Getting your vehicle ready before the carrier arrives is one of the most overlooked steps in the auto transport process. A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a smooth, dispute-free delivery.
1. Wash the vehicle thoroughly
A clean car makes it much easier to document existing scratches, dents, or paint chips during the pre-transport inspection. Photographs taken against dirty paint are harder to reference later.
2. Document all existing damage
Walk around the vehicle and photograph every panel, under the bumpers, and the roof. Date-stamp your photos. This protects you if any dispute arises at delivery.
3. Reduce the fuel level to ¼ tank
Carriers load dozens of vehicles and every pound matters. A full 15-gallon tank adds over 90 lbs to the load. Most carriers request ¼ tank or less.
4. Disable alarm systems
Transport trucks vibrate continuously. An alarm that keeps triggering during transit is both disruptive and could drain your battery. Disable it or give the driver the code.
5. Remove all personal belongings
Auto transport insurance covers the vehicle — not the contents. Remove aftermarket floor mats, toll tags, garage openers, and any valuables from the interior and trunk.
6. Retract or remove antennas
Open-carrier loads are stacked on two levels. Extended antennas snap off. Retract them or tape them down.
7. Check for existing fluid leaks
Carriers can legally refuse a vehicle that actively leaks oil or coolant. Check under the car the morning of pickup.
8. Make sure the vehicle is operational
For open-carrier standard service the vehicle must start, steer, and roll under its own power. If it doesn't, you'll need inoperable vehicle service — quoted separately.
9. Leave only one set of keys
Hand the driver a single key. Keep your spare at home. Do not leave a full keyring with house keys or fobs you can't replace easily.
10. Confirm pickup window — don't book flights around it
Open carrier pickups have a 1–3 day window. Drivers optimize routes in real time. Plan for flexibility and you'll never be stressed about timing.