Moving across the country can mean extra wear and tear on the family car. Before driving hundreds of miles with all of your household belongings, we’ve worked with this Dallas moving company (Facebook | Google Plus) to list a few ways to prep your vehicle before embarking on a long distance move. Keep in mind that while most moving companies are only authorized to transport household goods, there are a handful of movers out there that provide vehicle shipping services as well. This is a great option if you don’t want to put the extra miles on your vehicle. If you don’t have that option, however, here are the best ways to prep your auto:
Get It To Your Mechanic
Since driving long distances can put a lot of stress on a vehicle, you’ll need to make sure that your ride is in top working condition. Before you head out on your journey, it’s wise to take your car for a tune-up with a trustworthy mechanic. They’ll be able to troubleshoot any major or minor problems that your vehicle may be facing. To avoid serious problems on the day of the move, try and schedule an appointment at least a week before your big trip.
Get an Oil Change
If your car is overdue for an oil change, make sure that it’s taken care of before it’s time to move. While most cars can drive at least 3,000 miles before they need a refill, a cross-country trip can add lots of miles to your vehicle and require additional changes. If you’re not sure that your car needs an oil change, it’s better to be safe than sorry and get the job done anyway, as the last thing you need is for your car to break down while moving.
Clean Your Car
This tip depends on how you’re planning to move your car. If you’re driving to your new home, you technically don’t need to have it completely cleaned out, as it’s most likely jam-packed with household belongings and family members. However, if you decide to have your car shipped instead, it’s best to clean the interiors and remove any loose items that could shift around and damage your vehicle during shipping. It’s also a good idea to leave less than a quarter of a tank of gas to reduce the chance of vapor combustion, and to remove or secure all gadgets and accessories, such as organizers, tire rims, or decorative lights, to protect them from damage as well.
Check Your Tires
Finally, make sure that your tires are properly inflated and in good working order. If a few are looking worn or shabby, it might be a good idea to invest in new tires before your move. It’s also a good idea to purchase a quality spare tire and repair kit and learn how to change a tire as well. And while this is a very practical step when driving your car to a new destination, you should also consider checking the tires when having your car shipped, as you never know when you’ll need to move a car while en-route.
If you are storing your vehicle during your move, follow all these steps plus a few additional precautions. With some planning, your car will be protected throughout the transition process.
