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Shiplux

Preparing Your Vehicle

USA / Canada

International

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USA / Canada Car Shipping Quote

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Preparing Your Vehicle

Prepare Your Vehicle for Car Shipping

Surprises can be fun, but not when it comes to shipping your car. 

With ShipLux’s white glove car shipping service, know that there will be zero surprises when it comes to getting your car safely from point A to point B. Part of this surprise-free journey comes from the car preparation you’ll undertake before ShipLux collects your vehicle. 

ShipLux is here to make the car shipping process as easy and effortless as possible. ShipLux can assist with and execute both domestic and international shipping through an array of different transport options. We’ll guide you through every step of the way and coordinate both pick up and delivery of your vehicle at a time and place that works best for you. An important part of the car shipping process is car preparation. So that everything arrives safe and secure, make sure to follow the steps below.

Step by Step Guide to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipment

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Gather & Complete Car Shipping Documents

This step of car preparation is particularly important if you are shipping internationally. Make sure you have completed all necessary import and export documentation, including the documentation you receive from us. Also ensure that your insurance and registration documents are removed from your car. We cannot fill out the paperwork on your behalf, but we’re here to help. Reference our handy guide here for more information.  

The car shipping process can feel overwhelming, but by completing these steps in advance, you and your car will be much more prepared for the journey. Contact us so we can help you every step of the way with your car shipping needs!
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Wash Your Car Inside and Out

It is important to wash your car both inside and out. If the exterior of your car is clean, damage is much easier to spot, making documentation a breeze. If the interior is clean, it makes handling your car much safer and easier, as well as providing a more pleasant experience for your driver.
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Before & After: Take Photos of Car Damage

 Ensure to take lots of photos in bright lighting before shipping. Having clear photos helps if any claims need to be made to your insurer for damage caused during shipping.
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Remove Personal Items Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Remove all personal items from your car before shipping. Loose items in your vehicle can move causing damage to the interior. If shipping internationally in a shipping container, you may pack your car with personal items, but all windows must remain unobstructed. If your car has a manual transmission, the gear shift must be accessible and easy to use.  \n \n 
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Complete Car Maintenance

Here’s a checklist of all the services that must be performed for an easy car shipping process: 
  • Check tire pressure and ensure your tires are inflated properly.
  • Replace all fluids then check for leaks. Leaks can cause damage to other cars as well as your own if traveling in a multi-car carrier.
  • Record your car’s mileage before and after its trip.
  • Ensure your car battery works and is fully charged. 
  • Document mechanical problems: If your car has any mechanical issues or if there are any issues/special instructions to be able to drive your car, please communicate them to us!
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Do Disable Your Car Alarm and Don’t Keep Any Toll Tags and Passes

Your alarm being triggered during transit could be distracting and dangerous to the driver. Furthermore, toll tags and passes can be scanned during transit, causing unnecessary charges. Deactivating all memberships and alarms is necessary for a stress-free shipping process. For a full list of car preparation do’s and don’ts, reference the article here. 

FAQ

Do I need to empty my gas tank before shipping my car?

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Do I need to clear out my car before auto transport?

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Do any extra steps need to be taken for International Vehicle Shipping?

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