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Towing an Electric Car- What You Need to Know

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If you own an electric vehicle, you may be wondering if it can be towed. Whether you just want to be prepared in case your car breaks down or you are looking for a way to move it a long-distance, it’s important to know the ins and outs of towing your electric car. While it is certainly possible to tow electric cars, they are not towed like a traditional combustion engine. Electric cars are equipped with onboard electronics and motors that are installed to turn the wheels, and this can make the towing process a bit more complicated. It is best that you are aware of exactly how to tow your electric vehicle.

Why Might You Need to Tow You Electric Vehicle

While EV’s are certainly reliable cars, they are not immune to the occasional malfunction. As with any car, things can and do go wrong from time to time so you need to be prepared for the unexpected. For example, you may encounter a flat tire, a dead battery, brake issues, or even a factory defect. You may also find yourself in need of towing if you plan to move to another state.

Start with a Charge

If the reason you are having your car towed is because the battery ran out, it is best to try and charge it rather than tow it. Instead of towing it to a charging station, check with the towing company to see if they have a charging truck that can be delivered to your vehicle. Charging trucks can be a good alternative to towing if you are dealing with a dead battery.

Towing Your Electric Car

Any car, whether it be gas-powered or electric, can suffer major damage if it is towed incorrectly. Electric vehicles are equipped with computers on the tires, batteries, and sensors, so a number of things can go wrong if it is not towed properly. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, most EV’s do not have a neutral gear, so the wheel movement is generating power to a battery that isn’t turned on. In order to fully eliminate wheel movement, it is recommended that you always tow your EV on a flatbed truck in order to avoid potentially catastrophic damage to your vehicle. In most cases, all four wheels should be off the ground and not in movement unless the car is being driven. When loading your EV onto a flatbed, be sure to check the specific vehicle’s manual to locate where the tow chains can be safely and securely attached to your vehicle.

Safely Transport Your Electric Car

Purchasing an electric vehicle is a big financial investment, so you want to learn about proper care and maintenance. This includes knowing the basics about towing your EV. If you are moving or transporting your EV a long distance, it is always recommended that you work with a professional auto shipping company to safely transport your electric vehicle. This will ensure you protect your vehicle and your investment.

How Car Home Delivery Works When You Buy a Car Online

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If you are in the market for a new car, look no further than your laptop. These days, thanks to technology, consumers can shop dealers all over the country to find the perfect car. They can even make the purchase right from the comfort of their own home. Forget about spending your entire weekend strolling around car lots. Online car shopping has changed the way consumers shop for cars and the process has never been easier. Once you have found that perfect car, you can even arrange for home delivery. Avoid the hassle of spending hours at a dealership and forget about driving across the country to pick up your new car. Home delivery makes buying a car online easy, convenient, and hassle free.

Here’s How it Works

The last thing you want is to put additional miles and wear and tear on your brand new car. Home delivery is the best way to get your new vehicle, without compromising the quality of the car.

Discuss it with the dealer: Before purchasing your new vehicle, be sure to let the dealer know that you are interested in home delivery. Some dealers will offer this service as an option when purchasing the vehicle, while others might not be willing to do so. Some dealers might have a policy where you have to arrange for your own delivery. Either way, you want to discuss this service up front with your dealer so you can negotiate the best price for the vehicle, including transport.

Fill out the necessary paperwork: If the dealership offers home delivery services, the process is pretty straightforward. They will ask you to sign all of the sales documents and verify that the car is indeed the make and model that you chose. At this time you should also ask for photographs of the vehicle as well as a photograph of the odometer. You want to be sure to have these photos so you can properly document the car’s condition prior to shipment. The sales rep should also arrange for an inspection of the vehicle before you conclude the sale.

Research car shipping companies: If the dealership will not provide home delivery services, you will need to make your own shipping arrangements. Start by researching car shipping companies and make sure to verify proper licensing, registration, and insurance. You also want to check reviews and ask for a quote before booking. Once you have chosen a reputable car shipping company, you will arrange for them to pick up your new vehicle at the dealership. (the sales rep should still take care of photos and inspection.)

Choose your transport option: When booking shipping services, you will have the option to choose between open and enclosed transport. Though it costs a bit more, enclosed transport offers the most protection for your vehicle during shipment. Covered transport is recommended for antique, luxury, or expensive cars.

The Bill of Lading: The Bill of Lading is an important document that acts as a contract between the shipping company and the customer. As soon as you come to an agreement on the delivery time, this information will be inserted into the Bill of Lading and the shipping company will arrange to pick up your car from the dealership. Upon pickup, the sales representative will also provide documentation and photographs of the vehicle’s condition. You will electronically sign the Bill of Lading, confirming the condition of the vehicle. Once the vehicle is delivered to you, you will inspect it again and sign the Bill of Lading once more to finalize shipment.

