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Your car is a big investment in more ways than one. Not only have you put a lot of money and time into making sure it’s always in top condition, but the enjoyment you get from it means there’s an emotional investment as well. Because you have so much invested in your car, you want to make sure your investment is protected under all circumstances. That’s part of what makes transporting your car such a stressful experience — you have to put your faith in a carrier hoping everyone involved will treat your beloved vehicle with the care and respect it deserves. Choosing a reputable provider to coordinate your auto transport is a big part of that, but there are some things you can do to help ensure that your car is safe during the transport process. These car shipping tips should help you determine the best way to keep your car safe.

Preparing Your Car for Transport

Keeping your car protected during transport involves a little preparation. Here is the process you should follow to get your car ready for transport:

• Clean your vehicle. This will not only ensure that your car will be free of dust and grime, but it also makes it easier for you to inspect your vehicle for any damages it may incur during transport. This also involves cleaning out the interior to prevent loose items from banging around inside your car.
• Disable the alarm. Car alarms can be triggered often during the shipping process, which can drain your car’s battery. Make sure you turn off your alarm systems before pickup.
• Lower your fuel level. You shouldn’t empty your gas tank completely, but try to leave no more than a quarter of a tank. This reduces your shipping weight and presents less of a potential hazard.
• Remove custom accessories. Remove any spoilers, custom trim or anything else that might come loose and damage your car during shipment.

Securing Your Car During Shipment

Although some carriers will simply load your car onto a trailer and tie it down in a few places, experienced car carriers know the best way to ship a car is to immobilize it as much as possible. In most cases, that involves special ratcheting tie-downs and wheel straps. Experienced carriers also know whether certain vehicles have stress points that require extra securement or protection. For example, vintage cars tend to be more fragile, so carriers will use additional tie-downs on the wheels and avoid tying down the chassis.

The most important tip for protecting your car during transport is to choose an auto transport company that you can trust. With a more than 99 percent satisfaction rate from customers, we here at Stateway Auto are the safe car shippers you can trust with your investment. Contact us today for a free quote and find out how we can take the worry out of transporting your car.

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