keeping cool in hot climate traffic

Posted on: 16 September 2015

Your classic car is more than just a vehicle to get from point A to point B. It is your pride and joy and you want to ensure it stays safe and retains its value — no matter the situation. If you're a proud classic car owner who is also planning a cross-country move, you might be nervous about getting your investment from ocean-to-ocean in the safest way possible. From making sure it is ready for transport to getting it to your new home safely, here are a few tips to help you transport your classic car cross-country:

Prepping Your Classic Car For Its Cross-Country Trip

Before you even begin researching vehicle transportation services in your area, it is vital to prepare your classic car for the long journey ahead. Here are a few tips to help ensure your car is protected and ready to be transported:

• Enjoy a nice long drive or use a siphon to empty your gas tank. Angie's List recommends draining your fuel tank until it reaches the one-quarter full mark. A smaller amount of fuel is less likely to leak or cause damage during transport.

• Clean out any valuables or other merchandise from your vehicle. This includes any aftermarket accessories that can be removed, such as an antenna or fog lights.

• Take several photos of your vehicle — both inside and out. Keep these pictures in a safe place and once your car is in your new driveway, pull out your photos and check for any damage. These photos will come in handy if you need to file a damage claim.

• Speak with your insurance provider to determine if you have enough coverage. Purchasing some additional protection is a great option, especially if your classic car is extremely rare or valuable.

Prepping your vehicle prior to shipping will help prevent any potential issues, both during and after the trip.

Hiring a Vehicle Transportation Service

In an effort to save money, your first instinct might be to haul your vehicle yourself. However, you might be surprised at just how difficult and costly it can be to transport your vehicle all the way across the country.

This is why your best option is to hire a professional to load, secure and safely transport your vehicle over several days. Not only is this option much more cost-effective than you might think, a professional is able to pinpoint potential issues and will have the experience and know-how to repair any issues that might arise on the road.

Remember, it can be very difficult and even dangerous to haul your vehicle cross-country on a trailer by yourself. If you're not comfortable taking on this task or are worried that your classic car might suffer damage or even get stolen, don't take the risk. Leave this potentially complicated chore to professional car haulers.

Once Your Car Reaches Its Destination

After days or weeks of waiting, your classic car is finally in your driveway. Don't hesitate to begin making sure your vehicle is as pristine as you left it. Remember those photos you took before your vehicle was professionally transported? Take those out and use them to look for any damage.

If you notice any damage, no matter how minor, don't hesitate to point it out. Your professional car hauler will help you fill out an inspection report that notes the damage. Don't worry about the cost because you'll be compensated right away, allowing you to get your classic car back to showroom new!

Hauling your classic vehicle cross-country can seem like an overwhelming hassle — but it doesn't have to be. With the help of a professional car transportation service, you will be able to effortlessly get your car to its new driveway.