Although potential car shipping customers might read up about the company they are going to use, it is rare they read up on what they the consumer need to do. For, indeed, there is much a person can do to make sure their auto transport goes well. So, how can one ensure flawless auto transportation?

Here are some dos and dont’s.

• Strip the car of any valuables because they are not covered under the shipper’s insurance. This means stereos, iPods, TVs, GPS units, and yes even your favorite sweatshirt should be removed.
• If you can, inspect your car before the shipper comes in daylight. Note any dents and blemishes. If you can use a camera to take pictures of the car, both up close and farther away, you most certainly should. If anything happens to the car the company cannot claim that was how they found it if you have proof otherwise.
• Car alarms should be disabled before your vehicle is shipped because not only will it likely go off as the transporter carries it to its destination, but if the shipper doesn’t hear it, it might kill your battery in the process.

This is also true of radar detectors and GPS units. So make sure they are disabled, if not entirely removed from the car to protect against theft. All of these devices as well as a car battery are a few hundred dollars each – don’t throw away your money.

• It is worth noting that you should leave about ¼ a tank of gas in the car when it is shipped. Some transporters really don’t care but it is better to be safe than sorry. This is done for safety reasons. Besides, it is basic common sense to not fill up your auto before it is set to ship
• If you have to jingle the key in the ignition exactly three times to get your car started, then make sure you tell the truck driver this. They may have to move your car at some point. If they cannot get it going, they’ll just use a tow and to your surprise, charge you for it. Obviate this with explaining noteworthy idiosyncrasies of running your car.
• Antennae and ski/bike racks should be removed because they might get damaged during transport. Plus, in some cases a car will not fit into its spot on a carrier with these things attached.

Keep these things in mind and your auto transportation experience should go swimmingly.