Preparing a car for long-distance transport isn’t complicated, but skipping a few simple steps can lead to headaches down the road. Think of it as setting up your vehicle for transport where you won’t be behind the wheel. The goal is to protect your investment and ensure the entire shipping process runs smoothly, from pickup to delivery.

Whether relocating for a new job, buying a car from another state, or heading south for the winter, a little preparation goes a long way. When done correctly, vehicle preparation helps prevent damage, speeds up the pickup process, and provides peace of mind knowing that everything was handled properly.

6 Ways to Prepare Your Car for Transport

1. Clean and Inspect Your Car

A thorough wash might seem like an unnecessary step, but a clean car reveals its actual condition. Dirt and grime hide scratches, dents, and other imperfections that could become points of confusion later. Washing the exterior allows for a proper inspection before the car goes anywhere.

After cleaning, walk around the vehicle slowly. Look at every panel, bumper, and corner. Check for existing damage like paint chips, scratches, or small dents. This inspection becomes the baseline for comparison when the car arrives at its destination, regardless of whether choosing open or enclosed transport.

Taking clear photos is just as important as the inspection itself. Snap pictures from multiple angles, getting close-ups of any pre-existing damage. These photos become documentation for insurance purposes if anything unexpected happens during transport. Most people use their phones and take 15 to 20 photos from different perspectives. Include shots of the odometer reading and VIN number, too.

2. Remove Personal Items

Here’s something many first-time shippers don’t realize: personal belongings left in the car aren’t covered by the carrier’s insurance. That jewelry box in the glove compartment or the laptop under the passenger seat? If something goes missing or gets damaged, there’s no reimbursement coming.

Auto transport carriers insure the vehicle itself, not what’s inside it. Their insurance policies specifically exclude personal items, which means any valuables left behind are at the owner’s risk. Beyond insurance concerns, extra weight from personal belongings can affect the carrier’s load calculations and potentially violate Department of Transportation regulations.

The trunk should be empty too. Some people think hiding items in the trunk keeps them safe, but carriers often need to access the trunk during transport. Remove all items from the glove box, center console, door pockets, and any other storage compartments. The only exception might be a spare tire and jack, which are considered part of the vehicle.

3. Check Fluid Levels & Battery

Fluid leaks during transport create problems for everyone involved. A car dripping oil or coolant on a carrier damages other vehicles and can result in additional charges. Before shipping day arrives, check all fluid levels and top them off if needed. This includes engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Look underneath the car for any signs of existing leaks. Spot a puddle in the driveway? Get that fixed before the carrier arrives. A small leak can become a bigger issue when the car sits on a transport truck for several days.

Battery health matters too. A dead battery complicates loading and unloading since the car needs to drive on and off the carrier. Make sure the battery holds a charge and the terminals are clean and tight. If the battery is old or weak, getting it replaced beforehand saves everyone time and frustration. At Car-Go Auto Transport, drivers appreciate when vehicles are ready to move without jump-starts or delays.

4. Reduce Fuel Level

Most carriers request that cars be shipped with a quarter tank of gas or less. This isn’t an arbitrary rule. A full tank adds unnecessary weight, and when multiplied across multiple vehicles on a carrier, that extra weight becomes significant. Keeping fuel levels low also reduces the risk of fire during transport.

A quarter tank provides enough gas for the driver to load and unload the vehicle without running out of fuel. Some people worry about leaving their car nearly empty, but carriers don’t drive vehicles long distances during transport. The car gets driven onto the truck, secured for transit, and then driven off at the destination. That’s it.

Fill up the tank after delivery, not before shipping. This approach helps maintain a low weight and adheres to industry standards that carriers expect.

5. Disable Alarms and Toll Tags

Car alarms sound unexpectedly, and when a vehicle is on a transport carrier, there’s no quick way to turn them off. Imagine an alarm blaring for hours on a truck bed because of a bump in the road or a temperature change. Disable the alarm system completely before shipping day.

Toll tags present a different problem. Many electronic toll systems charge accounts automatically when they detect a tag passing through a toll plaza. During cross-country transport, the carrier may drive through multiple toll roads, incurring charges that the car owner did not authorize. Remove E-ZPass tags, SunPass transponders, and any other electronic toll devices from the windshield and dashboard.

Some newer cars have built-in toll payment systems connected to the vehicle’s account. Contact the toll provider to suspend the account during the shipping dates temporarily. This prevents surprise charges from states hundreds of miles away.

6. Prepare for Pickup & Delivery

The carrier will contact you to schedule a pickup window, typically within one to two days. Be flexible with timing, as transport schedules can change due to weather, traffic, and other pickups along the route. Have someone available who can release the vehicle and sign the necessary paperwork.

When the driver arrives, they’ll complete a condition report documenting the car’s current state. This report should match the photos taken earlier. Review this document carefully and note any discrepancies before signing. Both parties retain copies of this report, which will become the official record if a claim needs to be filed later.

Please keep the following documents ready: vehicle registration, a valid ID, and any specific instructions for the carrier regarding the vehicle. Some cars have quirky features or special handling needs. Write these down so the driver is aware of them upfront.

If pickup occurs at a location other than your home, such as an office parking lot or a friend’s driveway, ensure the area is accessible for a large transport truck. These carriers require space to maneuver, and tight residential streets or underground parking garages are not suitable.

At delivery, inspect the car immediately while the driver is still present. Compare its condition to the original photos and the condition report from pickup. Note any new damage right away and document it on the delivery paperwork. Most damage claims need to be filed within a short window after delivery, so don’t wait to inspect the vehicle.

Ready to Ship Your Vehicle Cross-Country?

Car-Go Auto Transport takes the stress out of long-distance vehicle shipping. Get transparent pricing, direct communication, and reliable service from pickup to delivery. Request your estimate today and experience auto transport done right.