How to Prepare Your Car for Auto Transport in 5 Easy Steps

April 17, 2025

How to Prepare Your Car for Auto Transport in 5 Easy Steps

Shipping your car is now easier than ever owing to professional auto movers, but it does require some planning on your part. Preparing your vehicle for shipping makes the procedure easier and safer for both you and the trucker managing your shipment. As you get ready to ship your car, use this blog as a guide so you can enjoy a stress-free auto transport experience. Follow the 5 easy steps you can take to prepare your car before shipment.

Why Preparing Your Car is Important?

Prepping your vehicle before shipping a car isn’t just about looking good, it’s about avoiding delays, extra charges, and potential damage. A well-prepared car expedites the loading procedure and assures a seamless experience for both you and the carrier. It also helps the driver to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle before and after the travel, eliminating any confusion about its condition. A little extra effort today will save you time, money, and stress later.

What Drivers Expect

Here’s a quick car shipping checklist of what most drivers look for when they arrive:

The car is clean for inspection
The battery is completely charged
The surface is clear of dirt or snow
Alarm is disabled
No loose or personal things inside
The fuel tank is no more than 1/4 full
Tires are properly inflated
Mirrors are folded in
Keys (and spare) are ready for handover

Step 1: Clean the Exterior and Interior

The first thing you’ll want to do is wash the exterior of your vehicle. When the driver arrives to pick up your vehicle, he’ll do a vehicle condition report with you. This report documents the current condition of the vehicle including any existing damage there might be to the vehicle. If your vehicle is clean, it will be easier for you and the driver to do the condition report as you’ll be able to clearly see any existing scratches, dings, dents, paint chips, or other damage to the vehicle.

Next, clean the interior of your car. Car trailers are big and can bounce up and down a bit on the road causing any loose items inside your car to move around. Remove any items not secured to the interior of your car; phone holders, car chargers, GPS devices, portable DVD players, or even air fresheners, spare change, pens, etc. If there is the potential for anything inside your vehicle to bounce or move around, causing damage to the inside of your vehicle or the items themselves, remove them. Removing these items will also help to decrease the risk of theft or loss of these items during transport.

Pre Shipping Checklist

Here is the exterior car shipping checklist when preparing the car for transport:

Wash the outside thoroughly to remove dirt, grime, and road debris. Apply wax or sealer to protect the paint.
Clean all windows, including the windscreen and side windows, for good visibility.
Thoroughly clean wheels and tires, including brake dust and dirt. Consider tire shine products for a polished appearance.
Clean and protect external trim, such as door knobs, mirrors, and bumpers.
After cleaning, inspect the exterior for scratches, dents, and damage. Take photos for verification.

Here is the interior cleaning checklist:

One of the interior auto shipping preps is to remove any personal things, such as loose articles and floor mats, that may be damaged or lost during transportation.
Vacuum the interior thoroughly, including carpeting, upholstery, and nooks.
Clean all hard surfaces, including the dashboard, console, door panels, and steering wheel.
Clean inside windows for clear visibility.
Sanitize high-touch surfaces, such as door handles and steering wheel.

Step 2: Take Photos of Your Vehicle

It’s a perfect moment for taking pictures of the car after it’s been thoroughly cleaned. Check that the pictures are of high quality and up to date! Don’t only take photos of the damaged areas. Take generic photographs of the car from various perspectives. You can never have too many pictures for your own records to protect yourself in the unlikely event that damage occurs during transit.

Pro Tips for Nova Auto Transport

Before loading your automobile into the trailer, conduct a complete walk-around to identify any existing damage.
Take photos of scratches, dings, and dents to compare against when your car is delivered, in case of damage during shipping.
Please share these images with your auto transport company for their records and keep them handy in case you need to file an insurance claim.
Documenting the vehicle’s condition is vital for insurance and avoiding conflicts with shipping companies.
Keep a written record of existing damage, including dates and descriptions to supplement the photographic evidence.
Additionally, save a copy of the documentation for your records and give it to the shipping firm for reference.

Step 3: Remove Personal Items

Truckers take every measure to keep your vehicle safe while in transportation, but they are not responsible for personal things in the vehicle. Remove any personal possessions and vehicle accessories before transit for added safety and peace of mind. Do not forget to remove the toll tags as well.

