Moving from one city to another is undoubtedly a source of stress, especially when it comes to transporting your car. Whether you decide to handle the car relocation yourself or entrust it to professional movers, it’s crucial to prepare your vehicle adequately to ensure it remains in optimal condition and free from damage. To alleviate the challenges of relocating your car and mitigate the risk of unexpected damages during loading, unloading, or transportation, opting for experienced car transport services is highly recommended. Skilled car packers and movers employ protective materials, such as corrugated sheets, bubble wrap, and other essential packaging tools and equipment to secure the vehicle during transit. However, it remains essential to take certain preparatory steps for your car before handing it over to the transportation company.
See also: To-do list while moving out of an apartment
How to prepare your car for transport?
Here are a few steps to take to ensure safe and easy transportation of your car.
Wash your car
Dust and grime on the car can easily conceal scratches and dents. Before transporting the car, give it a thorough wash to remove all dirt. A clean car allows for easier identification of potential damages that may occur during the relocation process.
Carefully inspect your car
On the day of the move, conduct a comprehensive inspection of your car. Ideally, have a representative from the car relocation company present with you. Take photographs of your vehicle from all perspectives to identify scratches, dents, or visible marks on the car’s body. Remember to take these pictures for future reference. If you observe any leaks or rust on any part, it is advisable to address the issue before relocating the vehicle.
Take out all loose items
As your car will experience movement during transit, items placed inside may be tossed around. It is essential to remove personal belongings from the car, such as speakers, air fresheners, papers, electronics, cables, and chargers.
Secure all loose parts
Carefully inspect the vehicle for loose parts and accessories that could be easily damaged and secure them before the move. Transporting your car to a new city involves a significant amount of time and movement. By removing special car accessories, such as mirrors (fold them back), fog lamps, antennas, spoilers, etc., you can ensure that your car remains secure during the transportation process.
Ensure low fuel levels
During car relocation, it is advisable to maintain fuel levels at less than a quarter of the tank’s capacity. This ensures there is sufficient fuel for loading and unloading the vehicle and reaching the nearest fuel pump. Reducing the amount of fuel in the car offers two advantages. Firstly, as fuel poses a significant fire hazard, this minimises the risk of spillage and associated accidents. Additionally, this action helps decrease the overall weight of the vehicle.
Check tire pressure
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial during car transportation. Both under-inflated and over-inflated tires pose risks, increasing the likelihood of damaging tires during the loading or unloading process. Ensuring proper tire inflation is essential for a smooth and secure shift.
Lock all doors and windows
After loading the car onto the transport truck, it is advisable not to open it until reaching the destination. Secure the vehicle by locking the windows and doors to mitigate the risk of theft during transit.
Turn off the car alarm
Car alarms can be overly sensitive, and during transit, minor movements or touches can inadvertently trigger them. To avoid disturbances and potential accidents, it is advisable to deactivate the car’s alarm system. Additionally, this precaution helps in preserving the car’s battery life.
Make sure your car is secured
When evaluating car relocation services, pay attention to the materials employed for securing the car. Typically, cars are transported in containers, ensuring they are covered with a protective layer and securely strapped down to prevent movement during transit. This precaution becomes especially critical when transporting vehicles on an open truck, as the flatbed surface can become wet and slippery, particularly during the rainy season.
Get insurance
Insurance for car relocation should not be treated as an optional aspect. Ensure both your car and the relocation service providers are adequately insured. It is crucial to carefully review the fine print of the insurance policy, examining the terms and conditions, as well as any limitations and exclusions, to gain a clear understanding of the extent of coverage.
Track your car
The vehicle transporting your car during relocation may not always adhere to the speed indicated on Google Maps. Occasionally, the driver may encounter detours or longer-than-anticipated stops. While having the driver’s phone number is essential for tracking your car’s progress, it’s not the sole reliance. Some car relocation service providers offer a tracking link to monitor your vehicle’s journey. Alternatively, you can opt to install a GPS tracker on the car for added visibility.
FAQs
Do you require insurance for car shifting?
Insurance is essential for both car and home shifting. Review the policy's terms and conditions to understand the coverage, especially the limitations and exclusions.
Do car relocation services for home shifting offer door-to-door shipping?
Some car relocation service providers for home shifting provide doorstep pick-up and drop-off services.
What is the recommended fuel level for your car during home shifting?
If you're transporting the car for home shifting via trailer, it should ideally have about a quarter tank of fuel.
Is vehicle tracking available during home shifting?
Many professional transporters allow you to track the vehicle's movement through GPS location during home shifting.
What are the key tips for car relocation during home shifting?
Some crucial tips for relocating your car during home shifting include, choosing a reliable packers and movers, ensuring minimal fuel in the car, removing all loose accessories, and turning off the alarm, thoroughly inspecting the car for dents, etc., and obtaining insurance coverage.
Is it necessary to take photographs of your vehicle before home shifting?
It is highly important to capture photographs of the vehicle from various angles before home shifting. These photos can serve as evidence in case of any damage during the transit.
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