Besides shopping widely to find a good quotation on auto transport services, there are other tasks you should complete to avoid suffering a costly loss or have to undertake new repairs on a vehicle being transported.
Remove Anything Valuable
Never leave any personal items in the car. If you have an expensive stereo system, GPS navigation system, or other external electronic, also consider removing them. These are extras that are not usually covered by the insurance offered by an auto transport company. If they are stolen in transit because some climbed in when the driver made a stop, you will pay out of pocket for repairs or replacement.
Secure Your Battery
This is not often necessary when driving around as vehicles typically remain level. However, during loading, the car may climb a steep incline that dislodges the battery. There could be spillage that would cause serious damage under the hood. The auto transport company is unlikely to be held liable so ensure your battery is well secured in place.
Note The Effects of Temperature Changes
When traveling from a cold to warm climate or vice versa, there can be temperature changes experienced that affect the fluids in the car. For instance, when traveling from cold to warm regions, the brake fluid that has been topped up in the master cylinder could expand and leak. Brake fluid that escapes can cause serious paint damage to the car and another if loaded on top. You may be held liable for this damage to another person’s vehicle. Drain some of the brake fluid to ensure there is enough space for expansion during transit. If traveling from warm to a colder climate, also check on your coolant. Ensure it can cope with the colder temperatures without damaging your engine block.
Inspect Your Car Before Loading
It is always advisable to thoroughly inspect your vehicle before surrendering it for loading. Walk around and take pictures from all sides. You can use this as evidence if your car arrives at its destination in less than the pristine condition you gave it out. Dents and scratches often occur during transit and without proof, you may need to make costly repairs.
Arrange for Pickup
To avoid confusion and delays during pickup, make sure you understand the arrangement well. Some auto transport trucks can be too large to access certain roads. As such you may not be able to have the vehicle delivered exactly where you want it. Ensure you arrange for a suitable pickup location and time, even if you are not the one to receive the vehicle. Ensure you have shared the identification details of the person to do the pickup to avoid problems.