When it comes to shipping a vehicle, safety should always be the top priority. Whether you’re moving across the country or sending your car overseas, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your vehicle arrives at its destination in one piece. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing six game-changing tips for ensuring vehicle shipping safety.
1. Clean your vehicle
Before shipping your vehicle, it’s important to give it a thorough cleaning. This will not only help protect your car during shipping, but it will also make it easier to spot any damage that may occur during transport. You should clean both the interior and exterior of your vehicle, paying special attention to the wheels and undercarriage.
When cleaning your vehicle before shipping, it’s important to use the right cleaning products and methods. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals that could damage your car’s paint or interior, and use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the finish. A Road Runner covered car transporter or similar enclosed transporters can provide additional protection for your vehicle while it is being transported. Storing your car in a covered car transporter helps keep it from being exposed to any open-air elements while on the road.
2. Remove Personal Items
When shipping a vehicle, it’s important to remove all personal items from the car before handing it over to the shipping company. This is because personal items can shift during transport and cause damage to your vehicle. Additionally, they can be stolen during transit, leaving you without your belongings.
It’s important to remove anything that is not part of the car, including clothing, electronics, CDs, and books. You should either pack these items separately or leave them at home. It’s also important to remove any loose items or accessories inside the car, such as GPS devices, phone chargers, and other personal items that may not be securely fastened in place.
3. Document Any Damage
Before handing over your vehicle to the shipping company, it’s important to document any pre-existing damage. This includes any dents, scratches, or other imperfections that may already be present on your car.
By documenting any pre-existing damage, you can ensure that you’re not held responsible for any additional damage that may occur during transport. You can take photos of your vehicle from various angles, write down any existing damage and let the transport company know about your car’s condition. It’s also a good idea to ask the shipping company to sign off on the documentation for added protection.
If you fail to document any pre-existing damage, there’s a risk that the shipping company may claim that the damage occurred during transport, leaving you responsible for the repair costs. By taking the time to document any existing damage beforehand, you protect yourself from this potential liability.
4. Check for Leaks and Disable Alarms
When shipping your vehicle, it’s important to check for any leaks or other potential hazards that could cause problems during transport. This includes checking the oil, transmission fluid, and other fluids to ensure they’re not leaking or dripping during transit. It’s also important to disable any alarms or anti-theft devices to avoid triggering them during loading or unloading.
If your vehicle has a leak or other hazard, it could create a dangerous situation during transport. Fluid leaks can cause damage to other vehicles or the shipping carrier itself, while alarms or anti-theft devices that trigger during loading or unloading can disrupt the shipping process and delay delivery.
By taking the time to check for leaks and disable alarms before shipping your vehicle, you can help ensure that the transport goes smoothly and without incident. This will protect your vehicle from damage and ensure that it arrives at its destination safely and on time.
5. Lower Your Gas Tank Level
When shipping your vehicle, it’s important to lower the gas tank level to around a quarter full. This reduces the weight of your car during transport and prevents any fuel leaks or spills that could occur during transit. Shipping companies often require vehicles to be transported with a low fuel level for safety reasons, as it reduces the risk of fire or explosion.
In addition to reducing the risk of leaks and spills, lowering the gas tank level can also save you money on shipping costs. Shipping companies charge based on the weight of the vehicle, so reducing the fuel level can help keep costs down.
6. Stay Informed During Shipping
Staying informed during the shipping process is an important step in ensuring that your vehicle arrives at its destination safely and on time. There are several ways to stay informed during shipping, including tracking your vehicle’s progress and staying in touch with the shipping company.
Many shipping companies offer online tracking systems that allow you to track your vehicle’s progress throughout the shipping process. This can give you peace of mind knowing where your vehicle is at all times. You can also stay in touch with the shipping company to get updates on any delays or issues that may arise during transport.
In addition to tracking your vehicle’s progress, it’s important to be available during the shipping process in case any issues or questions come up. Make sure that the shipping company has a way to contact you, and be responsive to any calls or messages you receive.
When it comes to shipping a vehicle, safety should always be the top priority. By following these six game-changing tips, you can help ensure that your car is shipped safely and without incident. From cleaning your vehicle to staying informed during transport, these tips will help you protect your investment and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good hands.