4 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Shipping Your Car

Published on: 27 January 2022 Last Updated on: 05 February 2025

Shipping a car can feel like an overwhelming process, especially if you have never had to use this kind of service before.

Shipping your car can be a great way to move your car to your new home a few states away, or you might want to have a car that you have purchased brought to you so that you do not have to drive it from the dealership to your home.

Shipping doesn’t have to be hard if you know more about the kinds of mistakes that often cause issues for those shipping cars. When you know what not to do when looking at shipping your car, you can easily have a good experience with the shipping process.

Having someone else bring your car to you can be a big help when you are moving or when you do not want to have to take the time to go get the new car that you have purchased.

If you are ready to learn more about the common mistakes that people make when shipping their cars, you need to read on!

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Shipping Your Car

1. Prepare Your Car

When the shipping company shows up to load your car onto the trailer, it needs to be ready to be picked up. It is a good idea to have cleaned your car and to have removed anything that is in the backseat or the trunk that could roll around and cause damage to the car or itself.

You will also want to be sure that you have all the documentation that you need to prepare on your end ready for the shipping company.

You might need to provide a valid photo ID for the pickup to be completed and the company will likely ask to see proof that you have the title to the car or the registration for the car.

Make sure that you are ready to allow them to inspect the car as well since they need to note the condition of the vehicle on the bill of lading that will be given to you when the car is delivered.

2. Do Your Research

Shipping Your Car

Many people just pick the lowest quote that is offered to them by a shipping company or they pick the first shipping company that comes up in a search. This can work out all right in the end but you will serve yourself better by taking the time to look at your options more closely.

It is possible to get involved in shipping scams when you go for the cheapest quote and you should also make sure that you are aware of the various shipping options and processes that the company might be offering.

Looking into online reviews and asking for quotes from a few different companies are good ways to be sure that you are working with the right shipping company for your needs.

You should also make sure to ask to see insurance documentation and proof of registry with your state for interstate travel from any company that you are thinking of working with. Taking this step will protect you from scams and help you be sure that the company you are working with is the right one for the job.

3. Not Getting the Bill of Lading

When your car is dropped off at your new address or a shipping terminal location, you will need to ask for the bill of lading to be given to you. You should be required to sign this document stating that the car was delivered in good condition and that it arrived when it was expected.

The bill of lading is your proof that the car was delivered and you can choose not to sign it if you believe that the car was damaged during the trip or if it was not delivered as expected.

When you sign the bill of lading, you are approving the delivery and you will not be able to go back and argue that you were not given the service that you paid for.

Having the bill of lading in your hand, signed or not, is key to being able to take action if you have experienced issues with the shipping job that was done on your behalf.

4. Leaving Personal Items in Your Car

When you leave things that could be stolen or damaged in your car during the shipping process, the company is not liable or responsible for their loss, damage, or theft.

You will want to be sure that you remove anything that could go missing or be damaged from your car before it is put on the car trailer. This can be cameras, dash décor, and more.

Make sure that you sweep your car at least once for things that you do not want to be visible in the car during the trip or loose and rolling around.

This is a key area where many people make mistakes and there will not be any recourse open to you for the replacement of these items under the shipping contract you have signed.

Shipping a Car Can be Easy!

If you have been worried that you will not be able to find the right shipping company for your needs or that you will have a bad experience with the company that you hire, you just need to use these tips and tricks to prevent issues.

You will find that doing your research and making sure that your car is ready for pickup can make a big difference in the kind of experience that you have with a shipping company.

While it can be nerve-wracking to hand your car over to someone that you do not know to be driven across the country, you will be so glad that you did not put that many miles on your vehicle just to relocate it and that you did not have to drive for that many hours yourself.

There are many reasons that car shipping is a great option and you should not be intimidated by the newness of the experience when it is a good choice for your needs.

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Arnab

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

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Why the Vauxhall Insignia Should Be Your Next Car

