Preparing your vehicle properly before shipping can help make the transportation process smoother.
Whether you’re shipping a car from Tallahassee, FL, to another state or moving a vehicle within Florida, taking a few simple steps before pickup can help you avoid unnecessary complications.
Here’s a practical vehicle preparation checklist.
1. Remove Personal Belongings
Before your vehicle is transported, remove personal belongings from the passenger compartment, trunk, and other storage areas.
Do not leave valuable, fragile, or important personal items inside the vehicle.
Keeping the vehicle clear can also make the inspection process easier.
2. Clean the Vehicle
A clean exterior makes it easier to identify existing scratches, dents, or other visible imperfections.
You do not necessarily need a professional detail. A basic wash can be enough to make the vehicle’s exterior easier to inspect.
3. Photograph the Vehicle
Take clear photographs of the vehicle before pickup.
Photograph:
- Front
- Rear
- Both sides
- Wheels
- Bumpers
- Windows
- Roof
- Any existing scratches
- Existing dents
- Other visible damage
Keep the photographs until the vehicle has been delivered.
4. Check for Mechanical Problems
Tell the transportation provider if your vehicle has any mechanical or operational problems.
Important information may include:
- Vehicle does not start
- Vehicle cannot move under its own power
- Flat tires
- Brake problems
- Battery problems
- Steering issues
- Other mechanical concerns
Knowing this information in advance helps transportation arrangements account for the vehicle’s condition.
5. Check Tire Condition
Make sure the tires are properly inflated and in usable condition.
Extremely low tire pressure or damaged tires can complicate loading and unloading.
6. Keep the Fuel Level Reasonable
A vehicle being transported generally does not need a full tank of fuel.
Keeping the fuel level at a reasonable amount can reduce unnecessary weight while still allowing the vehicle to be operated when necessary.
Follow any specific instructions provided for your shipment.
7. Remove or Secure Accessories
If your vehicle has removable accessories, consider removing them before transportation when appropriate.
Examples may include:
- Roof racks
- Custom antennas
- Loose exterior accessories
- Bike racks
- Other removable equipment
Tell the transportation provider about modifications that cannot be removed.
8. Disable or Secure Certain Features
If your vehicle has an alarm system or other feature that could activate during transportation, follow the appropriate instructions to disable or secure it.
Provide necessary keys and instructions if the transporter needs them for loading or unloading.
9. Make Sure the Vehicle Is Accessible
On pickup day, make sure the vehicle is available at the agreed location and time.
If you’re using door-to-door service, remember that the carrier may require sufficient space to safely access the location.
A nearby accessible location may sometimes be necessary if the requested address cannot accommodate the carrier.
10. Communicate Special Requirements
Every vehicle is different.
If your vehicle is:
- Modified
- Lowered
- Oversized
- Non-running
- Heavily customized
- Equipped with special components
make sure these details are communicated before transportation.
Providing accurate information helps prevent surprises at pickup.
Final Checklist
Before your vehicle is picked up, confirm that you have:
- Removed personal belongings
- Photographed the vehicle
- Documented existing damage
- Disclosed mechanical issues
- Checked the tires
- Removed unnecessary accessories
- Prepared the keys
- Confirmed pickup details
- Reviewed transportation instructions
Final Thoughts
Good preparation can make vehicle shipping easier for both the customer and transporter.
Whether you choose open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door transportation, or state-to-state auto transport, taking time to prepare your vehicle can help the process go more smoothly.
If you’re planning to ship your vehicle from Tallahassee, FL, contact Autoryx Auto Transport to request a quote and discuss your transportation needs.