Research shows that 220 million Americans drive for about one and a half hours daily. If you fall within this bracket, the chances are that you don’t relish being on the road for many hours. And the good news is that you don’t have to.
If you’re moving to Alaska or just taking a road trip up to the Last Frontier, an Alaska car shipping company car will come in handy. However, you’ll need to know how to prepare your vehicle for shipping before contacting your transporter.
Unlike most other states, Alaska has some unique requirements for transporting cars. So, are you planning on shipping your car to Alaska? This post will go over the steps you need to take to get your vehicle ready for transport.
Get Your Paperwork Right
First, you must ensure that your car’s documents are in order. And this includes your registration, proof of insurance, and any other paperwork the state may require of Alaska.
Most car shipping companies are particularly keen on proof of ownership due to car theft. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license and 18 years old.
After putting your car documentation together, you’re ready to start looking for a shipping company.
Find a Reputable Alaska Auto Freight Company
Many companies offer car shipping services, but not all of them are created equal. When you’re looking for a shipping company, be sure to do your research and read reviews. It would help if you also asked for quotes from multiple companies so that you could compare prices.
Once you’ve found a company you’re comfortable with, it’s time to start making arrangements.
Wash Your Car
Before you hand over your car to any Alaska auto freight, you must give it a good wash. The objective is to ensure that the carrier can properly inspect your vehicle for any damage or issues. It will also help protect your car from the elements during transport.
Most importantly, a clean car will make it easier for the driver to spot any potential problems that may arise during transit.
Secure or Remove Any Loose Car Parts
When you’re done cleaning and tidying up your car, make sure to secure all of the loose parts. Typically, these include anything from spoilers or antennas that could fall off while in transport. And this will not be good if it’s late at night.
Take Your Car For Inspection
You might think your vehicle is in good shape, but a little inspection can catch any potential problems before they become more prominent. If you notice something wrong with the car’s underside, you want to address them before calling the transporter.
In this section, we outline the kind of problems you should fix beforehand;
Leaks
Inspect your car for potential leaks or fluids that may have spilled during transport. These can be dangerous and should be cleaned up immediately. Furthermore, they could damage the paint of other cars beneath yours on the transport truck.
Moreover, carriers are reluctant to transport faulty vehicles that may have leakage. So, if you want to be on the safe side, fix any leaks before transport.
Inflate Your Tires
Your tires must be inflated adequately before transport. You want to protect them from the elements and prevent any flat spots from forming. You should also ensure your spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated.
Check Your Car’s Fuel Level
The general rule of thumb when shipping your car is to have no more than a quarter tank of gas. The goal is to help reduce the weight of your vehicle and prevent any spillage during transport. So, if the gas is more than a quarter, you might want to empty it.
Ensure Your Car Battery Has Adequate Charge
Your car’s battery should have a full charge before being transported. You want to ensure that it doesn’t die during the journey. Additionally, you can disconnect your battery to prevent any electrical issues.
Remove All Your Personal Belongings
The next step is to remove all of your personal belongings before handing your car over. These items will include things like clothes, electronics, and other valuables. Not only could they get lost during transport, but they could also damage your car or become a safety hazard.
Take Clear Photos of Your Car
It is also a good idea to take clear photos of your car before it is shipped. The goal is to create a reference point in case there are any issues with the vehicle during transport. Make sure to take photos of any damage that may already be present on the car and the interior and exterior.
Disable Your Car Alarm
Disable your car alarm before transporting it. It’s best not to have the security feature go off while on the way and potentially cause problems for other drivers. Otherwise, your car alarm could be accidentally triggered and distract your transporter.
Remove Or Turn Off Your Toll Tags
Your toll tags should be removed or turned off before transport. If they are left on, you may incur charges from any tolls the car passes through during transport.
Lock Your Vehicle
Make sure to lock your car before transport. This will help prevent theft or tampering with the vehicle during its journey. However, don’t forget to hand the keys to the auto transport company.
They will need to offload your car when it reaches Alaska. Hence, a company representative will drive it at some point.
Work With the Best Alaska Car Shipping Company
If you’re in the process of moving to Alaska, or if you need to transport a car to the state for any other reason, you must plan and prepare your vehicle for shipping. By following these simple tips, you can make sure your car arrives safely and without incident.
Have questions about Alaska car shipping services? Our team is here to help. We ship vehicles all over the state daily, so we know what it takes to get them there safely and on time.
Get in touch with us today and let us help you get your car ready for its journey.