Winter driving tips

Winterize your vehicle before shipping

• Check antifreeze levels and strength: Ensure coolant is properly mixed for temperatures at least 10-20°F below the coldest expected temperature on your route
• Verify battery condition: Cold weather taxes batteries—have yours load-tested and replace if weak since carriers need to start your vehicle for loading/unloading
• Inspect wiper blades and fluid: Replace worn wipers and fill washer fluid with winter formula rated for freezing temperatures
• Check tire condition and pressure: Cold air reduces tire pressure—inflate to proper levels accounting for temperature drops during transport
• Test heating system: Carriers may run heat during loading in extreme cold—ensure your system works properly
• Protect exposed areas: Apply wax to painted surfaces for extra protection from road salt and moisture during transport
• Address existing corrosion: Document any rust or corrosion carefully as winter conditions can accelerate these issues

Remove all snow, ice, and salt before shipping

Thoroughly clean your vehicle of all winter accumulation before the carrier arrives. Remove all snow from the roof, hood, trunk, and undercarriage—snow can hide damage and adds unnecessary weight. Clear all ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and door handles so the driver can properly inspect and operate your vehicle. Most importantly, wash away all road salt and winter grime, especially from the undercarriage, wheel wells, and lower panels. Salt residue left on your vehicle during multi-day transport can accelerate corrosion. A clean vehicle allows accurate condition assessment and prevents winter buildup from causing issues during shipping. Even if it seems pointless to wash a car in winter, this cleaning is essential for proper documentation and vehicle protection.

Timing and route considerations for winter shipping

Winter weather significantly impacts shipping logistics, requiring smart timing and route planning. Northern routes via I-80 and I-90 face frequent winter storms, ice, and mountain pass closures from November through March, potentially adding 1-3 days to transit times. Southern routes via I-10 and I-40 remain reliable year-round with minimal weather disruption, making them preferred for winter shipping when possible. Book your shipment 3-4 weeks in advance during winter (versus 2-3 weeks in summer) to allow flexibility for weather delays. Avoid shipping during major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) when both demand spikes and weather is typically worst. Monitor weather forecasts for your pickup and delivery locations plus the route between them—major storms may require rescheduling pickup. The January-February period after holidays often offers the year's best pricing with good availability once holiday demand subsides.

Winter-specific vehicle preparation checklist

• Verify antifreeze protection to at least -20°F or appropriate for your route's lowest temperatures
• Have battery load-tested and replace if more than 3-4 years old or showing weakness
• Inflate tires to proper pressure accounting for cold weather (check when cold)
• Fill washer fluid with winter formula and verify it sprays properly
• Test that your heater works in case carriers need to run it during loading
• Clean all snow, ice, and road salt from exterior and undercarriage
• Document any existing rust or corrosion with detailed photos for your protection
• Remove winter accessories like ski racks, bike racks, or cargo carriers
• Verify your engine block heater is unplugged (if equipped) before shipping
• Disable remote start systems to prevent accidental activation during transport

Protecting your vehicle from winter weather damage

While carriers take precautions, winter weather presents unavoidable risks that proper preparation can minimize. Open transport exposes vehicles to snow, ice, and road spray during transit—this is normal and expected. Apply a good coat of wax before shipping to provide an extra protective layer against moisture and salt spray. Ensure all seals around doors, windows, and trunk are intact to prevent moisture infiltration during snow or freezing rain. Consider enclosed transport for high-value, classic, or rust-prone vehicles when shipping during harsh winter months—the 50-80% premium buys complete weather protection. For open transport, understand that some road salt exposure is inevitable on winter highways. The key is thorough cleaning before and after shipping plus proper documentation of pre-existing condition. Carriers aren't responsible for normal winter road conditions, but they are responsible for damage from accidents or negligence.

Cold weather pickup and delivery logistics

Winter weather complicates pickup and delivery logistics in ways that require flexibility and planning. Ensure your pickup location has clear, ice-free access for large car carriers—carriers cannot navigate icy driveways or snow-covered streets safely. Clear snow and ice from your driveway and the street in front of your house before the scheduled pickup. Inform the carrier immediately if weather makes your location inaccessible—they may need to meet you at a more accessible spot. Allow extra time for the driver to arrive on pickup day as winter weather affects travel times. At delivery, ensure your destination location is similarly prepared with clear, safe access. If delivery occurs during or after a snowstorm, you may need to meet the carrier at a cleared location. Build 1-2 extra days into your timeline for potential weather delays—winter shipments take longer than summer ones due to reduced highway speeds and weather-related routing changes.

When to avoid winter shipping entirely

• Active severe weather: Don't ship during blizzards, ice storms, or when states declare travel emergencies
• Extremely cold temperatures: Below -10°F sustained temperatures can cause carrier equipment issues and battery problems
• Poor vehicle condition: Weak batteries, worn tires, or marginal mechanical condition becomes problematic in cold
• Inflexible deadlines: If you absolutely need your car by a specific date, winter delays make this risky
• Northern mountain passes: Shipping through Rockies, Sierra Nevada, or Northern Cascades December-February risks significant delays
• Rust-prone classic cars: Valuable vintage vehicles susceptible to corrosion shouldn't ship open during salt season
• Already damaged vehicles: Existing rust or corrosion can worsen during winter transport

Post-delivery winter vehicle care

Once your vehicle arrives after winter shipping, take immediate steps to protect it from any winter exposure during transport. Thoroughly wash the vehicle as soon as possible, paying special attention to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and lower panels where road salt and grime accumulate. Many car washes offer undercarriage flush services specifically for winter salt removal—use these if available. Inspect all seals around doors, windows, and trunk for ice damage or loosening that occurred during cold transport. Check battery terminals for corrosion that cold weather can accelerate. Apply fresh wax or paint sealant to restore protection removed during transport. Start the vehicle and let it run until fully warmed, verifying all systems work properly. Check tire pressure as cold weather during shipping may have reduced it. If you notice any new issues—unusual noises, warning lights, performance problems—address them promptly as cold weather can reveal or create mechanical issues during transport.