Practical tips for hassle-free car transport.
Packing up your entire home can be challenging enough, so don’t let relocating your car add to your stress level. This is especially true if you are planning a long-distance move.
Even for someone who enjoys long car rides, you’ll have to think twice about driving your car all the way to your new home. For example, it could take you days to drive from Newcastle to Perth, which could delay your move into your new home. Not to mention the number of kilometres that will be added to your car, which can significantly lower its resale value.
Your moving service provider can help you to move your car as well. Here are things you need to know about car transportation.
7 things to know before having a moving company transport your car
Transporting a car is not just handing over your car to a moving company. There are some things you should know and consider before you let someone take your car away. Here are seven things that can make car transportation easier for you.
1. Should you choose an open or enclosed trailer?
Some transport companies can move your car either in an open or enclosed trailer. Open trailers are often cheaper, but your vehicle could be prone to damage, theft, weather and road debris. In addition, cars transported on open trailers are usually secured with chains, increasing the risk of damage to your car. However, reputable companies use wheel nets or nylon straps so as not to damage your car.
Make sure you ask your moving company whether they or their partner transport company use chains to secure the vehicles. Avoid this at all costs because chains can put a lot of strain on your car, especially if they are tightened more than they should. If they loosen, they will knock against your car over every bump and pothole.
If your car has a low clearance, such as a sports car, make sure it gets loaded onto an enclosed trailer, because enclosed trailers have lift gates that prevent low clearance cars from getting damaged.
2. Read reviews and comments left by previous customers.
If you feel like reading reviews is a complete waste of time, you could not be more wrong. You can use review websites and car forums to determine if the transport company you are considering offers quality service. There is nothing more helpful than reading the raves of satisfied customers as well as the rants of disgruntled ones.
You can also find reviews and testimonials on the website of the car transportation company, or you can talk to family, friends and local car dealerships for recommendations.
3. Be wary of car transportation brokers.
Most people are not aware that car transport brokers exist. These companies take your business and then bid your shipment to other companies that do the actual transporting. The problem with this is that you will often not know what car carrier will transport your vehicle, and you will not know the equipment that they use.
For example, a broker might ship your car with the lowest bidder. This car transport company might use a ramp instead of a hydraulic liftgate, which can damage your low clearance car.
If your car got damaged or stolen, you would need to go through two different companies just to receive help. It’s best to ensure you are dealing with a removalist company that has its own fleet of trailers for transporting cars or has a long-term car transportation partner.
4. Don’t give a deposit.
Reputable car transportation companies never require a deposit when you book their service. Instead, they ask for a payment when you drop off your car or when they pick it up. This helps to ensure you are getting the service you expect and gives you a way to cancel or back out if you are not satisfied with what you see. So, if someone asks for a deposit, think twice about hiring them.
5. There are more things to consider than just price.
Remember the old expression ‘quality over quantity’ when planning to hire car transport services. When it comes to the cost of transporting a vehicle, the cheapest is usually not the safest or best choice. Often, pricing reflects the quality of the equipment and experience of a car transport service, as well as their level of service.
6. Let the car transportation company know if you are on a schedule.
It is always a good idea to inform your moving company if you need your car on a certain date. Most car transport companies follow a schedule for pickup and delivery, usually 5 to 7 days. So, letting them know early on when you will need your car will save you from the grief and heartache of missing an important event, such as a car show or a birthday. Strict scheduling, however, may increase the cost of transporting your car.
7. Inform them of your car’s oddities.
Your car may have cut-off switches, kill switches, alarms, brakes that only work when the motor is running, and any other quirky things. The more information you give your driver, the easier it will be for them to transport your car safely. This will also prevent you from getting charged a non-run fee. Try to write down detailed instructions to ensure clarity.
How to prepare your car for transport
Assuming you already found the right car transport company to help you move your car from your old home to your new one, here are 5 tips to prepare your car for the big move.
- Wash your car
Dust and dirt can hide dents and scratches. Before you hand over your car to the transport company, make sure you wash it thoroughly. If your vehicle is clean, it will be easier to notice any new dents, scratches and other damage caused by the move once it reaches its destination.
- Clean your car inside and out
Don’t forget to clean the inside of your car, too. Remove everything that is not secured, such as spare change, air freshener, mobile phone holder, electronics and their cables and chargers. This will make sure that nothing gets tossed around inside your car, which can also cause damage.
- Disable the alarm
Your driver will not be too happy if an alarm goes off and he could not get to it easily. So, make sure you disable your car’s alarm systems.
- Check for leaks
The car transport company may not accept your vehicle if it has an aggressive leak. So, you should check for any leaks before your car gets loaded onto the trailer. Ensure you get it repaired before your moving day.
- Lock your car
Finally, lock everything up to prevent theft or robbery while your car is being transported. After all, there is no reason for it to be opened up until it reaches your new home.
Are you ready to hire a removalist company near you? Make sure to follow the above steps for hassle- and worry-free car transportation.
