Transporting your exotic car to a car show requires careful planning and preparation to keep your prized vehicle safe during travel. Follow these tips to properly pack and prepare your exotic car for a road trip or transport in an enclosed trailer.
One of the first steps is deciding whether you want to drive your exotic car to shows yourself or use a professional auto transport company. Driving the car allows you to fully control the transport but also exposes the car to more road hazards. Using an enclosed auto transport trailer protects the car from weather and road debris but does require trusting your vehicle to the care of others. Research reputable exotic car shipping companies that specialize in safely transporting high-end vehicles in enclosed trailers. Obtain quotes and compare services to find the best option.
Completely clean the interior of your exotic car before transport. Vacuum up any dirt and debris. Clean all leather, plastic, and metal surfaces with appropriate auto detailing products. Remove any loose items or clutter from inside the car. You want an empty, clean interior to prevent items from shifting and damaging the interior during transport. Check that seats, mirrors, steering wheel and any removable parts are securely locked in place.
Give your exotic car a full exterior wash to remove dirt, grime, dead bugs and road tar. Carefully dry the entire exterior surface. Then inspect the exterior for any existing chips, scratches or damage. Note any prior damage with photos so you don’t incorrectly attribute any new damage from the move. Apply a coat of automotive wax to protect the paint finish. Check that all lights, mirrors and parts on the exterior are secure. Learn more.
Pop the hood and make sure all fluids are topped off before transport. Check the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and any other reservoirs. Check the tire pressures and adjust them to the recommended inflation levels. Inspect the tires thoroughly for any damage or wear issues. Have a mechanic inspect the suspension, steering, and brakes to spot any potential problems ahead of a long drive. Replace any worn parts before transport.
To avoid a dead battery, disable any alarm system and electronics in the car before shipping. Ensure alarms and other systems are turned completely off so they don’t accidentally drain the battery during transit. Some owners disconnect the battery cables to fully prevent power drain. If you do this, mark which cable is positive/negative and protect the terminals.
Use a fitted, breathable car cover designed for trailering to protect the exterior paint from debris and road grime inside the trailer. Secure the cover properly so it doesn't shift or blow off during transport. Avoid plastic sheets that can scratch the clear coat. Remove the cover immediately upon arrival at the destination.
Keep copies of all transport contracts and bills of lading with you during the trip. Confirm that the car shipping company has proper insurance to cover your vehicle's full value in case of any damage. If you will be driving the exotic car yourself, notify your insurance provider of the trip beforehand. Bring proof of ownership and insurance paperwork to shows to prove legitimacy in case any issues arise.
Properly packing and preparing your exotic car using these tips will help the vehicle arrive safely and ready for display at any auto show or event.
