Shipping a vehicle can be much easier when your car is properly prepared before pickup. Whether you are moving from Chicago to another state, purchasing a vehicle from another part of the country, or arranging transportation for a seasonal vehicle, preparation can help make the process more organized.
OpenRoute Car Transport provides vehicle shipping options including open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state vehicle shipping. Before your carrier arrives, there are several practical steps you can take.
1. Clean Your Vehicle
Start by washing the exterior of your car. A clean vehicle makes it easier to identify and document existing scratches, dents, paint damage, or other visible imperfections.
You do not necessarily need a professional detailing service. A basic exterior wash and an inspection of the vehicle are usually enough.
Cleaning the interior is also useful because it helps you identify personal belongings that need to be removed before transportation.
2. Remove Personal Belongings
Before vehicle pickup, remove personal items from the passenger compartment, trunk, glove box, and other storage areas.
Items such as luggage, electronics, important documents, valuables, loose accessories, and household belongings should generally not be left inside the vehicle.
Removing unnecessary items also helps keep the vehicle ready for inspection and transportation.
3. Take Photos of the Vehicle
Document the condition of your vehicle before pickup.
Take clear photographs of:
- Front of the vehicle
- Rear of the vehicle
- Driver’s side
- Passenger’s side
- Wheels
- Windshield
- Bumpers
- Existing scratches or dents
- Interior
- Odometer
Make sure the photographs are clear and dated when possible.
These photos provide a useful record of the vehicle’s condition before transportation.
4. Check for Existing Damage
Walk around the vehicle carefully and note any existing damage.
Small scratches, dents, paint chips, cracked lights, or other visible issues should be identified before pickup.
If there is existing damage, documenting it beforehand makes the condition inspection easier.
5. Check Your Vehicle’s Mechanical Condition
Make sure the vehicle can be started and moved unless you have specifically arranged transportation for an inoperable vehicle.
Check:
- Battery
- Tires
- Fluid leaks
- Fuel level
- Brakes
- Warning lights
If your vehicle has mechanical problems, inform the transportation provider before pickup so appropriate arrangements can be considered.
6. Keep the Fuel Level Reasonable
A vehicle generally does not need a full tank for transportation. A reasonable fuel level can help avoid unnecessary weight while still allowing the vehicle to be moved when needed.
Follow the transportation provider’s instructions regarding fuel requirements.
7. Disable or Secure Special Equipment
If your vehicle has alarms, removable accessories, custom spoilers, roof racks, or other aftermarket equipment, check whether they need to be removed or secured.
Convertible vehicles may also require additional preparation.
8. Prepare Your Keys
Have the necessary keys available for pickup.
Depending on the transportation arrangement, the driver may need access to the vehicle for loading and unloading.
Keep any special instructions about starting, operating, or accessing the vehicle available.
9. Keep Important Documents With You
Do not leave registration documents, insurance information, personal identification, or other important paperwork inside the vehicle.
Keep important documents with you during the transportation process.
10. Communicate Clearly
Provide accurate pickup and delivery information.
Chicago has busy streets, parking restrictions, apartment buildings, narrow roads, and high-traffic areas. Your pickup location may need to accommodate a large transport carrier.
If a carrier cannot safely access the exact address, an alternative nearby location may be discussed.
Conclusion
Preparing your vehicle before auto transport does not have to be complicated. Cleaning the vehicle, removing personal belongings, documenting its condition, checking basic mechanical details, and communicating accurate pickup information can make the process easier.
If you are planning to ship a vehicle from Chicago or another location, OpenRoute Car Transport offers open, enclosed, door-to-door, and state-to-state auto transport options.
Call OpenRoute Car Transport at (773) 692-0352 to discuss your vehicle shipping needs.