In the market for a new vehicle? It can be hard to know where to look with so many different makes, models and types of car to consider and this can make it a daunting prospect. One vehicle which currently stands out from the crowd and would be a smart investment for any motorist is the Vauxhall Insignia. Here are some of the reasons that can motivate you to buy Vauxhall Insignia as your next vehicle. The Insignia : Vauxhall is always a great brand to invest in because you know that you are getting great quality, a decent driving experience, and great practicality. Additionally, the iconic British manufacturer is known for its value for money and the Insignia is not an exception to the rule. The Insignia is a spacious 5-door full-size car that is well-suited to families, professionals and any motorist that wants a well-built vehicle which is comfortable, stylish and enjoyable to drive. You will surely love the design that you will get in this machine. Variations : The Insignia is available in a 5-door hatchback (Grand Sport) the Insignia Sports Tourer and the Insignia Country Tourer, so there is a type for every motorist. It is also excellent value for money and particularly when you shop in the used car market at places like AA Cars. It’s one of the best car design you will find in the modern market. Owner Experience : So, what makes the Insignia such a great buy? The Insignia builds on the success of the influential Vauxhall Astra (a UK favorite) with its practicality, driving experience, and quietness - this makes it a top choice for families. It can be cheap to run thanks to the wide range of economical engines with the petrol variations both returning 47 mpg, whilst the diesel versions return a brilliant 70.6 mpg and 55.4 mpg. It gives users one of the best riding experience in the car industry. Style & Tech : The Insignia has a sophisticated look and, although not the most exciting looking car on the road, it does feature plenty of great in-car technology and a generous equipment list. This includes the much-praised OnStar in-car assistant with vehicle diagnostics, crash response, and roadside assistance as well as sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and much more. The style and thought of the Insignia are well-thought-out and you cannot compare it to any other. Conclusion : Overall, the Vauxhall Insignia is a smart purchase for your next car as it is one of the most practical, comfortable and reliable automobiles currently available. There is a large focus on driver enjoyment so anyone that spends a lot of time behind the wheel will appreciate this, whilst the excellent in-car tech can further the experience of both driver and passenger. Finding a car which ticks all of the boxes can be challenging, but the Insignia is one which manages to do this and is certainly worth keeping a lookout for. You can be sure of getting the value for your money if you decide to invest in the Insignia. Read Also : 5 Ways To Avoid The Rip Off While Buying A Used Car There Is A Pothole Problem In America – How To Protect Your Car From Damage?

10 Ways to Pimp Out Your Ride

How to Take Your Vehicle to the Next Level As any car aficionado will tell you, the base model is only the first step to owning a truly pimped-out ride. If you’re currently rolling in a luxury brand like a BMW, Mercedes, or Lexus – that’s a great start – but there are ways you can take your ride to the next level. Consult the following ten tips for ways to elevate your ride, from interior to exterior. Tip #1 – Window Tinting Not only does tinting your windows keep the temperature in your car down, provide valuable privacy, and reduce glare, it also looks insanely cool. Car tinted windows add an air of mystery to any vehicle, and they’re also one of the more affordable customizations that you can make – typically running under $300 for the entire job. Car window tinting in San Diego typically only takes a few hours. Tip #2 – Stereo A great stereo is a must-have for any tricked-out vehicle, and there are so many options these days that it’s easy to find something with all the features you could ever want. When it comes to stereo shopping, make sure to get something that’s got the aesthetic you like and voice features that keep you as hands-free as possible. Many stereos these days have Apple Carplay or Android equivalent so you can have your text messages read to you while you’re driving. Tip #3 – Sound A cool stereo is only as good as the sound system it’s pumping out of. Remember, factory speakers aren’t usually built to last because they’re assembled out of weaker materials, such as cardboard. Invest in a quality system so you can make sure that your car sounds as good as it looks. Tip #4 – Wheels Although the top-of-the-line brands are going to run you a pretty penny, there’s no better investment to pimping out your ride than a brand-new set of wheels (aka rims). The best part about wheel shopping these days is the customization options on the design and finish are nearly infinite. You can really personalize your ride with the right set. Tip #5 - Lighting Don’t let nightfall keep people from noticing your ride. With custom lighting packages that are installed on the body and undercarriage of the car, you can get supremely cool lighting effects in several different colors. They’re the perfect touch for when you slip into dark mode. Tip #6 – Seat Covers/Custom Seating Run-of-the-mill factory seating doesn’t quite cut it if you’re looking to pimp out your ride. Fortunately, there are several options now for custom seating and seat covers so that your interior can reflect your personal style. Look into racing seats if you’re a driver that appreciates speed as much as style. Tip #7 – Spoiler This is the cherry on top of any car that you’re trying to make a little sportier, and it’s not just for looks. A spoiler is going to give your car better traction by improving the airflow around the car, therefore creating more downforce. It’s a cool addition that also has a useful function. Tip #8 – Steering Wheel When it comes to personalized luxury vehicle options that you know you’ll use every drive, then you’ll want to get your hands on a custom steering wheel. You’ll not only have full control over the shape, size, and style of the wheel, you can even pick out the type of fabric that you want. Tip #9 – Paint Job & Exterior Finish Nothing makes a car pop more than a high-quality paint job and finish, especially if you can invest in a non-factory color to distinguish yourself from the thousands of models like yours. And when you’ve landed on a shade of paint that speaks to you, don’t forget to top it off with a protective film to ensure it doesn’t get chipped or damaged. Tip #10 – Camera Systems Pimping out your ride doesn’t stop at how the world sees your car. It also means giving your car the ability to see. Yes, we’re talking about camera systems, which can automatically make a car more fun (and safer) to drive because you’ve got an extra set of eyes looking out for you. These come in handy if you’re not great with parallel parking on the street. Prioritize Then Buy: We’ve covered ten of the most popular options for pimping out your ride, but there are limitless ways to customize your vehicle. What we recommend is prioritizing your top three or four and investing from the top down. This way you know the front-end money of what you’re buying is going towards the mods that are important to your car’s overall look and feel. Read Also: Prepping Your Vehicle For Winter Weather Driving A Comprehensive Guide on How to Charge Your Car Battery

