Regarding auto transport, the car owner is responsible for preparing their vehicle for pickup. This includes cleaning, washing, and making a written record of any damage found, including dents and scratches. Most shipping companies also recommend that the fuel tank is down to 1/4 complete, which will help save weight and avoid issues with flammable gas. Other necessary steps include checking the fluids, battery, and tire pressure.
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Remove All Personal Belongings
Leaving personal items in your car during Hawaii Car Transport can lead to property loss and add to the vehicle’s overall weight. Removing as many personal belongings as possible before putting the car on a truck to ship is best. Ideally, you should store items, not essentials, in an inconspicuous part of the vehicle, like the trunk or glove box. This decreases the chance of theft and keeps the items from getting damaged during the process. You should also remove any after-market products or car add-ons. This includes custom stereos, DVD players, TVs, and GPS systems. It is also a good idea to remove parking passes or toll tags. This will prevent you from incurring charges as drivers drive through tolls during transit. Finally, you should ensure all alarm systems are disabled before giving the car to the driver. This seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how often people must remember to do this before transporting their cars.
Wash It
If your car is dirty, it can hide dents and scratches from the inspection process when you hand over the keys. Washing your vehicle thoroughly will ensure that any preexisting damage is apparent and easy to notice. Start by filling two buckets; one with a solution of your chosen cleaning product and the other with water for rinsing. Dip a microfiber mitt into the clean bucket and get to work. Pay special attention to the crevices around the tires, wheel wells, and undercarriage, which can trap dirt. Once you’ve rinsed the exterior, look at your interior and remove anything that isn’t secured (like air fresheners or spare change). Use disinfecting wipes to clean high-touch areas like the steering wheel and door panels. Disinfecting these areas will help prevent them from accumulating germs during shipping. Be sure to turn off any alarm systems, too – it can tick off truck drivers to find their cars go off during the shipment!
Check the Fluids
Fluids are the bloodline of your car or truck, and they’re responsible for lubrication, temperature control, and operating specific hydraulic components. Keeping track of these is essential so you can quickly fix them when needed. A simple inspection of all the fluids can save you money and protect your vehicle from damage while in transport. Start with the coolant tank. Most tanks are translucent with “FULL” and “LOW” markers, so this should be a quick and easy check.
Similarly, the brake fluid reservoir is typically marked the same way. Remember to check the tire pressure as well. Properly inflated tires will reduce the stress put on the frame and ensure your car can easily be driven on and off the transport carrier. It also helps turn off alarm systems and toll tags to avoid unnecessary expenses and toll charges during transit. Locking your car can also prevent theft.
Take Photos
Whether you are an individual moving across the country, a family taking an epic road trip, or a military service member shipping your vehicle to and from another base, car transport is a great way to skip the drive and save some cash. However, choosing the right company to ship your car is essential to a stress-free experience. Taking photos of your vehicle is a must before it leaves your possession. This will allow you to have a record of its condition and protect you in the rare event your vehicle is damaged during transport. Make sure the photos are clear and dated. Take general photos of the entire vehicle from different angles. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the inside of your vehicle, especially after cleaning it thoroughly. This will help you keep track of any particular accessories that may get lost during transit, such as air fresheners, pens, or spare change.
