December 7, 2022

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Shipping

At the best of times, vehicle transport is complex, yet auto transport companies work year-round to help consumers ship their vehicles to destinations across Canada. However, winter vehicle shipping presents unique challenges for shippers that add another layer of complexity to auto transport.

Canadian winters are not for the faint of heart. Road conditions are highly unpredictable, with wind, ice, and white-out snow appearing at a moment’s notice, quickly transforming dry blacktop into slick surfaces. While not ideal, professional auto transport drivers are trained to navigate these hazardous conditions. However, a little preparation on your part and choosing the right vehicle shipping company can go a long way to addressing these challenges and preventing vehicle damage.

Steps to Safe Winter Vehicle Shipping

1. Get Your Car Winter Ready

Before shipping your car through potential winter conditions, you must ensure it’s winter ready. It’s a good idea to have your battery checked, your oil changed, and fluids like antifreeze engine coolant topped up. Tire pressure is also important, particularly if shipping from somewhere mild, like Vancouver, to somewhere much colder. And if you’ll be driving away in the snow, ensure you have those winter tires installed.

Windows and doors also tend to get stuck in freezing temperatures. To save yourself or the transport driver from the hassle of de-icing doors and windows, lubricate your door seals, handles, and locks (if your vehicle opens with a key).

2. Clean Your Car Inside and Out

While a wash and wax might not be a part of your regular winter driving routine, it can help protect your vehicle during shipping. Washing and waxing your car helps prevent salt’s corrosive effects while protecting your paint from ice and snow.

Inside your vehicle, you want to remove anything of value that isn’t tied down. This includes car seats, sunglasses, loose change, and cell phone chargers. Outside, removing things like bike racks and rooftop cargo carriers is a good idea.

3. Choose the Right Auto Transport Company

Keeping your vehicle shipping experience as hassle-free as possible can depend heavily on choosing the right auto transport company. While some winter weather delays are unavoidable, experienced shippers know this and will be able to provide honest, realistic delivery timelines.

A good shipping company will also be one with a pen policy on communication. If your vehicle is delayed, it’s understandable that you will want information on its status; your auto transport company should be able to provide a point of contact and keep you updated throughout the shipping process.

4. Be Patient and Leave Yourself Extra Time

The best way to prepare for winter vehicle shipping is to be prepared for unexpected delays. A major snowstorm can render certain roadways virtually inaccessible, and no amount of planning or driver experience can change that. If you need your vehicle by a particular date, ensure you leave plenty of extra time for shipping, above and beyond the times quoted to you by the carrier.