The driver usually performs a transport inspection on your vehicle before it gets load. The pre-shipping inspection notes the visible condition of the car at the time. Here, the condition refers to the scratches, dents, paint marks, chips and other details that easily noticed. This is why vehicle cleaning before inspection is necessary when preparing a vehicle for shipping.

By cleaning your car you will make the inspection quicker and definitive and easier.  It makes you assured that you and the carrier know what the condition of the car is before it leaves at all times. In some cases, getting your vehicle ready for auto transport pickup is the most suitable option. When it comes to cars, we can ship just about anything, from your daily driver to a family SUV to a luxury vehicle or newly purchased vehicle. No problem for us. Auto transport pickup can be smooth.

Make sure to wash the exterior

Washing the exterior of your car is the first step you will take when learning how to clean your car. Natural debris obscures minor scratches and dints that easily fixed. If they aren’t notice  when you pick them up, you might have trouble later.

There’s no reason you can’t clean up the car enough for a visual inspection without spending too much on a detailing service. The vehicle’s body panels, windows, mirrors, bumpers, wheels and the lower areas around the doors and rocker panels cleaned. Areas You Would Likely Overlook.

Salt for roads is important if you live in an area with snowfall. Salt can build up into a white film, making it difficult to assess the condition of the paint. If your vehicle has been outside for too long, then give it a wash. Clear off any pollen, bird droppings, tree sap and dust before the carrier comes.

Usually, a DIY wash or an automatic car wash, on the day before pickup will suffice. Prior to taking the pictures, ensure the car is dry so that there will not be any water spots that hide the finish.

Organize the interior and take out your personal belongings

Moving a car is not the same as moving your things Most carriers will require you to remove personal items from the cars, especially loose valuables and heavy items. Easy to use and handle if it is clean from the inside as it will not get obstructed.

As long as the policies allow this, you are free to leave behind any normal stuff in the vehicle including the spare tire, jack, owner’s manual and emergency kit. But don’t leave valuable items, toll passes, parking cards, or personal documents inside.

The interior cluttered at times; however, if such a situation occurs, vacuuming helps. Cleaning up the cabin will give the vehicle a sense ready for loading. When loading the vehicle, it also prevents loose items from moving around the vehicle’s cabin.

Car Before Transport Inspection

Examine the motor vehicle personally and take images

After cleaning is done, slowly do a circular around the vehicle and check it all. Look for any scratches, dents, chips and scuffs in the body or cracked tail lights, windshield, wheels and paint. We are not trying to be overly cautious. Moving on does not mean forgetting what happened.

If you can, shoot during the day. Capture images of all sides of the car, including its wheels and mirrors and any damage.  If there is any present damage, take close-up pictures, as well as others showing where the mark is.

For example, if the scratch is on the passenger-side door, take an up-close as well as full-side image. The identification becomes easier at a later stage. Please save these photos and do not delete them until the delivery of the car is fully complete and the inspection is done.

When the carrier inspection starts, you will more or less know the condition of the vehicle, so a smoother pickup is provided.

Ensure the vehicle is safe for loading purposes

It is necessary to clean the things for better functions, however preparation is more than just looks. Before the driver arrives, confirm that the vehicle is safe and ready for loading. Make sure the battery is charged, the tires have air and there are no major fluid leaks. It is expected that the vehicle will start, steer, brake and drive unless book as inoperable.

It is better to keep fuel level above quarter. This enables the driver to load and unload without adding unnecessary ballast to the vehicle. If your bike has a spoiler, bike rack, antenna extension, custom cover, or removable part, remove or secure it.

Disarm the alarms if possible. Having a car alarm trigger during loading or transport can cause avoidable issues. Specify any special instructions to the driver during pick up.

Should your vehicle have low ground clearance, oversized tires, a modified suspension, or any mechanical issues, please inform us. The information can affect loading and help the carrier prepare accordingly.

Choose Car Shipping Center for hassle-free car shipment services

Once you have cleaned your car, the next step is to deal with a trusted source.   With the help of Car Shipping Center, customers guided through the entire transport process, evaluate their options and prepare their vehicle for pickup and delivery.

Let your mover know your vehicle type, pick up date, delivery location, special handling needs etc. If your vehicle has any damage, custom parts, low clearance or access issues inform us early on.

A professional transport attitude starts before the carrier arrives. When the vehicle is effectively cleaned up it allows inspection to run faster, reduces uncertainty and gives both the call customer and driver a better record of the vehicle.

There is a small list of possible habits that you can inculcate so that your car is ready for transport inspection. Like washing the exterior and removing loose items, clear the interior while documenting the condition of the car for safe loading.

To wrap up

At first glance, cleaning the vehicle may seem like a trivial task. However, it can greatly affect the transport inspection. If your vehicle is cleaned beforehand, any pre-existing marks will be visible and the documentation process and pickup appointment easier.

Before your next transport of your vehicle, allow yourself some time to wash the car, remove personal items, take some pictures, check the condition of your vehicle, and relay any information to your transport provider.