How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping Across the Country

Are you ready to take your car on a cross-country adventure? Before you hit the open road, however, there’s one crucial step you must take: preparing your car for shipping. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it sounds.

With a few simple steps and a bit of preparation, you can ensure your car arrives safely at its destination. We’ll show you how to prepare your car for shipping across the country, so you can sit back and relax while it makes its way to its new home.

Our Guide to Getting Your Car Ready for Cross-Country Shipping

Tip #1: Clean Your Vehicle’s Interior and Exterior

Before you ship your car across the country, it’s important to make sure it’s in the best condition possible. Cleaning your vehicle’s interior and exterior is the first step to getting it ready for cross-country shipping.

Start by giving your car a good wash. Make sure you get all the dirt, grime, and debris off of the exterior of the car. Don’t forget to clean the wheels and tires too. You may also want to wax the car to protect the paint job during the shipping process.

Next, take the time to vacuum and clean the interior of your vehicle. Wipe down the dashboard, cup holders, and other surfaces to remove any dust or dirt. If you have leather seats, you can use a leather cleaner to remove any stains or dirt.

Don’t forget to empty out the trunk and remove any personal items from the car. Finally, make sure you inspect the car for any dents, scratches, or other damage. If you find any, you should have them repaired before shipping. This will help ensure that your car is in the best condition when it arrives at its destination.

Tip #2: Take Pictures of Your Vehicle

Taking pictures will give you a clear visual record of the condition of your car before it is shipped. This can be useful in case of a dispute or damage claim with the shipping company.

When taking pictures of your vehicle, you should make sure to get a clear shot of all four sides of the car. Take close-up pictures of any existing damage, like scratches and dents.

Additionally, you should take pictures of the car’s interior, such as the upholstery and dashboard. You should also take pictures of the trunk, engine, and undercarriage, as well as any items or accessories that you are shipping with the car.

Tip #3: Remove or Secure Any Custom Accessories in Your Vehicle 

If you’re planning to ship your car cross-country, it’s important to make sure that any custom accessories or modifications are either removed or securely fastened to your vehicle before you hand it over to the shipping company.

This is especially important if you have any aftermarket modifications, such as spoilers, custom paint jobs, or other exterior modifications. If you have any modifications that you can’t remove or secure, you should make sure to inform the shipping company before you hand your vehicle over.

This will help them ensure that your vehicle is properly secured and that any modifications won’t be damaged during transport.

Tip #4: Make Sure the Tires, Battery, and Radiator are Well-Prepped

When it comes to tires, you should make sure that they are properly inflated and in good condition. Check the tread wear and any visible signs of damage. If you find any issues, it is best to have them replaced before shipping. Additionally, ensure that the tire pressure is correct and the tires are securely fastened to the car.

Your battery should also be in good working order. Make sure that it is fully charged and secured to the car. If you plan on using a battery charging unit during the shipping process, take the time to check if it’s securely attached.

Finally, your radiator should be in good condition and contain the proper amount of anti-freeze. Check the hoses and make sure that they are not leaking. If you find any issues, they should be addressed before shipping.

Tip #5: Check for Fluid Leaks

Accumulated oil and other fluids can cause damage to the vehicle or the shipping container, so it’s important to check for any signs of a leak before you ship it. To check for leaks, start by looking at the underside of your vehicle. Look for any signs of fluid on the ground or the underside of your vehicle.

If you find any fluid, you’ll need to identify the source of the leak. This could be a cracked hose, a loose connection, or something else. Depending on the source of the leak, you may need to replace the part or repair it.