Winter can be difficult for car owners, especially when transporting or storing vehicles. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice all can affect your car during the winter months. That’s why planning ahead when it comes to shipping your car in the winter can be beneficial in the wrong. In our auto shipping tips guide, we’ll explore some useful storage and car shipping tips to protect your vehicle during winter.
1. Choose the Right Transporting Company
When you ship your car, choosing a reliable transportation company is a good idea. Find one with experience shipping vehicles during winter weather. Check reviews to confirm excellent customer service and make sure they have valid licenses. We also recommended asking about their car shipping insurance options, as knowing the car shipping insurance cost will help you avoid any unexpected costs.
2. Consider Climate-Controlled Options
Winter weather conditions can negatively impact vehicles, especially during long journeys. If shipping a high-value, luxury, or classic car, it’s a good idea to look into climate-controlled car storage or a climate-controlled transport service. This service protects your vehicle from freezing temperatures, which could otherwise easily damage your car.
3. Prepare Your Car for Winter Transport
Before your vehicle commences transport or goes into a storage space, ensure you’re fully prepared for the winter weather. Learning how to winterize a car for storage is vitally useful. You can start by replenishing fluids like antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and oil. Clean your car thoroughly to remove dirt and salt, as rust can develop if left unchecked. Also, invest in a high-quality car cover for winter to protect your car from snow and any consequent debris during transport or storage.
4. Protecting Your Vehicle: Focus on the Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common issues car owners face during the winter months – but can cold weather kill a car battery? As extreme cold slows the chemical reaction within the battery, its ability to hold a charge is reduced, and thus, it can die. If you’re shipping or storing your car, it’s important to protect the car battery. Disconnect it if the car will not be used for months, and consider purchasing a battery maintainer for long-term vehicle storage for winter. For car battery storage in winter, ensure they are stored in a dry, climate controlled environment.
5. Use Quality Storage Spaces
If you don’t require shipping but are looking for winter storage for cars, it’s important to know where you can find the storage facilities. A climate controlled space is ideal, especially in the case of long-term storage. As they maintain a consistent temperature, your car will be protected from moisture. Don’t forget a durable car cover for winter outdoor storage and make sure the car is thoroughly cleaned before storing.
6. Inspect Your Vehicle Before and After Shipping
When you ship a car, it’s crucial to document its condition before and after. Take photos from all angles prior to handover with the transport company so that in case there are any damage disputes, you have the evidence you’d need. Once the vehicle arrives in your chosen location, inspect it immediately to make sure it’s in the condition you left it. Bear in mind that car shipping insurance will only cover pre-agreed damages, so a thorough inspection is vitally important.
7. Consider Shipping Containers for Added Safety
Utilizing cargo shipping containers is a great way to ensure your car remains secure during winter shipping or storage. These containers provide an enclosed space, protecting your vehicle from the elements like snow, ice, hail, and dirt. For additional security, verify that the cargo container shipping company has experience with cars during winter and make sure they provide adequate insurance.
8. Follow Essential Car Maintenance Tips
Be vigilant in maintaining your vehicle’s condition during winter. Here are some car maintenance tips to follow:
- Tire pressure: Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop, so check it regularly.
- Wiper blades: Make sure wiper blades are in good condition, as during snowier weather you’ll need them.
- Fuel stabilizer: Add fuel stabilizer to stop car gas from breaking down if you decide to store your car for the season.
9. Don’t Forget About Hybrid and Electric Cars
Winter can make storing and shipping hybrid and electric cars more challenging. For hybrid cars in winter weather, make sure the engine and battery are both in solid working condition before storing or shipping. Also, electric cars in winter benefit from maintaining a charge of 50–80% during storage, as this will prevent the vehicle’s battery health from suffering.
10. Protecting Your Vehicle During Winter Storage
If storing your car rather than shipping it, make sure you find appropriate vehicle storage for winter. A climate controlled space is the best choice, as it will help you avoid issues caused by moisture and cold. Also, you can optimize your car battery winter storage by using a trickle charger or turning off the battery entirely. Periodically check your vehicle during long-term storage to ensure everything is still fully functional.
11. Account for Winter Weather Conditions in Transit
If you opt for vehicle shipping during the winter months, be prepared for any potential delays caused by extreme weather conditions. While shipping companies like EasyHaul do their best to meet schedules, icy roads, and snowstorms can impact timelines. Communicate with the company on a regular basis and plan ahead to avoid delays.
Final Word
We hope with our guide we’ve demystified winter shipping and storage. If you’d like to work with a shipping company that you can trust and rely on, especially during the winter months, don’t hesitate to visit our website, get a quote, and contact us – we’d be more than happy to assist you!
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