How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Auto Transport

Proper preparation is the single most important thing you can do to ensure a smooth auto transport experience. A well-prepared vehicle loads faster, arrives safely, and gives you clear documentation in case anything goes sideways. Here is your complete guide to preparing your vehicle for auto transport.

The Photo Documentation Process

This is arguably the most critical preparation step, yet many customers skip it. Detailed photos are your insurance policy:

• When to photograph: The day before pickup, ideally after washing the vehicle.
• What to capture: Every panel, corner, bumper, wheel, and the interior. Include close-ups of any existing damage (scratches, dents, chips, dings).
• How many photos: A minimum of 20-30 photos covering the entire exterior and key interior areas (dashboard, seats, screens).
• Video walkthrough: In addition to photos, shoot a 2-3 minute video walking slowly around the entire vehicle. Video captures details that individual photos miss.
• Metadata matters: Use your smartphone so each photo is automatically timestamped and geotagged. This creates verifiable evidence if you ever need to file a claim.

Personal Items: What to Remove

The number one source of auto transport disputes is personal items. Here are the rules:

• Remove everything from the cabin. Sunglasses, phone chargers, gym bags, loose change, CDs, paperwork. Anything that could shift during transit should come out.
• Trunk exception: Most carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk only. However, these items are not covered by carrier cargo insurance. If something is lost, damaged, or stolen, you have no recourse.
• No valuables. Ever. Laptops, cameras, jewelry, important documents, medications. Take these with you.
• Remove toll transponders: EZ-Pass, SunPass, FasTrak, and similar devices will rack up charges as the carrier drives through toll zones across the country. Remove them.
• Remove dashcams and GPS units: These can be stolen or damaged during transit. Suction-cup mounted devices will likely fall during transport anyway.

Fuel, Fluids, and Mechanical Readiness

Your vehicle needs to be mechanically sound enough to drive on and off the carrier:

• Fuel level: One-quarter tank. Your vehicle only needs to drive a few hundred feet at pickup and delivery. A full tank adds 100-150 lbs of unnecessary weight.
• Check for leaks: Oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering leaks can drip onto other vehicles below yours on the carrier. Carriers may refuse to load a vehicle with active leaks.
• Battery: Must hold a charge and start the vehicle reliably. A dead battery at pickup means the carrier has to winch-load the vehicle, which triggers inoperable fees ($100-$300).
• Tire pressure: Inflate to the manufacturer's recommended PSI (check the sticker inside the driver's door jamb). Properly inflated tires ensure safe loading and secure positioning on the carrier.
• Brakes: The vehicle needs to brake under its own power for loading. If brakes are not functional, inform your broker when booking so the carrier comes prepared.

Exterior Preparation

Reducing the vehicle's external profile and securing loose items prevents damage during transport:

• Retract or remove antennas. Power antennas should be retracted. Screw-on antennas should be removed and placed inside the vehicle.
• Remove roof racks, bike racks, and cargo boxes. These add height and can be damaged by wind, low clearances, or contact with the carrier's structure.
• Fold in side mirrors. If your vehicle has power-folding mirrors, fold them. This reduces the vehicle's width and protects the mirrors from contact.
• Secure or remove spoilers. Aftermarket spoilers that are not factory-bolted can vibrate loose or catch wind during highway transit.
• Raise the convertible top and latch it securely.
• Close all windows and sunroof.

Security System and Keys

Alarm and security considerations are easily overlooked:

• Disable aftermarket alarms. An alarm sounding on a carrier in the middle of the night is a problem for the driver and potentially for your vehicle's battery.
• Factory alarm: Provide the key fob so the driver can silence it if triggered. If your vehicle requires a specific sequence to disarm, write clear instructions and tape them to the dashboard.
• Keys: Provide at least one working key (two is better). Place them in a labeled envelope or bag and hand them directly to the driver.
• Keyless entry/push-button start: Make sure the fob battery has enough charge to last through the transport period. A dead fob at delivery is inconvenient for everyone.

Wash Your Vehicle

Washing your car is not about aesthetics; it is about documentation accuracy. A clean vehicle makes existing damage clearly visible during the pre-transport inspection. Dirt, mud, and road grime can hide scratches, paint chips, and small dents that need to be noted on the Bill of Lading.

Wash the vehicle 1-2 days before pickup. Pay extra attention to lower panels, rocker panels, and wheel arches where road grime accumulates.

Day-of-Pickup Procedure

When the carrier arrives, here is the sequence:

1. The driver inspects the vehicle and fills out the Bill of Lading, noting existing damage
2. You inspect the BOL and confirm all existing damage is documented
3. You sign the BOL (do not sign until you agree with the condition notes)
4. You hand over the keys
5. The driver loads the vehicle
6. You receive your copy of the signed BOL

This process takes about 15-30 minutes. Be present (or have your authorized representative present) for the entire process.

Get Started with Your Shipment

Now that you know how to prepare, the next step is getting your quote. Visit quoteautoship.com for a free instant quote, or call 1-833-848-4600 to speak with a transport coordinator who can answer any remaining questions about preparing your specific vehicle for transport.