Preparing your vehicle properly helps ensure it arrives in good condition. Here's what you should do:
Remove personal items and accessories. Take out toll passes, GPS devices, phone chargers, and any loose items from your car. Remove or secure exterior accessories like roof racks or spoilers that could be damaged during transit.
Clean your vehicle. Wash the inside and outside so the carrier can document its condition accurately before pickup.
Check your fuel level. Keep your gas tank about one-quarter full. This is enough for the carrier to move your car if needed, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.
Ensure the keys work. Have at least one working key available for the driver. Test it beforehand to avoid delays.
Document existing damage. Take photos of your vehicle from multiple angles. This protects you if any damage occurs during shipping.
Check tire pressure and battery. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your battery is in good condition so your car can be driven onto the carrier.
Disable alarms. If your car has a sensitive alarm system, disable it or let the carrier know so it doesn't go off during transit.
For more details about the shipping process, see our guide on how to ship a car. If you're shipping during winter or summer, our seasonal shipping guide has additional tips for weather-related preparation.