Everything You Need to Know About Shipping a Car in the Winter
If you’re planning to ship your car in the winter, there are a few things you should know. The cold weather can affect both the shipping process and your car itself, so it’s important to be prepared. Let’s look at everything you need to know about shipping a car in the winter, from how to choose the best auto shipping company to what steps you need to take to protect your car during transport.
Shipping your car in the winter can save you money
If you are planning to move a car to a different state, the winter can be an ideal time to do it. According to USA Auto Transport, shipping your car in the winter can help you to save on cost significantly.
During the winter months, there is usually less demand for car shipping services and many companies will offer discounts or incentives for those who are willing to have their vehicles transported during an off-season time.
In addition, since bad weather can cause disruptions which can result in expensive delays – something that’s more common during other seasons – taking advantage of these discounts can help minimize the potential risk of unexpected costs up front.
Choosing the best car shipping company
Choosing the best car shipping company can be a daunting task, but if you’re planning to ship your car in winter, it’s even more important to do your research. During winter, roads are covered with snow and ice, making them unpredictable and dangerous.
Snow and ice can also cause harm to the exterior of your car while in transport. To ensure that your vehicle reaches its destination safely and undamaged, you need to choose a shipping company that knows how to cope with winter driving conditions. It’s best to look for a company that has experience in winter car shipping and one that uses winter-specific techniques like mounting winter tires on their transport trucks.
Of course, not all companies offer winter car shipping services, so you may need to search around to find one that does. When comparing different companies, make sure they have winter insurance coverage so that any potential damage or delays caused by winter weather will be taken care of.
Open vs. enclosed shipping
When it comes to shipping a car, there are two distinct methods: open and enclosed car shipping. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each before deciding which to use when shipping your car.
Open shipping
Open car shipping is a popular option for transporting your vehicle as it offers competitive rates and a rapid delivery time in comparison to other methods. Generally, the truck carrier will take multiple cars at once and arrange them onto the flatbed, where they are strapped into place and securely transported.
With an open car shipment, you can expect to save more money on shipping than if you were to choose enclosed car shipping; however, there are several factors that need to be considered before deciding which service best meets your needs.
Firstly, as the vehicles are shipped in the open air, they are exposed to natural elements such as rain and wind, thereby increasing the risk of minor damage or wear while being transported.
In the winter months comes an even greater risk of frostbite or damage due to ice accumulation. Open cars are also vulnerable to theft and vandalism when compared with enclosed car shipping which offers higher levels of protection for both you and your car.
Ultimately only you can decide whether open car shipping is right for you; If time is of the essence or you’re just looking for cost-effectiveness then you might find open car shipping attractive but if security is your major concern double check what further services your transporter can offer first.
Enclosed shipping
Enclosed car shipping will provide peace of mind for those seeking the most secure way to ship their vehicles. The car is transported in an enclosed truck with locked doors to protect from theft, vandalism, and weather damage. It also ensures normal operating temperature during transportation due to its internal temperature-controlled environment.
The downside of this option is that it can be more expensive than other types of vehicle transport because it takes up more space on the carrier, making it less cost-efficient for companies. However, depending on where you’re going and when you’re planning for the vehicle shipment, winter may be the best time to opt for enclosed auto transport as inclement weather could put your vehicle at risk if shipped in an open trailer.
Ultimately, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of car shipment will help you make an informed decision when deciding how to ship your car safely at a reasonable price.
Prepping your car for winter shipment
According to Mercury Auto Transport, there are several things you can do to make sure that your car is able to handle the challenging winter weather.
- Check your owner’s manual to understand what type of oil and antifreeze you need.
- Make sure you top off your antifreeze and replace any fluids as necessary.
- Give your car a good clean inside and out. Getting rid of any dirt or debris will help to protect the car during the cold season.
- Check important components like suspension and tires beforehand; any problems should be fixed before embarking on a winter trip.
- Order a scend set of keys if you don’t already have one.
- Take pictures of any current damage your car may have and log your vehicle’s mileage.
- Make sure your car has less than a quarter tank of gas.
Following these simple steps before shipping your vehicle in the winter will help ensure safe travels throughout the cold temperatures. Taking just a little bit of time to prep your car can save you considerable hassle down the line.