Automobile Shipping Experts Explain How To Prepare A Car For An Overseas Transport
Online, January 21, 2010 (Newswire.com) - If you do not prepare your vehicle properly for an overseas move, you could find yourself without a car at your new location; fortunately the experts of West Coast Shipping have put together a useful article on overseas vehicle preparation.
"If you need to have your vehicle shipped overseas then there are a few essential steps you should take before the shipping date," notes Alex Naumov of WC Shipping.com. "To help anyone wondering how to prepare your car for international shipping, please consider the following list of tips."
1. Inspect your Automobile
Before you make any shipping arrangements you should inspect the vehicle carefully from top to bottom. You will want to make sure and look over every single part of car including the car including the outside, the engine, the wheels and tires, etc. Be sure to take notice of any imperfections.
2. Take Photos
By taking pictures of your car before shipping it you will be able to document the exact condition it was in before the transport. That way you will have proof in case your automobile is damaged during shipping.
3. Remove Accessories and Antennas
Nearly all automobile transporters will require that all detachable antennas be removed prior to shipment. Additionally, you may be required to take off custom accessories such as spoilers or specialty lighting systems.
4. Disconnect Alarm Systems
If you are going to ship your vehicle you need to disconnect any and all alarm systems. Even if you intent to ship items inside your vehicle you will be required to disable your alarm before a shipping company will take your car.
5. 1/8 Tank of Gasoline
When you drop off your vehicle it should have about 1/8 of a tank of gas. More than 1/8 of a tank will add excesses weight to your vehicle, but you do want to make sure there is enough fuel for your car to be driven short distances during the transportation.
6. Check for Leaky Fluids
Many international auto shipping companies will hold you personally responsible for damage caused by fluids leaked from your vehicle. Therefore, you will want to make sure and inspect your vehicle for leaks a few weeks before you intend to have it shipped. If you do not know how to identify or locate leaks, then it might be good idea to have a professional check for you.
7. Remove All Electronics
You should always take out any removable electronics before shipping your car overseas. This includes un-mounted radios, CD or cassette players, Mp3 players, cell phone chargers, etc.
8. Early Climate Preparations
It is always a good idea to prepare your vehicle for the new climate prior to shipping. This can include a number of things such as adding engine coolant, or transmission oil, etc.
9. Gather Documents
A few weeks before you take your car to the auto transporter, you will want to make sure that you have all of your essential paperwork together, such as the car's title. That way you have time to request a copy from the DMV before it is too late. You will also want to make sure any liens have been removed and cleared from the title.
Looking to get a car shipped overseas? West Coast Shipping is a fast growing international shipping company that provides reliable car and vehicle shipping services. Call us today for a free auto shipping estimate.