If you plan to make a long-distance move, it is important to figure out all the little details. Think about where you plan to live, what items you need to bring, and even where you will work and send the kids to school. One thing that you may need to consider too is how to move your car.
During the move, you may find that you have a car you can’t move easily. Maybe you need to drive the moving truck while your partner drives the first car. Who will be able to move the second one? An auto transport company may be the best option to help get this done and make sure your car gets to the right location.
These services can take some of the stress out of the move and will help you out so much. A few things to consider when using them to move your car include:
1. Wash the Car
It is a good idea to wash the car, both on the inside and outside before you get it transported. Dirt and dust will hide the dents, scratches, and dings that may happen to the car during transport. To help you notice these issues after the vehicle is dropped off at the new location, you need to wash it.
With the car clean, you can notice any of the possible damage caused during the shipping process. While most moving companies are good and will take care of your car, it is good to know when something goes wrong.
In addition to cleaning the outside of the car, you need to get the inside cleaned. Your vehicle will get jostled around a bit during the move, no matter how careful the transport company is.
It is best to keep the car as clean as possible! To ensure that all the items are not tossed around or damaged, clean the inside and remove everything that is not secure, including electronics, spare change, and air fresheners.
2. Do Not Gas Up
Your vehicle is going to be transported for you. No one will drive the car, so there is no need to fill the car up before it gets loaded. Plus, having the tank full is just going to make the whole car heavier. Additional weight can add weight and risk to the shipment.
You will want a little gas in the car to get it to the transportation site and your destination at the end. But try to keep as little fuel in the car as possible when you get it prepared for this kind of transport.
3. Check for Leaks
Before you get the car loaded up onto the truck, take a look at the undercarriage to see whether there are any noticeable leaks. If there are some aggressive leaks, the car shipping company may refuse to take the car and make life difficult at the last minute.
If you notice a leak, it is time to get it repaired before the moving day. This can keep your car safe and will protect other vehicles that are being transported at the same time. You may want to have a full inspection to make sure the car will be fine during travel.
4. Check the Tire Pressure
While you are inspecting the vehicle, it is good to check the tire pressure on the car. Having overinflated or underinflated tires can be risky on transport, just like they are on the road. If you do not have your tires properly inflated, you increase the risk of damage to the tire.
While your car may be fine while being transported, you need to be careful during the loading and unloading process. This is when the damage to tires is the most likely to happen. However, if you make sure that the tires are properly inflated, this should not be a problem.
5. Lock the Car
Before you hand the car over to the transport company, make sure that it is shut up and locked. Once the vehicle is loaded onto the transport truck, there is no reason for it to be opened until it is delivered to your destination.
When you plan to travel long-distance, you need to keep it all secure. The driver will often need to stop overnight and can’t sit and watch the cars all the time. While most auto transporters will take care of their cars, it is always best to be safe and lock it all up yourself.
There is always the risk of theft when your car is left alone. If you lock it up, your vehicle is less likely to be the one that gets broken into. Once the car is delivered to you, you can unlock it and use it like normal.
Moving Your Car
When it is time for a long-distance move, you will need to consider taking your cars along with you. While you may be able to drive one, you have to consider how you will transport all of your stuff. A big moving van is a great option but may not leave enough hands to drive your other cars.
When you transport the car, you can get it to the new location with ease. Being prepared and knowing what to expect along the way can make things easier. Consider these five tips above and see how easy moving your car can be.
By: Gabe, Mercury Auto Transport