Shipping your car can be stressful, but there are some things you can do to ensure that your vehicle travels safely. Before sending your car, ensure it is in top shape and has the correct insurance. Read this article for tips on insurance, mechanic checkups, and preparing your vehicle for shipment.
Dates of Delivery
When shipping your car, it is essential to know how long the process will take. The exact time will depend on several factors, including the season and distance. In addition, bad weather or mountain passes can sometimes delay car delivery. The shipping company will provide an estimated arrival date, but it is essential to plan and consider possible delays.
You should check delivery times if you are doing a coast to coast auto transport. Most shipping companies can cover a maximum of 500 miles daily, giving you an approximate delivery time. However, many factors cannot be predicted, such as weather conditions, breakdowns, and other cars being delivered along the route.
Mechanic Check
Before shipping your car to a mechanic, ask to see the vehicle and its issues. A reputable mechanic will be happy to show you what’s wrong with the car. If you suspect your vehicle is not in good condition, you may want to find another mechanic to fix it.
Check the engine coolant level and the oil. If the engine oil is dark, it needs to be changed. It’s also a good idea to have the brake fluid checked. Brake fluid should be brown and not have any visible leaks or spots. Also, the mechanic should check the condition of the compressor belt, fan belt, and any belts that run the alternator.
The engine air filter helps prevent debris from entering the engine. If it’s clogged, it will lower the engine’s performance. The rubber serpentine belts, which drive several components inside the engine bay, can become cracked or broken. Loose straps can cause your car to make loud squealing noises. The metal and rubber hoses carrying fluids to the engine should be checked for leaks.
Insurance
Insurance is integral to shipping your car, and you must always ensure adequate coverage. You should check whether the carrier will provide you with a certificate of insurance and ask how much it will cost. Sometimes, you may need to pay for extra insurance coverage, especially if the distance to your destination is long.
Some personal insurance policies may cover some car shipping costs. However, these policies may limit the coverage for damage to the car or personal belongings lost or stolen during transit. Therefore, you should remove any valuables from your vehicle before shipping it. You should also take close-up photos of your car, which will help your insurer if there is damage.
Preparing Your Car for Shipment
Before shipping your car, you should wash it and detail it. Doing so at least a day or two before the shipping date will make inspecting and identifying damage during transport easier. If possible, take pictures of the vehicle to document any injuries. This will help the shipping company determine if the car is in good condition before delivery.
It is also essential to note any particular quirks or problems with the car. Prepare written handling instructions for the driver and don’t forget to use Car Covers as well. Since you will be driving the vehicle minimally during auto transport, you must provide the shipping company with all the necessary information. You should also ensure the car has enough gas to reach its destination.
Cost
Car shipping can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the costs. You can choose a terminal-to-terminal shipping method, which will lower your total expenses, but you must wait in the terminal until the truck is loaded. This method is not as convenient since the car must be forked or winched onto the truck, which will incur additional handling fees. If you’d rather have the car delivered to your home, you can choose a door-to-door shipping option, which is more convenient and affordable. However, it will cost a little more than terminal-to-terminal shipping.
Shipping companies will charge per mile so that a tiny vehicle will cost less than a large one. Time of year and location also affect shipping costs. If you’re on a budget, it may be better to ship during the colder months when shipping costs are lower.
