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When considering any major trip, whether it is a move or vacation, something that many people often forget to consider is auto transport. A car is often a necessity, especially in a new location, and car transport can be easily arranged. After choosing an auto transport company, there are some preparations that are necessary before sending your vehicle on its journey.

Remove Personal Possessions

It is important to remove any personal belongings from your car before auto transport. This means that you should not count on packing your car up with extra stuff; rather remove anything of value. Remember to also take out car phones, GPS, E-Zpass, and anything else that is not a part of the car. The trunk must also be emptied. This is because the car shipping company has insurance that only covers the car, and they are not responsible for anything inside of it. If stopped, they may also be fined for transporting personal goods. Even personal documents must be removed, such as title and registration of the car.

Take the Car for a Maintenance Check

Before sending the car for auto transport, it is a good idea to take it for a maintenance check to ensure that everything is in working order. Many auto transport companies will only take a car that is in good condition. All fluids should be topped off, and the gas tank filled a quarter of the way full. This is so that there is enough gas for the vehicle to be driven on and off the rig. Too much gas can cause the car to be overloaded, which can result in a fine. Too much gas in the car could also be potentially dangerous in case of an accident because gas is extremely flammable.

Inspect the Car

The exterior of the car should be washed so that any preexisting damage is visible, and pictures should be taken of the car from all angles. When the driver picks up the car, he will inspect the vehicle and mark down any damages, so that it is clear upon delivery if there is any new damage. Many auto transporters offer the option of open or enclosed auto transport. In most cases, open auto transport is the logical choice, unless the car is a very expensive one or a collector’s model. When driven on an open auto hauler, the car is subject to the elements just as if it was being driven on the road, and may sustain some damage.

There are some other minor preparations to be completed, but once these basic steps are taken, your car should be good to go. The actual process of auto transport leaves you worry free, confident in the knowledge that your car will be at its destination waiting to meet you when you get there. All that’s left for you to do is enjoy the trip, and let the car shipping company you have chosen take care of the rest.

Bio:

Amy Trip is a consultant for 1 Auto Transport, a reliable auto transport company that is dedicated to providing its customers with discount auto transport. They offer door to door service and coast to coast auto transport, and are fully insured.

Would you rather undergo a root canal than face just a few hours in the car with your children or grandkids? Anyone who has traveled any distance with squirmy, whiny kids, knows the challenges involved with keeping them happy. We’re here to offer come basic suggestions to making those unavoidable trips more peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.

Get the kids’ input. If they’re old enough to tell you, ask them well ahead of time some of the things they would like to do in the car. Let them each have a small back pack with a few familiar things that do not have small pieces. Older kids may choose to chill out and listen to music or just “do their own thing”.

Map it out game. To peak your children’s interest about the trip, show them a map and follow it together in the car. You could make it more interesting by drawing your own map with landmarks that they will see along the way. Photos could be found on the Internet, printed and pasted for the kids to enjoy. This activity may help the children learn names of places they have been and look forward to arriving at the next landmark.

The best time to start out. If you have young child who will sleep in the car, you may want to start the trip just before nap time or in the evening when the child is tired from the day’s activities. If your child will do better to nap at home and then travel, follow that course of action. It’s about the best experience possible for all.

Surprise the kids. Shop ahead of time and pick up a toy, book or stuffed animal that you can bring out when the time is right. Choose items that are age appropriate, have no small pieces and will keep their interest. Don’t hesitate to choose games that require the adults to interact with the kids—these can be lots of fun. Always bring paper and pencils for free-hand drawing or playing games.

Snacks are a must. Hungry kids (and adults) can be cranky no matter where they are, so don’t forget to pass out the snacks. Setting ground rules about healthy or at least non-messy snacks is a good idea. Purchase items ahead of time and pre-wrap for handing out individually. Pack a trash bag for discarding used snack items. Kids like opening their own pack of food and juice boxes. The Gap and Old Navy sell spill resistant clothing so the kids arrive at their destination as good as new. Or bring along a laundry pen for on-the-spot stain removal.

Take breaks often. Build into your traveling schedule extra time for stops—lots of stops. It’s good for all to get out and stretch legs and run around a little. The driver will feel refreshed and the kids will welcome the opportunity to get out of the car and burn off some energy. If you’ve ever unexpectedly encountered traffic moving at a crawl, you know that frequent bathroom breaks can really pay off in these types of situations.

Just in case. Packing an emergency kit and travel aids is a great idea. Having band aids, antibiotic cream, thermometer, bug spray, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and calamine lotion on hand could come in handy and prevent having to stop at the drug store.

Families traveling in their automobiles will increase dramatically as we approach Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season. It’s a time of year that we all look forward to. If you and your family must travel by car, we hope the above tips will help you enjoy the journey almost as much as you will enjoy your destination!

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