Winter Vehicle Transport: How to Prepare Your Car for Safe Shipping

Shipping a car in the winter means dealing with colder temperatures, possible snow, and road salt. These can all affect your car during transport, so taking some simple steps beforehand can help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Here’s what you need to know to get your car ready for winter shipping.

1. Understand Winter Shipping Challenges

Winter adds a few extra factors to consider when transporting your car:

• Road Conditions: Snow and ice can sometimes delay schedules or make routes trickier.
• Exposure to the Elements: Cars on open trailers are exposed to weather, salt, and road debris.
• Vehicle Readiness: Freezing temperatures can affect batteries, fluids, and tires if your car isn’t prepared.

Taking time to plan ahead will make a big difference when it comes to protecting your car during transit.

2. Choosing Between Open and Enclosed Transport

When deciding how to ship your car, you have two main options:

• Open Transport:
  • This is the most common and affordable option. Cars are transported on an open trailer, which exposes them to weather and road conditions.
  • Great for standard vehicles that don’t require extra protection.
• Enclosed Transport:
  • Vehicles are fully protected inside a covered trailer. This shields them from snow, salt, and debris.
  • A smart choice for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or anything you want to keep in pristine condition.

If you’re concerned about keeping your car safe from winter weather, enclosed transport is often worth the added cost.

3. Steps to Prepare Your Car

Getting your car ready for shipping doesn’t take much time but makes all the difference. Here’s what to do:

• Take Photos: Document your car’s condition from multiple angles. This will be helpful if you need to compare before and after transport.
• Top Off Fluids: Make sure antifreeze levels are full, and your battery is charged to handle the cold.
• Clean Your Car: Washing your car before transport makes it easier to spot any changes after delivery.
• Remove Personal Items: Empty out anything loose inside your car. This prevents damage and complies with shipping regulations.
• Leave a Quarter Tank of Gas: Just enough for loading and unloading—no need to fill up the tank.

4. Plan Ahead for Winter Shipping

Winter is a busy season for vehicle transport, especially for snowbirds heading south or planning return trips in the spring. Booking early gives you more options and ensures your spot during high-demand times.

If you’re planning to ship in May, which is especially busy, make your arrangements as early as possible to avoid delays.

5. Protect Your Car During Transit

Once your car is prepared and your transport is scheduled, the rest is easy. Winter shipping is reliable with the right preparation. Whether you’re relocating, protecting a luxury vehicle, or heading south for the season, these steps will help ensure your car stays safe.

Choose Chips

If you’re ready to ship, request a free quote here or contact us to learn more about our options.

Shipping a car during the winter is straightforward when you know what to expect. With the right preparation and timing, your vehicle will arrive ready to hit the road.