How to Check Your Vehicle's Battery Before Auto Transport

When preparing your vehicle for auto transport, one crucial step that many overlook is checking the battery. 

How to check your vehicle's battery before auto transport.

A functional battery ensures that your vehicle can be easily loaded and unloaded from the carrier. If your battery is dead or non-functional, a winch will be necessary, which can incur additional fees and complicate the auto shipping process. 

How to Prepare Car Battery for Auto Transport

Here’s how to properly prepare your vehicle’s battery before transport.

1. Inspect Your Battery’s Condition

Before your scheduled transport, conduct a simple battery check:

  • Look for Corrosion: Check the terminals for any buildup of white or greenish deposits. Clean them with a mixture of baking soda and water if necessary.
  • Check the Battery Life: If your battery is old or showing signs of weakness (e.g., slow cranking or dim lights), consider testing it with a voltmeter. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts when the vehicle is off.
  • Secure the Battery: Ensure the battery is properly mounted in its tray and the connections are tight to prevent movement during transport.

2. Charge or Replace a Weak Battery

  • If your battery is low, charge it fully before transport.
  • If it’s unreliable, consider replacing it to avoid complications during pickup and delivery.

3. Notify the Transport Company if the Battery is Dead

If your battery is dead or the vehicle is inoperable, inform your auto transport company in advance. A carrier with a winch will be required to load and unload the vehicle, which may involve extra costs. Providing this information ahead of time prevents delays and ensures the right equipment is available.

4. Disconnect the Battery for Long-Term Transport

If your vehicle is being shipped for an extended period, you may want to disconnect the battery to prevent drainage. Some transport companies might recommend this step, especially for classic or seasonal vehicles in long-distance shipping.

How to Prepare for auto transport by checking your vehicle's battery.

A properly functioning battery is a small but critical aspect of vehicle transport preparation. By ensuring your battery is charged and secure, or notifying the carrier if it’s not operational, you can help avoid unnecessary delays and additional fees. 

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Location: United States

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