Properly preparing your vehicle for the cross-country journey from Atlanta to Los Angeles is essential for a smooth shipping experience. Here's what you need to do:
Clean Your Vehicle: Wash both the exterior and interior of your car. This makes it easier to document any existing scratches or dents during the pre-shipment inspection.
Document the Condition: Take clear, dated photos of your vehicle from all angles. This creates a record of its condition before transport.
Remove Personal Items: Clear out all personal belongings, toll passes, and loose items from the interior. Carriers are not insured for personal property, and extra weight can affect shipping costs.
Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure your gas tank is no more than a quarter full, and verify that the battery is charged and fluids are at proper levels. Your vehicle needs to run for loading and unloading.
Disable Alarms: Turn off or disconnect any car alarms to prevent them from going off during transit.
Secure or Remove Accessories: Remove or secure any external accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antennas that could be damaged. Retract mirrors if possible.
Provide a Working Key: Make sure you have a key to give the carrier for loading and unloading your vehicle.
For more detailed preparation tips and what to expect during the shipping process, check out our Cross Country Vehicle Transport Guide. If you have questions about coverage during transit, learn more about vehicle shipping insurance.