Battery and Fluid Maintenance Before Car Shipping

When you’re preparing your vehicle for shipping, proper battery and fluid maintenance isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for ensuring your car arrives safely and remains ready to drive. Whether you’re relocating across the country or need to transport your vehicle for any reason, taking the right steps before pickup can save you from costly problems and delays.

At EasyGo Logistics, we’ve seen firsthand how proper preparation makes all the difference in successful car shipping. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about battery care and fluid maintenance before your vehicle hits the road.

Why Battery and Fluid Maintenance Matters for Car Shipping

Your vehicle’s battery and fluids play crucial roles during transport, even though your car won’t be driven. Here’s why they matter:

Battery Importance:

• Powers essential systems during loading and unloading
• Maintains vehicle security systems
• Enables proper vehicle positioning on the carrier
• Prevents electrical issues that could complicate transport

Fluid Significance:

• Prevents leaks that could damage other vehicles on the transport truck
• Maintains system integrity during temperature changes
• Ensures your vehicle is ready to drive upon delivery
• Protects critical components from damage during transit

Complete Battery Maintenance Checklist

1. Check Battery Charge Level

Your car battery should be fully charged before shipping. A weak battery can cause problems during loading and unloading, potentially delaying your shipment. Use a multimeter to test the voltage—a healthy 12-volt battery should read around 12.6 volts when the engine is off.

Pro Tip: If your battery reads below 12.4 volts, charge it completely or consider having it tested by a professional.

2. Inspect Battery Terminals and Connections

Ensure the terminals are free from dirt and buildup, as this can affect the battery’s performance. Clean terminals with a wire brush and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion during transport.

Safety First: Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling batteries, and disconnect the negative terminal first when cleaning.

3. Check for Physical Damage

Examine your battery case for:

• Cracks or bulging
• Corrosion around terminals
• Loose connections
• Damaged cables

Replace any damaged components before shipping to avoid complications.

4. Secure Battery Properly

Ensure your battery is securely mounted in its tray. A loose battery can cause damage during transport and create safety hazards for the carrier.

Essential Fluid Maintenance Guide

Engine Oil

Check the oil and top it up if necessary. Fresh oil protects your engine components during transport and ensures your vehicle is ready to drive upon delivery.

What to Check:

• Oil level using the dipstick
• Oil color and consistency
• Signs of leaks under the vehicle

Action Items:

• Top off if low
• Change if oil is dark or gritty
• Fix any visible leaks

Engine Coolant

Inspect the coolant and top it up if necessary. Proper coolant levels prevent overheating issues and protect against freezing during transport across different climate zones.

Inspection Points:

• Check coolant reservoir when engine is cold
• Look for proper coolant color (usually green, orange, or pink)
• Ensure no visible leaks around radiator or hoses

Brake Fluid

Check brake fluid levels and top them up if necessary. Adequate brake fluid is essential for safe loading and unloading procedures.

Key Considerations:

• Fluid should be clear or slightly yellow
• Level should be between minimum and maximum marks
• Dark or contaminated fluid indicates need for replacement

Power Steering Fluid

Fill up the power steering fluid to ensure smooth vehicle maneuvering during loading and unloading processes.

Maintenance Steps:

• Check level with engine warm but turned off
• Look for proper fluid color (typically red or amber)
• Top off as needed with manufacturer-recommended fluid

Transmission Fluid

Fill up transmission fluid to maintain system integrity during transport. This is especially important for vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Checking Process:

• Engine should be warm and running
• Fluid should be amber or red in color, and feel smooth
• Dark, cloudy, or gritty fluid needs replacement

Windshield Washer Fluid

Top up windshield washer fluid to ensure visibility systems are functional upon delivery. While seemingly minor, this detail shows thorough preparation.

