How to Prepare Your Car for Auto Transport in Lexington, KY

Shipping your vehicle can be much easier when you know how to prepare before the carrier arrives. Whether you are moving from Lexington, purchasing a vehicle from another state, relocating for work, or sending a car to a family member, proper preparation can help make the transportation process smoother.

Auto Transport Specialty Lexington provides vehicle transportation options for customers who need to move cars within Kentucky or across state lines. Before your vehicle is picked up, there are several important things you should do.

Clean Your Vehicle

Start by washing the exterior of your vehicle. A clean exterior makes it easier to identify and document existing scratches, dents, paint damage, and other imperfections.

You do not need to have the vehicle professionally detailed. A basic wash is generally enough to make the exterior easier to inspect.

Cleaning the interior is also useful because it gives you an opportunity to remove personal belongings before transportation.

Remove Personal Items

Remove personal belongings, valuables, electronics, important documents, loose accessories, and other unnecessary items from the vehicle.

Personal belongings may not be covered under the carrier’s cargo insurance, and loose items can move around during transportation.

Removing unnecessary items also makes the vehicle lighter and easier to prepare for shipment.

Document Existing Damage

Before handing your vehicle to the carrier, walk around it and inspect the exterior carefully.

Look for:

Scratches
Dents
Paint chips
Cracked glass
Bumper damage
Wheel damage
Other visible imperfections

Take clear photographs from multiple angles. Close-up photographs can also be helpful when documenting existing damage.

Check Your Tires

Make sure the tires are properly inflated and inspect them for visible damage.

Properly inflated tires can make loading, unloading, and moving the vehicle easier.

Check the Battery

The vehicle’s battery should be properly secured. If it is loose, have it secured before transportation.

If your vehicle has special starting procedures, make sure the transportation provider knows about them.

Keep Fuel at an Appropriate Level

A vehicle generally does not need a full tank of fuel during transportation. Keeping the fuel level relatively low can reduce unnecessary weight while still allowing the vehicle to be moved when necessary.

Disable the Alarm

If your vehicle has an alarm system, disable it before pickup whenever possible.

An alarm that repeatedly activates during transportation can create unnecessary complications.

Keep Your Keys Available

The carrier may need the keys to load, unload, and move the vehicle.

Make sure the required keys are available and communicate any special instructions before pickup.

Choose the Right Transportation Method

Your vehicle and budget can influence which shipping method is appropriate.

Open car transport is often selected for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks because it can be a practical and economical option.

Enclosed car transport provides additional protection from outdoor exposure and may be preferred for classic, luxury, exotic, collectible, or specialty vehicles.

Door-to-door transportation may provide added convenience by arranging pickup and delivery near your requested locations when carrier access allows.

State-to-state auto transport is useful when moving a vehicle between Kentucky and another state.

Prepare for Pickup

Make sure your vehicle is available at the agreed location and that the carrier can safely access the area.

Large auto transport carriers may not be able to enter every residential street. If your street is too narrow or has other restrictions, a nearby accessible location may be used.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your vehicle before transportation can help create a smoother shipping experience. Clean the vehicle, remove personal belongings, document its condition, check the tires and battery, and communicate any special requirements.

If you need auto transport in Lexington, KY or want to ship a vehicle to another state, Auto Transport Specialty Lexington can help you explore the available transportation options.