Preparation
Pre-Transport Car Preparation Checklist
The 30-minute routine that saves you a dispute later — what to do the night before the carrier arrives.
Half the delivery arguments we see could have been avoided at pickup. Not because anyone lied — because the car arrived dusty, undocumented, and full of someone's shopping. A little prep on your side makes the condition report honest and the delivery clean. We've loaded tens of thousands of cars since 2014; this is the checklist our own supervisor runs.
It pairs with our broader safe car transport guide, but this is the hands-on version you can tick off.
1. Clean the Car — Properly
Wash the outside so every existing scratch, dent, and paint chip shows up at the condition check. A dusty car hides the very marks you'd later argue about. You don't need a showroom detail — just a clean, dry body.
2. Photograph Everything
Before the driver touches it, take pictures from:
- All four sides, roof, and front and rear
- The interior, especially the dash and seats
- The odometer reading (your zero reference)
- Any known existing damage, close up
These photos are your backup if the condition report is ever questioned.
3. Empty the Cabin and Boot
Remove all personal belongings. Carriers insure the vehicle, not what's inside it, and loose items rattle and scratch on a moving trailer. Leave only the registration copy and the condition report. If you must leave a child seat, say so and note it.
4. Disable the Alarm
A sensitive alarm draining the battery at a Sukkur stop is the oldest headache in this business. Turn it off or leave it in transport mode. Hand the driver the key or the code so they aren't stuck if it trips.
5. Fuel Below a Quarter
The car is driven or winched only a few metres at each end, so you don't need a full tank. Less fuel means less weight on the deck and lower fire risk beside other vehicles. Top up at the destination instead.
6. Check for Leaks
The day before, park on a clean patch and look for oil or coolant drops. A leaking car can drip onto the vehicle below it and may be refused or placed on the top row. Disclose any seepage so we load it sensibly.
7. Secure Loose Bits
Take off the phone holder, the air-freshener, and any roof-loaded box unless it's fixed and declared. Fold the mirrors if the yard asks. Spoilers and low skirts should be flagged so the driver loads with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare my car for transport?
Wash it so damage is visible, photograph all sides plus the odometer, note existing marks on the condition report, remove personal items, disable the alarm, and keep fuel below a quarter tank. Do a quick leak check the day before.
Should I wash the car before transport?
Yes. A clean body makes existing scratches and dents obvious at the condition check, which protects you at delivery. A dusty car hides the very marks you'd later dispute.
Can I leave personal items in the car during transport?
We advise against it. Carriers insure the vehicle, not the contents, and loose items can shift and scratch the interior. Keep only the registration copy and the condition report in the cabin.
How much fuel should be in the tank?
Below a quarter tank. The car is winched or driven a few metres at most, so you don't need a full tank — less weight, and lower fire risk on a shared trailer.
What if my car has a fluid leak?
Tell the carrier before pickup. A leaking car can damage vehicles below it on the deck and may be refused or placed on the top row. Fix minor leaks, or disclose them so we load accordingly.
Car Prepped? Book the Slot
Hand over a clean, documented car and we'll do the rest — insured and tracked.