Moving can be tricky, especially if you’re relocating across the country. In addition to packing and moving all of your belongings, you may need auto shipping to secure your vehicles, especially if you have multiple. After your cars have been delivered, here are some steps to take to ensure they’re in good condition.

To-Do List After Shipping a Vehicle

1. Inspect the Current Condition

When your vehicle arrives, compare any pictures you took of the car before it was transported to the way it looks now. Inspect the car in bright, natural light from the same angles the photos were taken. Look for new dents, scratches, or auto glass cracks or chips. 

If you find a problem, check your photos carefully to make sure it wasn’t there before the car left. Ask the auto shipping company if they conducted a physical check before the car was shipped and if you can see the photos. Many companies conduct their own inspections to protect themselves from liability. If damage is present, file a claim with their insurance company. 

2. Take the Car for a Test Drive

To check the engine, suspension, and wheels for damage, drive the vehicle in a controlled environment, like an empty street or parking lot. Leave the stereo system off so you can listen to how the engine sounds. Pay attention to the way the car steers, brakes, and feels at high speeds.

If the vehicle feels different, it may have sustained damage during auto shipping.

3. Schedule Preventative Maintenance 

If your car had a long journey or was in storage before or after transport, schedule preventative maintenance to have the fluids topped off, tires filled, and oil changed.

During the inspection, a mechanic can also check the engine components for cracks or corrosion. For instance, rubber hoses and gaskets can crack or become brittle when exposed to high heat, and replacing these components will protect your engine. 

Whether you need to move a car, truck, boat, or RV, the team at Wrightway Auto Carriers is here to help. For more than 60 years, these freight professionals have offered fast, reliable vehicle shipping for competitive prices. To learn more about their rates or to get a custom quote, visit their website. You can also give their Anchorage, AK, office a call at (907) 277-4549 to ask questions about your upcoming move.