Muscle cars are much more than just vehicles -- its history, style and a serious investment. All that is worth taking all precautions to protect the car when transporting it. Below are some tips for muscle car owners on how to plan its perfect shipping for long distances and how to take care of a car on a daily basis.
Photo by Markus Spiske
How To Plan A Perfect Shipping For Your Muscle Car
Choose A Reliable Shipping Company
Choosing a trustworthy shipping company is the key to success in the whole transportation planning process.
A professional shipping company takes care of all of the issues and problems that may arise from the moment you prepare your car for transportation until the day when you get the car at the destination place.
It might be so that nobody around you has planned a muscle car shipping before. That is why it is advisable to look through clients` reviews on the website of the company or on any dedicated forum. Beware of companies with no negative reviews -- it is likely they clean them up to look better.
Also, it could be a good idea to look up the company on the federal DOT Safety database. There you might find inspections and accidents the company was noticed.
Choose The Right Trailer
When the company is chosen, you will have to make a decision on where it will be transported. Usually, shipping companies offer two options: open transport or enclosed container.
Both options are safe, however, enclosed containers might give some additional protection from the damages that may occur during the transportation.
In most companies, enclosed containers cost more than open transport. However, when you are shipping a muscle car you might want to take all measures to make sure nothing happens to your vehicle on the way. So, the enclosed container might be a better option.
Make Sure Everything Is Clear About The Insurance
Of course, it may happen so that nothing occurs to a muscle car during transportation. However, it is better to know that if something does happen, insurance will cover it.
Professional car shipping companies usually offer decent insurance options. Try to get as much information as you can about those options. Ask what the insurance covers and what it does not.
To make the transportation absolutely stress-free, check your own insurance before the shipping. It might be so that what is not covered by the shipping company’s insurance would be covered by your own insurance.
Drain The Tank
Car experts advise checking the tank before the shipping. For safety reasons, it is better to make sure that the tank is filled for ¼ or even less before the transportation. You might need to ask technicians to drain the tank.
Empty The Car
It is strongly advised to make sure the car is absolutely empty from the inside. All items that can move during transportation may cause damages to the car. Transporting companies usually do not take responsibility for this type of damages.
Take A Picture Of Your Car Or Document Its Condition
Ask experts to document the condition of your muscle car before the shipping process or take some pictures of the car on your own. You might need those in case you will have to deal with insurance issues.
Prepare The Car
There is a whole list of things you may check before transportation. The basic points are:
- Checking liquids;
- Checking tires.
Copy The Contract
Even if everything is clear about your agreements with the shipping company, it is better to make a copy of your contract with them. Read it carefully before transportation. Best case scenario, consult a lawyer whether the contract contains any pitfalls you should know about.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price of muscle car shipping depends on many factors. These include the following:
- Distance from the collection point to the disembarkation point
- Make and model of car
- Condition of the car: workable against inoperable.
- Transport service: open vs. closed
- Time of year (demand)
Depending on these factors, delivering your muscle car can cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than one thousand dollars. On average, you will spend $300-500 more on a closed trailer than on an open one.
If keeping your car away from risk factors is essential to you, then closed is the way to go. If you have a convertible with a soft roof, then you will have a safer option with it.
Accelerated delivery will also be more expensive because the company reserves space on the truck for your car in a limited time.
Muscle Car Care Tips
When summer is around the corner, you are looking forward to driving and showing the world your muscular car. Summer is a great opportunity to put down the top and take a cruise around the city.
Photo by Guillermo Casales
Here are some tips to make sure that your muscle car looks and works best:
Protect The Paint
Bring these red, blue, yellow, and green paints back to life with fresh paint. Maybe the paint isn’t faded, could use a good clean. Wash and wax your car before. It will look brilliant for all the viewers.
Protect The Interior
The interior of a muscle car may be vulnerable. Leather seats may crack even if not overused. Look after the inside of your car properly.
Perform A Necessary Car Maintenance
Perform any necessary service to your car at the beginning of the summer season.
Below are some car maintenance tasks to put at the top of your to-do list:
- Check tire tread and tire pressure
- Change the oil and filter
- Check hoses and belts for cracks.
- Replace windscreen wipers
- Check the battery
- Check the air conditioner
Let It Run
Let the car idle for a few minutes before you drive it. If the car is sitting for a while, plan to drive it for thirty minutes or more.
To Sum Up
If you are planning an adventure abroad or are moving from the U.S., there is a chance that you will want your muscle car near you.
Also, the taxes in some destination countries can be lower for muscle cars than the average vehicles. That is why you need to arrange for the safe and reliable delivery of your muscle car.