Signs Of A Bad Transmission Valve Body And How To Fix It

For vehicles with an automatic transmission, you want to ensure the valve body will work, especially since this important equipment serves as the main control center of the vehicle. The process works by directing the pressurized transmission fluid to a network of valves that will assemble the right clutch packs. The valves will then draw on the pressure from the various hydraulic signals to determine the gear set to use. When it stops working, there can be some issues with your vehicle. Modern automatic transmission valve bodies will come with their own sensors. This helps to measure the different aspects of the transmission, including the engine load, throttle position, pedal position, brakes, and speed. It will then send this information to the onboard engine management computer, which helps the rest of the vehicle perform properly and alerts you when there is a significant problem with the transmission. It is essential to know the signs that your transmission is going bad. Recognizing some of the main signs of a bad transmission allows you to get it to a mechanic to fix it long before you are stuck on the side of the road. With the proper fix, your vehicle will shift gears, which can lead to a stall-out when on the road. What Are The Signs Of A Bad Transmission? The first items to explore are common indicators that your transmission is not working correctly for you. These signs are often noticeable, even if you do not realize that the transmission is the main problem that is causing them. Some of the common signs of a bad transmission include: You hear banging or knocking noises in the vehicle, especially when applying pressure to the brakes. The car slows down when you put it into reverse or try to drive backward. The shifting stick will often slip when you try to change the gears. When you downshift the vehicle, you may notice that the transition is not smooth. You face problems when it is time to change the gears to drive or go in reverse. The vehicle's transmission tends to get stuck when you put it into neutral. When you notice any of the signs above, getting the transmission checked out immediately is important. Ignoring the problem can make it worse and result in an expensive vehicle repair. Diagnosing And Replacing Your Transmission When you notice some of the signs above, it is time to look at diagnosing the problem and then getting the transmission replaced as soon as possible. Your local automotive mechanic will have the necessary diagnostic tools to check whether the transmission is the problem. You can take it to the body shop and have them run a test to see whether the transmission is the issue or not. They can also see whether it is an electronic or a mechanical failure and provide the right solution for your vehicle. The average cost for a transmission valve body piece is between $200 to $1000, depending on the type of vehicle. This can make the total cost of valve body work to range from $400 to $1500 for most vehicles. You will need to add in the labor cost of having the mechanic do the work, which can range from two to four hours, depending on their tools and experience. While this is an expensive vehicle component, keeping you safe is worth the investment. While it is possible to do the work on your transmission by yourself, this can take time, and many car owners worry they need to gain the skills to get it done. Working with a certified mechanic may be expensive. Still, it can help complete the work quickly and prevent further vehicle problems. How To Replace The Transmission? A few steps are necessary to help replace the transmission and ensure it continues working well in your vehicle afterward. The steps include: The vehicle is raised up and supported well. After you have positioned the jack stands to ensure proper safety and support, lower them so the vehicle rests securely. Remove the vacuum hose leading from the intake manifold to the transmission modulator valve. Pull the hose off here and check whether any transmission fluid is inside. If you find some in there, this is a significant indication that the manifold is defective. Remove your modulator valve. You can do this by carefully removing the bolts from the bracket that is holding them into place. Install the new transmission modulator valve. You can do this by placing the actuating rod into the hole of your new valve. Then take your time to insert the valve into the receptacle hole too. Reinstall the bracket on the modulator, taking the time to secure it with bolts. Reconnect your vacuum hose to the transmission modulator valve and the intake manifold. When you feel confident that everything is in the right place, remove the jack stands -- you are free to once more enjoy your vehicle. Replacing this part can help ensure the transmission is in good working order, and you will have no further problems. If you do not feel comfortable doing the work on your own, you can take it to an auto body shop, and they can help you replace your transmission too. The Bottom Line Your transmission is responsible for many functions within the vehicle. When it works well, you can enjoy a smooth ride that will take you anywhere. But when something is wrong with the transmission, you need to fix it immediately. The cost of fixing this issue will depend on the cost of the broken part and how much the mechanic you choose will require as a labor fee to get the work done. Getting the transmission fixed quickly will help your car last longer and can stop some of the harmful side effects of driving with a faulty transmission. Whether you do it yourself or trust the professionals, fixing the transmission can extend the life of your vehicle. 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4 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Shipping Your Car