You may not be considering a move currently, but it’s not unreasonable to think that it could be a possibility in your near future. Statistics suggest the average person moves roughly 12 times in their life.  That means the place you’re in right now is likely not your forever home. 

With each move, you must decide how to move your trusty car. Most people can’t invest in a new vehicle every time they change residence; it’s difficult to afford a car and house simultaneously. And driving a long distance is time-intensive and costly, and it wears on the vehicle’s mechanics. 

Michigan Car shipping is an affordable and convenient option that preserves the integrity of your vehicle. 

Reputable and credentialed auto transport companies offer simple protocols to prepare for the move and handle the logistics of the process so you can dedicate your efforts on other critical aspects of your relocation. 

Please visit https://www.roadrunnerautotransport.com/michigan-car-shipping for guidance on navigating the Michigan car shipping process. Let’s explore the protocol. When adequately prepared, your car will be optimally protected for its journey. 

Preparing Your Car for Michigan Auto Transport 

Moving homes in Michigan notes to be the most stressful undertaking, with multiple-page to-do lists that have endless tasks. This overwhelm can be slightly relieved by turning to an auto transport company to assist with the logistics of moving your car to its new location. 

Each car shipper has a simple protocol for car owners to follow to prepare to send the vehicle on its journey. Here are guidelines relatively common for each transport company. 

Collecting necessary paperwork 

The primary prep step on a car owner’s checklist is gathering the proper documents to bring for the carrier. There could be delays or the auto transport may be rejected if these are not in order, which speaks to the critical nature of ensuring you understand what you need. 

The documents shippers typically request include the following: 

• Proof of ownership or bill of sale 
• Vehicle title – original 
• Proof of insurance 
• Driving license 
• Proof of insurance 
• Proof of registration 

Steps for safeguarding the vehicle for transit 

• Detailed cleaning 

Inspection is much more straightforward when the car has been detail cleaned. The preexisting damage is more readily revealed. And the inside should not be neglected. That means loose items should be removed to avoid damage to the interior as the car shifts when in transit.  

The vehicle will be thoroughly inspected upon pickup and again when delivered. The bill of lading will describe the preexisting damage so any damage incurred while in transit can be readily recognized when delivered. Unclean vehicles can hide damages. 

• Leaks 

A mechanic should service the car to ensure there are no dangerous leaks that can result in the carrier refusing the transport. The mechanic will thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s undercarriage to check for even the most minor leaks and repair these on the spot to ensure the car is ready for the trip. 

• Gas 

The gas tank should remain at ¼ tank to keep the weight of the auto low. Heavier vehicles will cost more in auto transport costs. If each car had a full tank of gas, the carrier would be incredibly heavy and consume more fuel. These extra costs are passed on to you as the car owner, making shipping more expensive. 

The requirement is to have just enough to load the car and unload. The least amount in your tank, the better.  

• Tire pressure 

Over or underinflated tires can result in a damaged car when loaded/unloaded. While these autos aren’t driven on the trip, many believe the tire pressure shouldn’t make a difference. But the fact is, this is critical to avoid damage. Take a look at the owner’s manual for the proper pressure reading. 

• Alarms 

The driver will be appreciative if the alarm system is off. While this should be an obvious prep for shipping a vehicle, you would be surprised at how many car owners neglect to disable their car alarms before turning the car over to the driver.  

Even if you do take the time to do this, double or even triple-check that you take care of it before handing over responsibility. Otherwise, the driver could be left with an alarm that goes off and no way to turn it off. 

• Accessories  

After-market accessories or parts could break off while the vehicle is transported and won’t be covered. Shippers recommend these be removed in your best interest. You could search without success to find replacements if there’s damage or a loss. 

While this could be time-intensive and extra effort, it’s worth preserving your belongings. 

• Lock it       

It’s recommended that the vehicle be locked to prevent the possibility of theft when the driver takes breaks away from the truck. View here to learn what Michigan car shipping is about. 

Final Thought 

It’s essential to take the time and make the effort to prep your vehicle for Michigan auto transport. With that effort, you can ensure a smooth process for you and the driver.