How to Prepare Your Car for Transport: Complete Checklist
Essential steps to ensure your vehicle is ready for safe transportation across the UK. Follow this comprehensive checklist to protect your car and avoid common issues.
Transporting your car requires careful preparation to ensure it arrives safely at its destination. Whether you're moving house, selling a vehicle, or relocating for work, proper preparation is crucial to avoid damage, delays, and additional costs.
Before Transport Day
1. Clean Your Vehicle
Wash your car thoroughly inside and out. This serves two important purposes:
- Makes it easier to document existing damage with photos
- Helps identify any new scratches or dents after transport
- Shows respect for the transporter handling your vehicle
2. Document Vehicle Condition
Take detailed photos from multiple angles:
- All four corners of the vehicle
- Close-ups of existing damage (scratches, dents, chips)
- Dashboard showing mileage
- Interior condition
Pro Tip: Add timestamps to your photos or use a newspaper showing the date. This provides clear proof of the vehicle's condition before transport.
3. Remove Personal Items
Clear out ALL personal belongings from your vehicle:
- Valuables (phones, laptops, jewelry, documents)
- Loose items that could move during transport
- Toll passes, parking permits, garage door openers
- Custom floor mats or aftermarket accessories
Important: Most transport insurance does NOT cover personal items left in the vehicle. You're responsible for any loss or damage to belongings.
4. Check Fluid Levels & Tire Pressure
Ensure your vehicle is in good running condition:
- Fuel: Keep tank at 1/4 full (reduces weight, meets safety requirements)
- Oil: Check levels are adequate
- Coolant: Ensure proper levels to prevent overheating
- Tires: Inflate to recommended pressure
- Battery: Ensure it's charged and terminals are clean
5. Disable Alarms & Security Systems
Prevent issues during loading and transport:
- Deactivate car alarms completely
- Provide transporter with alarm codes if needed
- Retract antennas and fold in mirrors
- Remove or secure any loose external parts
Essential Documentation
Have these documents ready for the transporter:
- V5C Registration Document (or copy) - Keep original safe
- MOT Certificate (if applicable)
- Insurance Documents - Confirm coverage during transport
- Spare Keys - Provide at least one spare set
- Transport Agreement - Signed by both parties
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not Taking Photos
Without photo evidence, you can't prove damage occurred during transport. Always document your vehicle's condition before handover.
❌ Leaving Items in the Car
Personal items aren't covered by transport insurance and add unnecessary weight. Remove everything except the spare tire and jack.
❌ Full Fuel Tank
A full tank adds significant weight and poses a fire hazard. Keep it at 1/4 full or less as most transporters require.
❌ Not Disclosing Mechanical Issues
Hidden problems can cause delays and additional charges. Always inform the transporter about any mechanical issues upfront.
Final Pre-Transport Checklist
- Vehicle is clean inside and out
- Photos taken from all angles with timestamp
- All personal items removed
- Fuel tank at 1/4 full or less
- Fluid levels checked and adequate
- Tires inflated to correct pressure
- Alarm and security systems disabled
- All necessary documents prepared
- Spare keys provided to transporter
- Transporter informed of any special requirements