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Need to ship a car across states? Or internationally? As long as you find the right professionals to work with, that is, as long as you’re in good hands, you’ll certainly benefit from this service and enjoy the convenience it provides you with. Convenience is exactly why people use those car shipping services in the first place, but there’s also the fact that this is the safer way.
Anyway, finding the best car transportation company is the goal you should have and it is a goal that, when completed, will lead to having your vehicle safely carried from one specific location to the desired one. Did you know, however, that it is not all up to those professionals? To be more precise, did you know that there are things you’ll need to do so as to make this service a success?
While the hardest work will definitely be done by the company you’ll choose, there’s no denying the fact that you play a role in all of this as well. And, no, I am not referring to the idea that you’re the one responsible for choosing that company, although that is definitely true and I’m guessing you’re aware of it already. What I’m referring to, though, is the fact you’ll need to get your car properly prepared for shipping, and that requires you to take a few significant steps.
Haven’t used this solution in the past? Then you must be confused about the preparation part. Nothing to worry about, though. Below you’ll find the preparation tips you’ll absolutely need, and those are bound to make things easier for you. Understanding how to get the car ready will guarantee the perfect service, just like the idea of finding the perfect company will.
Wash and Clean It
Doing a full inspection, which the auto transported that will be assigned to you will have to do on pick-up, will be much easier if your vehicle is properly cleaned. It is, of course, in your best interest as well for them to complete the inspection successfully. So, cleaning your vehicle, both inside and outside, is one of the first steps to take, and it should also include the removal of any items in the car that could spill or break during the transportation process.
Want to clean the interior yourself, but do a pro job? Here’s how: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a43446695/how-to-clean-car-interior/
Take It to the Mechanics for Maintenance
Checking the car for any leaks, mechanical issues and any other kinds of problems before shipping it is also a must. And so is repairing those issues. This is why taking the vehicle to the mechanics for proper maintenance is one of the steps to take during the preparation process. Your tires should be properly inflated, the battery has to be fully charged, fluids have to be topped off, and the mileage should be noted upon pickup.
Remove All Personal Items
Planning on packing some personal belongings in your car and have it shipped that way? A very, very wrong plan! If anything, you should actually remove any personal items that you might have left in the vehicle and forgotten about them. Any items left behind won’t be insured against theft or damage, which is why leaving them there is a huge risk. Plus, the transportation company you’ll choose could get fined for moving your personal belongings, which is why they’ll most likely insist to have those removed from the vehicle as well.
As Well As Outdoor Accessories
Any exterior accessories should be removed as well, including roof storage racks, bike racks, non-retractable antennas, custom spoilers and anything else you may have added to your vehicle. These could all get damaged during the transportation. And, by removing them, you’ll reduce the risk of damage and protect your vehicle as much as you actually can. Sure, you want to take those things with you if you’re moving to a new place, and this is how to organize the entire move, but you’ll need to find another way to transport them, possibly loading them in your moving truck.
Inspect for and Record Any Damages
Remember that the auto transporter you’ll get assigned will perform an inspection upon pick-up? Well, you should do the same. Check for and record any damages, while the transporter is there and present, and make sure to take note of every single issue that can be found on your vehicle. This way, when it gets delivered to your wanted location, you can check if it has suffered any further damage and if you may be entitled to compensation for it.
Prepare the Necessary Documents
The transporter you’ll work with will need proof that the car is yours. Preparing all the documents in advance will prevent any kinds of delays. Find the vehicle registration information, proof you own it, its original title, proof of insurance, and your own ID. You should have these ready for when the professional arrives.
