Transporting a vehicle across Europe involves more than arranging a collection date. Preparing your car before it is loaded helps prevent delays, protects personal belongings, and makes the handover process clearer for everyone involved.
Here are the most important steps to complete before your vehicle is collected.
Remove personal belongings
Before transport, remove personal items from the passenger compartment, boot, door pockets, and storage areas.
Loose belongings may move during loading and transportation. They can also add unnecessary weight or make it more difficult to inspect the vehicle before collection.
Keep only items that have been discussed and approved in advance.
Check the vehicle’s condition
Take a few minutes to inspect the exterior of the vehicle. Note any existing scratches, dents, paint damage, or missing components.
Photograph the car from several angles in good lighting, including:
- The front and rear
- Both sides
- The wheels
- The windscreen
- Any existing damage
These photographs provide a clear record of the vehicle’s condition before transport.
Make sure the vehicle can be accessed
The driver must be able to access and move the vehicle during loading and unloading. Provide the necessary keys and make sure the steering wheel, handbrake, and gear selection are operating correctly.
If the car is non-running or has a mechanical issue, inform the transport team before receiving your quote. This allows suitable loading equipment to be arranged.
Check the tyres and fluid levels
The tyres should have enough pressure for safe loading and unloading. Check that there are no significant leaks from the engine, gearbox, cooling system, or other components.
If you notice a leak or technical problem, communicate it in advance. Even a small detail can affect the loading method and the selected transporter.
Keep the fuel level low
The vehicle normally needs only enough fuel for loading, unloading, and short movements. A low fuel level reduces unnecessary vehicle weight while keeping the car operational when required.
For electric vehicles, confirm the recommended battery level with the transport team before collection.
Secure removable elements
Remove or secure accessories that could move or become damaged during transport. These may include:
- Detachable antennas
- Roof boxes
- Loose spoilers or trims
- External covers
- Aftermarket accessories
If an element cannot be removed, let the transport team know before collection.
Prepare the necessary information
Before the scheduled date, confirm:
- The collection and delivery addresses
- The contact person at each location
- The vehicle make and model
- The vehicle’s current condition
- The agreed collection period
- Any necessary documents or access instructions
Accurate information helps the collection and delivery proceed without unnecessary delays.
Final check before collection
On the day of collection, make sure the vehicle is accessible and that there is enough space for the transporter to approach safely.
A well-prepared vehicle makes loading easier and gives both the client and transport team a clear understanding of its condition.
Brenta Logistics coordinates international car transport from the initial request to final delivery. Send us the route and vehicle details, and our team will prepare an individual transport solution.