Transporting your car to a new city can be a nerve-wracking experience. Your vehicle is one of your most valuable possessions, and you want to ensure it arrives at its destination in the same condition it left. At Joshi Packers and Movers, we have transported thousands of cars across India safely, and this guide shares our expert tips to help you prepare for car transportation.
Choosing the Right Car Transport Method
There are two main methods for car transportation - enclosed carriers and open trailers. Understanding the difference helps you make the right choice:
Enclosed Car Carriers
Enclosed carriers provide complete protection from weather, road debris, dust, and prying eyes. Your car travels inside a fully enclosed trailer, making this the preferred choice for luxury cars, vintage vehicles, and high-value automobiles. Joshi Packers and Movers operates a fleet of modern enclosed carriers with hydraulic loading ramps and soft-tie securing systems.
- Best for: Luxury cars, vintage vehicles, high-value cars
- Protection level: Maximum - complete enclosure
- Cost: Higher than open transport
Open Car Trailers
Open trailers are the most common and cost-effective method for car transportation. Your car is loaded onto a multi-car trailer along with other vehicles. While the car is exposed to the elements, proper securing mechanisms ensure it remains safe during transit. This is the standard choice for most sedan and SUV owners.
- Best for: Standard sedans, SUVs, regular vehicles
- Protection level: Good - secured with straps and wheel chocks
- Cost: More affordable than enclosed transport
Preparing Your Car for Transportation
Proper preparation is essential for a smooth car transportation experience. Follow these steps before handing over your vehicle:
1. Clean Your Car Thoroughly
Wash your car inside and out before the move. A clean car makes it easier to spot any existing scratches, dents, or damage during the pre-transport inspection. Document all existing damage with photographs from multiple angles.
2. Remove Personal Items
Remove all personal belongings from the car including loose items, valuables, electronics, and important documents. Car transport insurance typically does not cover personal items left inside the vehicle. Also remove any aftermarket accessories that could be damaged or stolen during transit.
3. Check Fluid Levels and Battery
Ensure all fluid levels are appropriate - do not overfill. Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Ensure the battery is fully charged as you may need to drive the car onto and off the carrier. If there are any fluid leaks, have them repaired before transport as leaking fluids can damage other vehicles on an open trailer.
4. Check Tire Pressure
Inflate tires to the recommended pressure. Properly inflated tires help prevent damage during loading, unloading, and transit. Flat or underinflated tires can cause problems during the loading process.
5. Disable Alarm System
Disable your car alarm before handing over the vehicle. A triggered alarm during transit can cause problems and drain the battery. Provide the transport team with instructions if the alarm cannot be fully disabled.
6. Fuel Level
Keep the fuel tank at approximately one-quarter full. This is enough fuel for loading and unloading but reduces the overall weight and eliminates the risk of fuel spills during transport.
7. Note Mechanical Issues
If your car has any mechanical issues such as difficulty starting, transmission problems, or brake issues, inform the transport company in advance. Special arrangements may be needed for loading and unloading non-operational vehicles.
What to Expect During Car Transportation
When you book car transportation with Joshi Packers and Movers, here is what happens:
- Pre-Transport Inspection: Our team inspects your car and documents its condition with photographs. You receive a copy of the condition report.
- Professional Loading: Your car is carefully driven onto the carrier using hydraulic ramps. It is secured with wheel straps and soft ties to prevent movement during transit.
- GPS-Tracked Transit: Your car is transported with GPS tracking, and you receive regular updates on its location and expected delivery time.
- Careful Unloading: At the destination, your car is carefully driven off the carrier and a post-transport inspection is conducted.
- Delivery: Your car is delivered to your specified address. You inspect the vehicle and sign the delivery acknowledgment.
Insurance for Car Transportation
All car transportation services by Joshi Packers and Movers include comprehensive transit insurance that covers:
- Damage caused during loading or unloading
- Damage from road accidents involving the transport vehicle
- Damage from natural calamities during transit
- Theft during transportation
Pro Tip from Joshi Packers and Movers: Always choose a car transport company that provides door-to-door service rather than terminal-to-terminal. This eliminates the risk of damage from driving your car to and from the terminal, and is much more convenient.
For safe and reliable car transportation services across India, contact Joshi Packers and Movers at +91-90792 21475 or visit our car transportation page.