Transporting your car to or from Chicago doesn’t have to be stressful, even if the distance between your current location and the city is long. Auto transport services make it easy to move your vehicle without having to drive it yourself, saving time, effort, and wear on your car. People often need to ship their cars to Chicago for a variety of reasons – for example, relocating for a new job, moving to attend a local college, or purchasing a used car that needs to be delivered from another state.
If you’re moving from nearby suburbs or cities such as Oak Brook, Naperville, Evanston, or Schaumburg, driving the car yourself might be an option. However, if your vehicle is being sold to a buyer in Chicago or shipped from a farther location like St. Louis, Indianapolis, or Milwaukee, it’s often safer and more convenient to hire a professional transport company. Choosing a carrier based in Chicago that also serves surrounding areas ensures timely pickup, reliable delivery, and local knowledge of traffic and city logistics.
While auto transport companies handle most of the work, there are steps you can take to make the process smoother. Preparing your vehicle properly before shipping protects it from damage and ensures a stress-free transport experience. Here are our top tips for getting your car ready for shipment to or from Chicago.
Keep About a Quarter Tank of Gas
It might seem oddly specific, but there’s a good reason for keeping around ¼ of a tank of gas before shipping your vehicle. Having too much fuel in the tank can add unnecessary weight and, if stored for an extended period, may cause long-term issues with your car’s fuel system. On the other hand, an empty tank can create problems as well.
During transport, the driver may occasionally need to move your vehicle short distances – for example, driving it on and off the transport truck or repositioning it to reach the delivery location. Having a small amount of fuel ensures these short trips can be completed safely without the risk of running out of gas. Keeping your tank at about a quarter full strikes the perfect balance between weight management, safety, and operational readiness during transport.
Wash Your Car Before the Scheduled Shipping Day
Getting your car cleaned before transport may seem like a small step, but it’s actually very important for ensuring an accurate vehicle inspection. Before your car is picked up, you’ll want to carefully inspect it for any existing damage, such as scratches, dents, or chips.
A freshly washed vehicle makes it much easier to spot these issues. After inspecting, take detailed photos from multiple angles and keep a record for your files. This documentation is crucial for liability purposes and helps you determine if any new damage occurs during transport.
In addition, a clean car ensures that dirt, debris, or winter salt (especially in Chicago’s spring or winter months) doesn’t obscure your inspection, giving you a clear baseline for the condition of your vehicle.
Remove Valuables From Your Car
It’s always a good practice to remove all valuables from your car before shipping. While transport companies take every precaution to keep vehicles safe, accidents and theft can occasionally occur during loading, unloading, or while the vehicle is temporarily parked.
Items like laptops, jewelry, personal documents, or electronics should never be left inside your car. Not only does removing valuables protect your belongings, but it also reduces the temptation for theft and ensures peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
For longer shipments or transport to busy urban areas like Chicago, it’s especially important to double-check your vehicle’s interior and trunk to make sure nothing valuable is left behind. This simple step helps keep both you and your vehicle safe during transit.
Check and Prepare Your Vehicle’s Fluids and Battery
Proper fluid levels prevent mechanical issues during short moves on and off the transport truck and help your car remain in good condition throughout transit. That’s why check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels.
Your battery should also be fully charged, as transport drivers may need to start your car for brief maneuvers, such as positioning it on the carrier or moving it into a parking area at the delivery location. In colder months or during Chicago’s unpredictable spring weather, a healthy battery is especially critical, since low temperatures can reduce battery efficiency.
Finally, make sure all caps are tightly secured, and there are no leaks. Properly prepared fluids and a strong battery help prevent damage, ensure safety, and make the shipping experience hassle-free.