Your car is delivered to you: Confirm all shipping details and ensure all documents are signed. You also want to arrange to have someone available when the car is delivered, so you can sign the Bill of Lading. Once everything is arranged, your delivery is scheduled and your vehicle will be on its way. You should receive notifications about estimated delivery times as your vehicle is in transit.

 

10 Tips on How to Prepare Your Car for Auto Transport

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Are you preparing to have your vehicle shipped across the country? If so, you may be wondering what you need to do to ensure your vehicle is properly prepared for transport. Since auto transport isn’t something most people do on a regular basis, you may not be aware of exactly what steps you need to take to make sure your vehicle is ready for its cross-country haul. As the owner of the vehicle, you are responsible for preparing your automobile for transport prior to the driver’s arrival. Here is everything you need to know so you can prepare your vehicle for shipping day.

1. Wash the Vehicle

The first thing you will want to do is wash the exterior of your vehicle. This may seem counterintuitive since you are about to have it shipped across the country, but the reason for washing your car is so you can document its condition. You will need to inspect your car and make note of any existing scratches or dings and it’s much easier to spot any imperfections on a clean car.

2. Take Photos of Your Vehicle

Once you have thoroughly cleaned your car, you will want to take time-stamped photos of the exterior of your vehicle. You want to document any scratches, dings, dents, or paint chips prior to handing your vehicle over for transport. These photos will serve as proof of your vehicle’s condition in the unlikely event that your vehicle is damaged during transport. When your car is picked up for shipment, you want to have these pictures ready so you can include them on the Bill of Lading (the inspection report you will sign).

3. Remove Exterior Accessories

Any exterior accessories on your vehicle could get damaged during transport so it’s best to remove them before shipping your car. These items include:

  • Removable bike racks
  • Luggage racks and rooftop boxes
  • Retractable antennas
  • Custom spoilers

4. Perform Any Necessary Maintenance

If you are transporting an inoperable vehicle, you will need to notify the car shipping company of your vehicle’s condition beforehand, as it requires special equipment to transport inoperable vehicles. For vehicles in working condition, you want to check your car for any leaks or mechanical issues. You also want to check to be sure your battery is fully charged, you have adequate air pressure in your tires, and be sure to top off your fluids.

5. Take a Picture of the Odometer

You will need to note the mileage of your vehicle before shipment and upon delivery so you should take a picture of the odometer. This will provide you with peace of mind knowing that no one took your vehicle for a joy ride during transport.

6.Empty Your Gas Tank

You want to make sure that your vehicle has no more than a quarter tank of gas. Extra gas means extra weight and this can add to your shipping cost. Since carriers have to meet certain weight requirements, they prefer that your vehicle have a quarter tank of gas or less.

7. Disable Alarms and Remove Toll Tags

The last thing your driver wants to deal with is a car alarm that won’t turn off. To prevent this from happening, disable your car alarm prior to shipment. In addition, you won’t need to pay any tolls while your car is in transport on a trailer, but your tag would likely still pick up the fee. Therefore, deactivate or remove toll tags before shipment.

8. Remove Personal Items

Most car shipping companies do not allow you to pack personal items inside your vehicle during shipment. These items are not insured against damage or theft, so be sure to remove all personal belongings before handing over your vehicle. This includes items such as sunglasses, charging cables, water bottles, GPS devices, jewelry, or any other personal items.

9. Gather Your Vehicle’s Documents

Before you hand your vehicle over to the driver, they will want proof that the vehicle is actually yours. To prevent any last-minute delays, have your paperwork prepared in advance. You will need the following documents:

  • Vehicle registration information
  • Proof of insurance
  • Bill of sale or other proof of ownership
  • Original vehicle title
  • A valid ID

10. Get an Extra Set of Keys

Your car will need to be driven onto the carrier for loading so your transport driver will need a set of keys to get your vehicle on and off the trailer. This is a good time to have an extra set of keys made if you don’t already have them. You don’t want to hand over your only set of keys.

 

5 Questions to Ask Before a Company Ships Your Luxury Car

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A luxury car is a big investment so you want to be sure it is in the right hands if you need to ship it. Working with the right auto transport company is crucial to a positive car shipping experience. Before handing over your prized possession, you want to make sure that you conduct thorough research to help you find a reliable auto transport company. If you are looking to ship your luxury car, here are some important questions to ask to help you find the right shipping company.

1) Is your company licensed, registered, and insured?

When you are entrusting a shipping company to handle your luxury vehicle, you want to be sure they have the proper credentials to do so. All interstate transport companies are required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and they should be able to provide you with their DOT number. In addition, they are also required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and they should be willing to give you their MC number. You can verify their MC number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. It is also required by law that car shipping companies be fully insured. Be sure to inquire about their insurance coverage and if you find that it is not adequate to cover your luxury vehicle, ask if you can increase your coverage for an additional cost.

2) What kind of transport services do they provide?

