Preparing your vehicle for a California to Texas shipment takes just a few steps. Start by removing any toll passes, GPS devices, and personal items from your car. These can get damaged or lost during transit.
Clean your vehicle inside and out. This helps the carrier inspect for existing damage and makes it easier to spot any new issues when you pick it up. Take photos of your car's condition before shipping as documentation.
Check your fuel level. Your tank should be about a quarter full—enough for the carrier to move the vehicle on and off the transport, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.
Disable any alarms and make sure you have a working key available for the carrier. Remove any custom parts, antennas, or spoilers that could break off during transport.
Check your tire pressure and brakes. Your vehicle needs to be in safe driving condition for the carrier to load and transport it. Make sure there are no leaks or mechanical issues.
Arrange insurance coverage. Before your shipment leaves California, review your vehicle shipping insurance options. Most carriers include basic coverage, but you may want additional protection for long-distance moves.
For a complete overview of the shipping process, check out our How To Ship A Car guide. It covers everything from preparation to pickup.