Complete Vehicle Preparation Checklist for Auto Transport

Complete Vehicle Preparation Checklist for Auto Transport

Advantage Auto Movers has built a reputation for professional, reliable service. In this article, our team provides a thorough overview of how to prepare your vehicle for auto transport to help you plan with confidence.

Properly preparing your vehicle before the carrier arrives ensures a smooth pickup, ‘
protects your car during transit, and makes the delivery inspection straightforward. ‘
Whether you are shipping across the state or across the country, this checklist covers everything.

Corporate Fleet Note

For corporate clients shipping multiple vehicles, we provide a standardized preparation protocol document. Contact your dedicated account manager for the fleet preparation package, which includes pre-printed inspection forms and scheduling templates.

The 15-Step Preparation Checklist

Exterior Preparation

1. Wash your vehicle thoroughly. A clean car makes it much easier to spot and document any pre-existing scratches, dents, or paint chips before pickup. Take your time here.
2. Document existing damage with photos. Walk around the entire vehicle and photograph every angle: front, back, both sides, roof, wheels, and any close-ups of existing damage. Include timestamps.
3. Remove or secure exterior accessories. Take off bike racks, roof cargo boxes, spoilers, custom antennas, and any aftermarket accessories that could come loose or get damaged during transport.
4. Retract the antenna. If your car has a manual or power antenna, retract it fully. Extended antennas are vulnerable to breakage on multi-car carriers.
5. Check for fluid leaks. Inspect the ground under your car for oil, coolant, or transmission fluid spots. Carriers can refuse vehicles with active leaks that could damage other vehicles on the trailer.

Interior Preparation

6. Remove all personal belongings. Carrier insurance does not cover personal items left inside the vehicle. Remove everything from the cabin, trunk, glove box, and under-seat areas.
7. Remove electronic toll transponders. Take out your E-ZPass, SunPass, or other toll devices so you are not charged for tolls during transport.
8. Leave only essential items. The only things that should remain in the car are the vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a spare key if required.
9. Disable the alarm system. If your car has an aftermarket alarm, disarm it completely. Provide disarming instructions to the driver if the alarm has a tendency to trigger from vibration.

Mechanical Preparation

10. Keep fuel level at one-quarter tank. A full tank adds unnecessary weight (gasoline weighs about 6 pounds per gallon). One-quarter tank is enough for loading and unloading.
11. Check tire pressure. Ensure all four tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure can make loading and securing the vehicle more difficult.
12. Test the battery. Make sure your battery holds a charge. The carrier needs to start and move your vehicle for loading and unloading. A dead battery causes delays.
13. Check that brakes work. The driver needs working brakes to maneuver your car onto and off the trailer safely. If your car has brake issues, inform the carrier in advance.
14. Note any operational issues. If the vehicle has mechanical problems (non-running, no brakes, no steering), inform the transport company when booking. Special equipment may be needed.
15. Provide a spare key. Give the driver a spare key or ensure they have reliable access to start and move the vehicle. Do not give them your only key.

Day-of-Pickup Tips

• Be present at the pickup location or designate a trusted representative who can sign the Bill of Lading
• Conduct the vehicle inspection with the driver and note any pre-existing damage on the BOL
• Confirm the delivery address and your contact information with the driver
• Get the driver’s direct phone number and the dispatch contact for updates
• Take a final set of photos after the vehicle is loaded on the trailer

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overpacking the car: Carriers have weight limits and personal items are not insured. Some carriers charge extra for items inside the vehicle.
• Ignoring the inspection report: The Bill of Lading is your legal document. Review it carefully at pickup and delivery. Dispute any discrepancies immediately.
• Leaving the gas tank full: Extra weight increases shipping costs and is a safety concern. Keep it at one-quarter tank.
• Forgetting to disable the alarm: A blaring alarm on a carrier trailer at 2 AM will not make anyone happy, and it drains your battery.
• Not checking for recalls: Outstanding safety recalls should be addressed before shipping. Some carriers may flag vehicles with active recalls.

Pro Tip: Create a checklist document you can print and check off each item as you go. It takes about 30 minutes to complete all 15 steps if you plan ahead.

Summary

We hope this overview of vehicle preparation for auto transport has been helpful. Advantage Auto Movers is here to provide professional guidance at every step of the transport process. Please contact our team for a personalized consultation.

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