Transporting your vehicle long distances can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re moving to another state, buying your dream car from across the country, or heading south for the winter. Whatever the reason, using a professional car transport company can take a lot of stress off your plate. Open carrier transport is the most popular and cost-effective option.
However, a successful and safe transport starts long before the truck pulls into your street. Your vehicle needs to be prepared both physically and administratively for the journey. Proper preparation can prevent delays, extra costs, and disputes about potential damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do to get your car ready for transport. These ten practical steps will help ensure a smooth handoff and peace of mind.
Why Preparation is So Important?
With open carrier transport, your vehicle is transported on a trailer alongside several others. This means it’s exposed to the elements, including rain, dust, and small debris from the road. Transport companies operate on tight schedules, so if your car doesn’t start, has a leak, or is loaded with personal belongings, the driver may refuse to load it.
Additionally, government regulations are in place to protect both you and the driver. Excess weight from personal items in the car can affect the trailer’s load, creating safety risks on the road. By following the guidelines, you contribute to a safe and efficient transport process. Let’s dive into the ten steps to prepare your car for the journey.
Step 1: Wash Your Car Thoroughly
It might seem counterintuitive to wash your car before it sits on an open trailer where it will likely get dirty again. However, this is a crucial step.
A clean car allows you to accurately assess the current condition of the paint. Dirt and mud can hide scratches, dents, or chipped paint. Both you and the driver need to inspect the car before it’s transported. By washing and drying your car, you can avoid confusion when the vehicle is delivered at its destination.
Step 2: Inspect for Existing Damage and Take Photos
Once your car is clean, conduct a thorough visual inspection. Slowly walk around the vehicle, noting any scratches, dents, or discoloration in the paint. Don’t forget to check the wheels, bumpers, and roof.
Take clear photos from multiple angles, and make sure they are well-lit. Capture close-ups of any existing damage and timestamp the images. On the day of pickup, the driver will complete an inspection report. Your photos serve as solid proof of your car’s condition prior to transport, giving you peace of mind and protecting you in case of any disputes.
Step 3: Remove All Personal Belongings
Transport companies strictly enforce rules about personal items in vehicles. It’s important to know that the carrier’s insurance only covers the car—not its contents. If valuables like a laptop, sunglasses, or cash go missing, you’ll be responsible for the loss.
Additionally, agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration closely monitor the weight of commercial trucks. Personal items can add excess weight, leading to fines for the driver. Remove everything from the cabin and trunk, including clothes, chargers, documents, and toolkits. Keep the interior clean and clutter-free. For more details on transport regulations, check out the frequently asked questions about car shipping.
Step 4: Check the Fuel Level
A common mistake is filling the gas tank completely before transport. Fuel adds unnecessary weight and can be a safety hazard in rare cases of an accident.
Why a Quarter Tank is Ideal?
Transport companies typically recommend keeping the gas tank about a quarter full. This is enough for the driver to load and unload the car but saves significant weight, especially considering a trailer can carry up to nine vehicles at once. Check your gas gauge a day before transport and, if needed, drive around to lower the level.
Step 5: Inspect for Leaks
Before your car is loaded onto the trailer, ensure there are no fluid leaks, such as oil, coolant, brake fluid, or power steering fluid.
Leaks can cause major problems. Your car might be placed above another on the trailer, and any fluid leaking could damage the paint of the car below. The night before transport, park your car on a clean piece of pavement or place a large sheet of white cardboard under the engine area. Check in the morning for any stains. If you find a leak, report it to the transport company and repair it before the trip.
Step 6: Check Tire Pressure
Your tires are crucial for safe loading and unloading. Improperly inflated tires make it harder for the driver to maneuver your car safely and can also affect how well the tires absorb shocks during the trip.
Refer to your car’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door for the recommended tire pressure. Use a reliable gauge to inflate them to the correct level. Don’t forget to check the spare tire if it’s mounted under the car. Proper tire maintenance plays a key role in road safety, as emphasized by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Step 7: Remove Exterior Accessories
Your car should be as streamlined as possible. Loose or protruding accessories can be damaged by wind, debris, or low-hanging branches. It’s your responsibility to secure these items.
- Remove roof boxes, bike racks, and roof rails.
- Fold in side mirrors.
- Detach the antenna and store it in the trunk.
- Remove aftermarket fog lights or low-hanging spoilers if they’re loose.
- Ensure any tonneau cover on pickups is tightly secured.
These precautions protect your car from damage and prevent parts from falling off during transit.
Step 8: Disable the Alarm System
Few things are as frustrating for a truck driver as a car alarm going off during transport. The noise is distracting and stopping to disable it wastes time. Plus, a constantly blaring alarm can drain your car battery, leaving it dead upon delivery.
Follow your car manufacturer’s instructions to deactivate the alarm completely. If that’s not possible, give the driver clear instructions on how to disable it quickly. Show them which buttons to press and hand over the key fob personally.
Step 9: Test the Battery and Brakes
Your car must be able to drive onto and off the trailer under its own power. A functioning battery and reliable brakes are essential. If the car doesn’t start or stop properly, special equipment like a winch may be required, often incurring additional costs.
Test that the car starts smoothly and that the brakes respond immediately. If the battery struggles or the brakes squeak, notify your transport company. The more they know, the better they can plan the transport of your vehicle.
Step 10: Provide a Spare Set of Keys
You’ll need to give the driver a set of keys to start the car, open the doors, and access the trunk. However, never hand over your only set of keys.
Always keep a spare set for yourself. In the unlikely event that the keys are lost during transport, you’ll still be able to access your vehicle at delivery. Beforehand, test the spare set to ensure it works for the ignition, doors, and glove compartment. Show the driver that the keys function properly.
What to Expect on Pickup Day?
After following these steps, your car will be fully prepared for pickup. When the driver arrives, you’ll complete an inspection report together. Take your time with this process—walk around the car together and compare findings. Only sign the report if you agree with the documented condition.
Once the inspection is complete, hand over the keys, and the driver will carefully load your car onto the trailer. You’ll receive a copy of the report, allowing you to relax knowing your car is in good hands. Upon delivery, repeat the inspection process and compare the car’s condition to the photos you took in step two. Ready for a smooth experience? You can request a free quote online today.
Conclusion
Getting your car ready for transport doesn’t have to be complicated. With a step-by-step approach, you can protect your vehicle and avoid unnecessary stress. Start by washing your car and documenting its condition with clear photos. Remove personal items, reduce fuel to a quarter tank, and check for leaks and proper tire pressure.
Don’t forget to remove exterior accessories, deactivate the alarm, and ensure the battery and brakes are in good condition. Finally, provide a spare set of keys for the driver. By following these ten practical steps, you’ll ensure a safe journey for your car and make the driver’s job much easier. Before you know it, your car will be ready and waiting for you at its destination, just as you left it.
