe that preparation is the key to a smooth and stress-free auto transport experience. By taking the right steps before your driver arrives, you’ll not only protect your car but also make the shipping process faster and easier.
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to prepare your car for auto transport.
1. Clean Your Car Inside and Out
Before your vehicle is loaded onto the carrier, it’s important to give it a thorough wash. Why? A clean car makes it easier to spot and document any existing scratches, dents, or dings.
Tips:
- Wash both the exterior and the windows for a clear inspection.
- Vacuum the interior to remove dust and debris.
- Keep the car free of unnecessary clutter.
Pro Tip: Avoid taking your car to a fancy detailing service before shipping—it’s better to wait until after delivery in case of dust from the transport.
2. Remove Personal Items and Valuables
Most auto transport companies (including us) don’t allow personal belongings inside the car during shipment. This isn’t just a policy—it’s a safety measure. Extra weight can affect the transport process, and personal items aren’t covered by insurance.
What to Remove:
- Electronics (GPS, dash cams, chargers)
- Bags, clothes, and household items
- Valuables like jewelry or important documents
If you must leave something in the car, confirm with your transporter first, but we recommend keeping it completely empty.
3. Check for Leaks, Fluids, and Tire Pressure
A quick mechanical check ensures your car is safe for transport.
- Fluids: Make sure there are no leaks (oil, coolant, brake fluid).
- Tires: Inflate to proper levels—neither under-inflated nor overinflated.
- Battery: Fully charge it before pickup.
- Alarms: Turn off any car alarms to avoid disruptions.
This simple step prevents issues when your car is being loaded or unloaded.
4. Reduce Your Fuel Level
While it might feel strange, you should not fill your gas tank before transport. A full tank adds unnecessary weight and increases safety risks.
Ideal Fuel Level:
- Keep your tank at around ¼ full.
- This provides enough fuel for short loading/unloading but keeps the car lighter for shipping.
5. Document Your Car’s Condition
Before your driver takes the car, you’ll go through a vehicle inspection report. This is where both you and the carrier document the car’s condition before shipping.
Steps:
- Take clear, dated photos of your car from multiple angles.
- Capture close-ups of any existing scratches or dents.
- Keep a digital copy for your records.
This way, if anything happens during transport (though rare), you’ll have proof to file a claim.
6. Remove or Secure Accessories
Anything that sticks out of your car can get damaged during transport.
What to Remove or Secure:
- Bike racks, roof racks, and ski boxes
- Antennas (if detachable)
- Spoilers or custom modifications
If they can’t be removed, secure them properly.
7. Provide a Spare Set of Keys
Never hand over your only set of car keys. Give your transporter a spare set instead. That way, they can load/unload the car as needed without risking your only keys being lost.
8. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Details
Before shipping day, double-check your arrangements:
- Pickup and delivery addresses
- Contact phone numbers
- Payment method and final price
- Estimated delivery window
At Cross State Car Movers, we provide tracking updates and direct communication so you’ll always know where your vehicle is.
Conclusion
Preparing your car for auto transport doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these steps—cleaning your car, removing personal items, checking for leaks, documenting condition, and confirming details—you’ll ensure a smooth and stress-free shipping experience.
At Cross State Car Movers, our mission is to make car shipping safe, simple, and reliable. Whether you’re moving across states or across the country, we’ll handle your vehicle with the care it deserves.