What to Remove Before Car Shipping

Auto transport companies often have specific restrictions regarding what can and cannot be left in your vehicle during shipment. To avoid damage or loss, remove all personal items, such as phone chargers, sunglasses, spare change, and GPS gadgets. These items are not covered by the company’s insurance, so removing them helps maintain your car’s interior and guarantees compliance with transportation regulations.

Similarly, remove or fasten any custom attachments, such as spoilers, roof racks, and specialty wheels, that may be damaged during loading and unloading. If removal is not possible, ensure that these items are securely tied and notify the transport firm so that they can take additional care. Taking these measures guarantees that your car is ready for a smooth and damage-free journey.

Car Shipping Checklist

Remove all personal items
Remove all custom attachments
Don’t forget to remove toll tags

Step 4: Check for Leaks and Maintenance Issues

Check your car for any fluid leaks. A small drip may not seem like a huge concern, but it can become a major problem during travel. If you notice any leaks, have them repaired before shipping day to prevent your automobile from leaking onto vehicles underneath it on the trailer.

Is your car in good functioning condition? Check for engine and other mechanical issues, and if possible, have a mechanic tune up your vehicle before it is picked up for travel. If your vehicle is not running, please notify us ahead of time so that we can prepare accordingly and ensure that we have the necessary equipment to load your vehicle.

Shipping Prep

Check for any fluid leaks and, if possible, have them repaired before the driver picks up your vehicle, particularly if the leak is serious, as the driver may refuse to accept the vehicle. If you have a little leak that cannot be easily repaired before shipping, please contact the driver.
He wants to know so he can put your vehicle in the trailer’s bottom row. Otherwise, your car may be placed on top of the auto shipping trailer, and you do not want it to drip into the vehicles below. If your car is on the bottom, you don’t want someone else’s car to spill onto yours!
Check any mechanical issues before shipment to avoid surprises upon arrival. Your vehicle must be capable of rolling, breaking, and steering under its own power. Make sure to notify the transport company if your vehicle has any unique issues before pickup.

Auto Transport Readiness

If your vehicle is inoperable or has other mechanical faults, specialized equipment is required to move it.

Key maintenance inspections include:

Checking oil and coolant levels.
Tire pressure and tread.
Battery Charge

If you detect any leaks, make sure to have them repaired before shipment, as these faults could pose a safety risk during transit. It is also a good idea to record your car’s mileage before collection and again at the delivery site.

Step 5: Leave 1/4 Tank of Gas

Your vehicle only needs enough gas to drive on and off the trailer. The lighter your car is for interstate car transport, the better as it will save quite a bit of weight for the transporter. Please note, that while it’s best to have a 1/4 tank of gas or less, you do not need to drain the gas if you have more than that!

Prepare Car for Shipping

Before shipping your vehicle, it’s essential to ensure that all fluid levels are topped up to the manufacturer’s recommended levels (1/4). Check the oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid, and top them up if necessary.

Fuel Level Requirements

Keep your car light by making sure your gas tank is only 1/4 full before shipping. When transporting your car, the trucker needs just enough fuel to drive your car on and off their trailer. A full tank of gas adds significant weight, which can affect the safety and efficiency of the shipment.

Bonus: What to Do on Pickup Day

When the big day arrives, being prepared ensures that everything goes smoothly. Here’s what you may expect:

The driver will arrive at your specified time, perform a fast walkaround of the vehicle, and have you sign the Bill of Lading (the official inspection and transportation paperwork). If possible, attend in person or with someone you trust. Take your own photos of the vehicle, particularly of any existing dents or scrapes. Keep your phone close, and ensure that the vehicle is easily accessible (not walled in or parked on a narrow street).

Last Minute Tips

Here are the last-minute car transport tips:

Wash your car: A clean surface makes it simpler to detect dings and damage during examination.
Take pictures: Take clear images from all sides, including close-ups of any existing damage.
Remove personal items: Loose objects can shift during shipment and are not insured.
Have a spare key ready: Drivers require one to load and unload the vehicle.
Turn off the alarms. Prevent unnecessary delays and battery consumption.
Check the battery: Having a dead battery during drop-off is not enjoyable.
Maintain a low fuel level: Around a quarter tank is excellent for loading and unloading while being lightweight for transportation.
Confirm contact information: Make sure the driver has your right phone number (and a backup, just in case).

How to Prepare Your Car for Auto Transport in 5 Easy Steps