Pre-Shipping Fluid Leak Inspection

Before your car gets loaded onto the carriers, check the undercarriage for any noticeable leaks. This step is crucial for several reasons:

Why Leak Checks Matter:

• Prevents damage to other vehicles on the transport truck
• Avoids additional charges for cleanup
• Ensures your vehicle meets transport safety requirements
• Identifies potential problems before they become major issues

How to Check for Leaks:

1. Park on clean pavement for 15-20 minutes
2. Look for spots or stains under the vehicle
3. Identify leak type by color and location
4. Address any leaks before pickup day

Special Considerations for Different Battery Types

Traditional Lead-Acid Batteries

Most vehicles use traditional flooded lead-acid batteries. If you’ve determined that your battery fluid is low, make sure the battery is completely charged before adding distilled water to the cells.

Maintenance-Free Batteries

Sealed batteries don’t require fluid additions but still need charging and cleaning. Focus on terminal maintenance and secure mounting.

AGM and Gel Batteries

Non-spillable batteries such as AGM batteries may be shipped in standard packaging, but they still require proper charge levels and secure mounting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Battery-Related Errors

• Overfilling battery cells: Can cause acid spillage during transport
• Leaving terminals dirty: Creates poor connections and potential failures
• Ignoring loose mounting: Can damage battery and surrounding components

Fluid Maintenance Mistakes

• Overfilling systems: Can cause pressure buildup and leaks
• Using wrong fluid types: Can damage components
• Ignoring small leaks: Can become major problems during transport

Working with Professional Auto Transport Services

When you choose EasyGo Logistics for your car shipping needs, our experienced drivers and support team can guide you through the preparation process. We understand that proper battery and fluid maintenance is just one part of comprehensive vehicle preparation.

Our nationwide auto transport services include guidance on vehicle preparation, and our team can answer specific questions about your vehicle’s needs. Whether you’re using our open car shipping services for budget-friendly transport or our enclosed car shipping for premium protection, proper preparation ensures the best possible experience.

Final Pre-Pickup Checklist

Two days before pickup:

Battery Tasks:

• [ ] Verify full charge (12.6+ volts)
• [ ] Clean terminals and apply protectant
• [ ] Check mounting security
• [ ] Test that vehicle starts reliably

Fluid Tasks:

• [ ] Check and top off all fluid levels
• [ ] Inspect for leaks on clean pavement
• [ ] Verify fluid colors and conditions
• [ ] Check your gas tank—have no more than ¼ of gas left to reduce overall car weight

Documentation:

• [ ] Note current mileage
• [ ] Photograph fluid levels
• [ ] Document any existing issues

What Happens If You Skip These Steps?

Neglecting battery and fluid maintenance can lead to:

• Transport delays: Dead batteries or leak issues can postpone pickup
• Additional charges: Cleanup fees for fluid spills
• Delivery problems: Vehicle may not start upon arrival
• Damage risks: Inadequate fluids can cause component damage during transit

Expert Tips from EasyGo Logistics

Based on our experience shipping thousands of vehicles, here are insider tips for optimal preparation:

1. Start preparation a week early: Don’t wait until pickup day to address issues
2. Keep documentation: Record all maintenance performed
3. Communicate with your driver: Inform them of any special considerations
4. Use quality products: Don’t cut corners on fluids or battery maintenance products
5. Consider professional help: If you’re unsure about any step, consult a mechanic

Conclusion

Proper battery and fluid maintenance before car shipping isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about ensuring your vehicle arrives in optimal condition and ready for immediate use. By following this comprehensive guide, you’re taking proactive steps to protect your investment and ensure a smooth transport experience.

Remember, at EasyGo Logistics, we’re committed to providing safe, reliable, and professional auto transport services. Our experienced team is always available to answer questions about vehicle preparation and help ensure your shipping experience exceeds expectations.

Ready to ship your vehicle with confidence? Get your free quote today and experience the EasyGo Logistics difference. Our licensed, insured, and experienced drivers are standing by to handle your vehicle with the care it deserves.

For more helpful tips and insights about car shipping, explore our comprehensive blog where we share expert advice to make your auto transport experience as smooth as possible.

Need immediate assistance with your vehicle shipping needs? Call EasyGo Logistics at (888) 387-6204 for instant quotes and expert guidance from our friendly customer service team.