Chrome-Plated Lining: How I Found My Passion For Cars

When moving far away, many people opt to hire an auto transport service to haul their vehicles to their new destination. If you have decided to take this route yourself, there are some steps you will want to take to ensure your vehicle arrives in the same condition it was in when it was loaded onto the hauling truck. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your vehicle for the move so it stays safe during its ride to its new home.

Remove Personal Belongings

Do not pack your vehicle with boxes of personal items to save on room in your moving van. When moving a vehicle, it is best to take out all of your personal items so they do not accidentally damage the interior of your vehicle if they shift during transport. This will also ensure there is no chance of something being stolen. Do not forget to remove any stereo equipment that was not factory-installed. Take off any hood ornaments or other vehicle decorations as they are at risk of falling off during transport. Retract your antennae and disable your car alarm if you have one.

Drain The Fuel

Many automotive transporting services will require that your vehicle does not have more than a quarter or half a tank of gas inside. This will lessen the weight of the load the truck needs to haul. It also makes it safer as there is less gas on board that could burn in a fire situation. Check with your auto transport service beforehand to find out their requirements so you do not need to siphon gas before handing over your vehicle to the transport service.

Document Flaws

Before your vehicle gets on the truck for transport, it will be inspected for flaws. This information is documented and you will need to sign a form agreeing with the flaws that were found. This protects both you and the shipping company. It is a good idea to take pictures of your vehicle with a camera that has a date and time stamp before the moving day. Take photos from all angles, showing the condition of your vehicle. Take photos of the interior as well. This will help prove you were not responsible for damage obtained on the road, helping your insurance company determine who should be paying for repair since the vehicle was not in your presence at the time.