Prepare Your Vehicle for Safe Long-Distance Transport

Moving your car to a new state can feel like a big task, but the process is often easier than most people expect. Whether you are sending your vehicle a few states over or across the country, long-distance auto transport is a safe and practical option.

To help everything go smoothly, it’s important to get your car ready before the carrier arrives. A little preparation can prevent delays, avoid damage, and give you peace of mind during the journey. This guide covers the key steps to take before your car is picked up.

1. Clean Your Vehicle Inside and Out

Washing your car before transport might not seem necessary, but it actually helps in several ways. A clean exterior allows both you and the driver to spot any existing scratches, dents, or paint chips before loading. It’s easier to document your car’s condition when it’s clean.

Don’t forget the interior. Vacuum up any crumbs or loose dirt, and remove personal items like phone chargers, water bottles, or anything rolling around in the trunk. During transport, your car may go over bumps, so keeping the interior clutter-free helps prevent damage.

2. Take Photos for Your Records

Once the car is clean, take clear photos of the entire vehicle from multiple angles. Focus on any existing damage like dents, dings, or paint scuffs. These pictures will serve as a record of your car’s condition before shipping.

Make sure the photos are time-stamped and saved somewhere you can easily access. If there are any questions after delivery, these images can be helpful.

3. Remove Personal Belongings

It’s very important to remove all personal items from your vehicle before transport. Things like sunglasses, electronics, paperwork, and tools should be taken out.

Auto transport companies are not responsible for personal belongings left inside the car. Also, extra weight from these items can affect the total load weight and may cause delays or added fees. Keep things simple and only leave necessary items like your car manual and a spare tire.

4. Disable or Remove Toll Tags and Parking Passes

If your vehicle has any toll tags or electronic passes, make sure to turn them off or remove them. These can get charged during transport while passing through toll zones, even though no one is driving the car.

Also, remove parking passes or window decals if they’re not needed at your destination. This avoids confusion or damage during shipping.

5. Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues

Before handing off your vehicle, check underneath for any signs of leaks. If your car has any mechanical issues, such as a failing battery or bad brakes, it’s best to fix these before shipping.

While the vehicle won’t be driven long distances, it still needs to be started and moved during loading and unloading. A car that can’t start or steer properly may need special equipment or cause delays.

If you already know your car has mechanical problems, let the driver know in advance. This helps them prepare and may prevent additional charges.

6. Keep Your Gas Tank Around One-Quarter Full

It’s best to keep your gas tank about one-quarter full when preparing for transport. This gives the driver enough fuel to move the vehicle on and off the trailer, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.

A full tank makes the car heavier, which could affect transport logistics. A quarter tank is the sweet spot. Just enough to be useful, but not too much to cause issues.

7. Remove or Secure Loose Parts

If your car has removable or loose exterior parts like bike racks, spoilers, or antennas, it’s a good idea to remove them or make sure they are tightly secured.

Loose parts can come off during transport due to wind, vibration, or bumps. Taking a few minutes to secure or remove them can save you the trouble of dealing with broken accessories later.

8. Prepare for Pickup Day

On the day of pickup, be available or have someone you trust present. The driver will need someone to inspect the vehicle and sign off on its condition before loading.

Make sure the vehicle is easily accessible and parked in a place where the carrier can safely load it. If you live on a narrow street or in an area that’s difficult to reach with a large truck, you might need to meet the driver at a nearby location.

9. Stay in Touch During the Trip

Most transport services provide updates during the journey, and some offer GPS tracking. Stay available by phone in case the driver needs to reach you. Being responsive helps everything stay on schedule.

10. Be Ready to Receive Your Vehicle

When your car arrives, take your time to inspect it before signing anything. Compare its condition to the photos you took earlier. If anything looks different or damaged, make a note of it and discuss it with the driver before signing the final paperwork.

Ready to Ship? A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Taking a few simple steps before your vehicle is picked up can make the entire shipping process much smoother. From cleaning your car and taking photos to checking for leaks and removing personal items, each part of the prep helps avoid issues later on.

At East Coast Auto Haulers, we understand how important your vehicle is. As a team built by experienced drivers, we focus on providing safe, dependable, and fully insured transport across all 50 states. From the first quote to the final delivery, our goal is to make the process simple and worry-free for you.

If you are planning a long-distance move or seasonal transport, let us help you get your car there safely. Get in touch with us today for a quick quote or to speak with our team.