Save Money and Headaches

Are you about to use an auto transport company to ship your car across the country? You don't want to make any stupid mistakes that could end up costing you precious time and dollars. Here are a few pointers that will keep you on the open road through as many cross-country treks as your heart desires.

First of all, make sure your car is in proper working order. Do a quick run around the block. Test the brakes. Make sure nothing is leaking. At some point your car will have to be moved off of the carrier so this is important. Also, put the bare minimum amount of fluid and gasoline in it. Your car could end up on the top level of the carrier and if it leaks all over the bottom cars, they are going to charge you for any damage. Not to mention the extra weight charge for a full tank of gasoline. Those charges add up to one major headache.

I am telling you from personal experience, shut off any anti-theft devices and alarms in the car. You don't want to have to deal with late night phone calls from the transport company when the alarm goes off at 3 am in the middle of nowhere. Be sure to remove any devices you've attached to the car as well. Nix the external antennae, MP3 players, garage openers, toll passes, etc. Clear out all of your belongings too. That sounds obvious but I can't tell you all of the stories I've heard about cell phones and diaries turning up during a transport.

There's a few more things people often forget to do when setting their car up for transport:

• Make sure you secure any loose parts that cannot be removed. I'm referring to bike racks, fog lights, wide mirrors, spoilers, grill racks, etc. Just use some heavy duty packing tape.
• Similarly, seal up any tears in your convertible top. You don't want fast blowing air to turn a small tear into a giant hole.
• Also, keep one window slightly open to reduce the effects of air pressure changes.
• Finally, have the radiator checked out if you think your car will be going through any serious climate changes.

Also, the transport company is going to send someone to examine your car before shipment. Make sure you are there for this. This examination is what the company goes on when deciding whether or not your car was damaged during shipment. Don't hesitate to point out anything they miss and make sure to get a copy of the report. If someone is giving birth and you absolutely cannot make it, please send someone you trust to be your proxy. This is very important.

Be cautious and above all don't hesitate to discuss any questions you may have with the transport company. You'll be glad you did.