Should I Wash My Car Before I Ship It?

If you have decided to ship your vehicle across the country, it is important to make sure you take the proper steps to ensure it arrives safely at its destination. In addition to finding a reliable auto transport company, you still need to know how to prepare your car for shipping. Though it might seem counterproductive to wash your car before loading onto a transport carrier, washing your car before shipment is one of the most important things you need to do and here’s why. 

The first and most important step in preparing your car for shipment is to give it a good wash. You might wonder why you would take the time to wash your car if it just going to be loaded onto a transport carrier, but there are actually some very good reasons why you should do this. Though everyone loves a clean car, the main reason you want to wash it really has nothing to do with aesthetics. You want to ensure your vehicle doesn’t get damaged during transport and a clean car makes it easier to see dents, dings, and scratches. If it’s traveling in an open carrier, you can expect your car to be quite dirty upon arrival. Still, washing your car will make it easier to inspect upon departure and arrival. 

You want to make sure you clean your car thoroughly inside and out. Pay close attention to things like tires, rims, and even things you might miss such as the engine. The cleaner your car is, the easier it will be to spot damage. Once you have cleaned your vehicle, inspect it and make a note of any existing scratches, dings, or dents. It is even a good idea to take pictures for reference. Upon arrival, you should do another inspection to make sure your vehicle didn’t have any additional damage during transport. Washing your car only takes a little bit of extra time but it can help you to better notice any possible damage that you may have otherwise missed.