Most auto transport companies offer the option between open or enclosed transport for your vehicle. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, it is recommended that you choose enclosed transport when you are shipping a luxury vehicle. The outside elements can be hard on your vehicle during interstate travel if it is left unprotected. An enclosed carrier provides the protection you want for your luxury car. Though it costs a bit more, enclosed carriers are the best way to ensure maximum protection for your luxury vehicle during shipment.

3) How much experience do you have shipping luxury vehicles?

You wouldn’t want to trust just anyone with your luxury vehicle. That’s why it’s important to do your research and find out as much as you can about the shipping company you plan to work with. Start by finding out how long the shipping company has been in business and ask specifically about their experience shipping luxury vehicles. It takes additional time and care when handling a luxury vehicle and you want to make sure the shipping company takes those additional steps to ensure your luxury vehicle arrives safely and on time.

4) Can you provide a list of references?

One of the best ways to find out if a shipping company is reliable is to ask people who have used them. A reputable car shipping company that has been in business for a while should have no problems providing you with a list of satisfied customers. Contact a few of these references to see if they can provide additional insight about their experience working with this shipping company. You always want to check references and read reviews, especially when you will be shipping a luxury vehicle.

5) How should I prepare my luxury vehicle for transport?

In order to ensure a smooth and safe shipping experience, there are a few things that need to be done to prepare your vehicle for shipment. Be sure to talk with your shipping company about specific steps you need to take to get your luxury vehicle ready for transport. These steps will likely include:

  • Washing the exterior of your vehicle
  • Taking photos of your vehicle’s condition
  • Removing all personal items from your vehicle
  • Removing any exterior accessories
  • Checking the battery, tire pressure, and fluid levels
  • Performing any necessary repairs or maintenance
  • Making sure the gas tank is no more than ¼ full

Given that each car shipping company has its own rules and regulations, be sure to inquire about any additional steps that need to be taken prior to shipment.



8 Tips to Help You Ship a Car This Holiday Season

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Here is the tough news that you need to know: Trying to ship between 12/24-1/14 is the toughest time of year to ship a car. However, if you are aware and prepared for what to expect, it will at least keep your experience from becoming a nightmare. It’s important to understand that pricing and carrier availability in this industry is always based on SUPPLY & DEMAND. [Read more...]

What Additional Fees Am I Being Charged?

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Just like any type of service you’re quoted on, it’s not black and white. When it comes down to  a car transport quote, there can be additional costs to consider—but that doesn’t mean they should be ‘hidden’ from you as the customer. This article will cover what those additional costs are, so you become a knowledgeable customer throughout the transport process!

What’s Included in Your Quote

One of the most important factors when choosing a car transport carrier is price, as transporting a vehicle (especially from one coast to another) can be costly. However, when you know what’s included in your basic transport quote—as well as those additional fees which are typically added on to your quote, you can budget accordingly. Your initial quote will include/cover:

  • The distance your car is traveling
  • Type of transport (open or enclosed)
  • Gas it will take to transport your vehicle
  • Service fee.

Many companies will mandate an up-front deposit or ‘initiation fee’, because they are essentially ‘brokering’ the majority of the deals they make. If you are asked for a deposit, think twice about doing business with them. Why would you pay for a service that hasn’t done anything for you yet? At Ship A Car Direct, we don’t ask for any fees or deposits upfront until we’ve found the perfect carrier for you (and we weed out over 80 percent of the 7,000 carriers in the United States alone so that you end up with only the very best!)  

Additional Fees to Budget For

The more particular you are about the date of delivery and the type of vehicle you are transporting, the pricier your quote can become. For example, if you have a very rare vintage car that you need to have delivered by a particular date, an expedited delivery and closed transport fee may apply. But, if you request your Toyota Camry to be delivered just two states away and are flexible about your delivery date, you won’t have to worry about additional fees. The more flexible you are, the easier the transport process becomes.

When you know what the additional costs are and budget for them accordingly, you can have a stress-free experience! Ship A Car Direct streamlines the transport process for you, by weeding through 80% of carriers that don’t make our cut! Contact us to learn more at 866-221-1664, or simply read through our many positive reviews!

5 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for Shipping

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When you are moving across state lines, it’s often easier to ship your vehicle instead of driving it across the country yourself.  Once you’ve found the right car shipping company, you’ll need to prepare your car ready for transportation. Follow these five steps to make sure your vehicle reaches its intended destination without any hiccups along the way! [Read more...]

Luxury Cars: Why You Should Use a Reputable Car Shipping Company to Transport Your Baby

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We get it: your luxury car is your baby. You treat it with the utmost care and attention on a daily basis, so why wouldn’t you expect the same from a car shipping company? Whether you’re moving your luxury car to show off at a car show or moving to the other side of the country, here are several key reasons why you should use a reputable car shipping company to transport your most prized possession.   [Read more...]