Moving to California can be an exciting step, especially if it’s a career move. The Golden State is the third largest in the country with a population of over 30 million, yet it always has room for more people. While it may seem like much, the large population means there’s an opportunity for a fresh start for everyone, regardless of the interest.
However, you don’t have to start afresh in everything, like buying a new car when you can simply ship yours to the new location. You’ll find reliable California auto movers to get the job done without hassles. Wherever you’re moving to, using the right car shipping services is important if you want peace of mind.
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But the job of a successful shipping process is not for the shipping company alone; you have a part to play in preparing the car. So what do you need to do? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
1. Empty the Car
Start by emptying the car. Ensure you have nothing of personal value in it while getting it ready. Many car shipping companies will inspect vehicles to ensure they’re completely empty and will not transport one with items inside it. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to pop the trunk, check the glove compartment, and under the seats to ensure there’s nothing in it.
You might forget something that would be lost in transit. Avoid doubt or hassles, take stock of what you have as you clear it out. It’s also important to detach any upgrade item, like sound systems, Bluetooth devices, and alarm systems. Deactivate anything you can’t remove to ensure it’s not triggered in transit.
2. Have Your Mechanic Check It
After emptying the car of all items, it is time to call your mechanic for a thorough check. Unless you have the training and expertise for such an inspection and text, it is best to use the services of a professional auto mechanic.
Do this before washing the vehicle so that all the grime and dirt from the inspection can go during the cleaning process. This step is important to ensure every aspect of the car is in order and the vehicle is ready for shipment. They can check for faults and leaks that might impede the trip and delay delivery.
They will also check the tires for the correct pressure, ensure the battery is fully charged and working, and all the fluids are at the correct level. The gas should only be ¼ of the tank before shipping and your mechanic is in the best position to reduce it if applicable. Find out what parts to check here.
3. Clean the Vehicle
Next, clean the vehicle. Ensure there’s no debris stored in any part of it; some owners may remove personal and upgrade effects but leave junk and debris. Note that the shipping company is not a garbage removal service; it’s your job to keep the car as clean as possible.
After removing all the debris from inside the car and the trunk, the next step is to wash it to remove dirt. You can do this yourself or take it to a professional car wash for a more thorough wash. One benefit of washing it yourself is that you may find something long forgotten or misplaced but of great value.
Another benefit is that you can assess and find any damage that you need to report. The transport company will do a thorough assessment and document the condition of the vehicle before shipping. It’s best to have your own inventory, including the dents, so that you can check it upon delivery.
4. Secure It
After the auto technician is done with the checks and repairs where necessary, the next step is to fasten movable parts of the vehicle. Since several parts can move and may break off if not properly secured, it is important to find ways to fasten these parts to more secure parts of the vehicle to keep them safe.
For example, the side mirrors are extended and while they don’t move, leaving them without proper protection is dangerous. Some mirrors can fold; if yours can, fold them into the vehicle’s body.
But if not, wrap them in protective covers to keep the glass and holders from breaking. For vehicles with modifications, detach them if possible or secure them with straps. A broken-off car part may be dangerous while in transit as it can fly off and distract the driver or cause a worse situation.
5. Drop the Car Off
Now, you’re ready for the car to be picked up by the shipping service. Remember to keep a spare key ready for the driver because they will need it to move the car from one point to another. As mentioned earlier, the company will assess the car and make an inventory of its condition.
If you’ve not already done your own inspection, take the opportunity to do it while the company is on it; update your inventory if you have done it already but missed some parts. Take pictures if you need to and keep the documentation safe.
Report any issues with the vehicle so that the company is aware while transporting it. Follow this resource for more details on getting an automobile ready for moving: https://www.mymovingreviews.com/.
Conclusion
Getting your vehicle ready for shipping is one of the most important steps in the process. Ensure you clear it and have a mechanic check and repair necessary parts. Wash the car and secure movable or breakable parts before it is picked up. Have a spare key ready for the company and be ready to receive it at the new location.
