Check Vehicle Battery: Ensure It’s Functional - How to Prepare

Your vehicle should be able to start and roll on its own. A dead or weak battery could require a winch for loading, which can slow down the process or add extra fees.

Pro Tip: Test your battery before pickup — the driver is not responsible for jump-starting your car.

Why Checking Your Battery is Highly Advised

Keep Your Battery Charged to Avoid Delays

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Your car’s battery is a critical component to inspect before shipping your vehicle. Ensuring it’s in good condition prevents delays and guarantees smooth pick-up and delivery. Here’s how to check a car battery and why it’s important for auto transport.

Why Checking Your Battery Matters

These are the top reasons why a charged battery is necessary for auto transport, unless special arrangements are made in advance for an inoperable vehicle.

• Prevents Loading Issues:
  A dead battery can make loading and unloading your vehicle difficult, especially if it needs to be driven onto the carrier. If the auto carrier is not equipped with a winch, the vehicle may not be loaded.
• Avoids Transport Delays:
  If the battery fails during transport, the driver may need additional equipment or assistance, causing unnecessary delays. This would be likely if the auto carrier had a malfunction of some type where a vehicle transfer to an alternate carrier would be necessary. A vehicle with a dead battery could cause serious problems, forcing the driver to hire a local tow truck for assistance. The cost for this would be added to your final bill.
• Ensures Safe Handling:
  A well-functioning battery reduces the risk of complications during transport and ensures your vehicle is ready to drive upon delivery. Having a vehicle with a functioning battery makes everything easier as it can be driven on and off the carrier.

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Steps to Check Your Car Battery

Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your vehicles battery is functional. [1][2]

1. Inspect for Corrosion:
   Look for corrosion on the battery terminals. Clean any buildup with a terminal brush or a mixture of baking soda and water to ensure a good connection. Believe it or not, Coca-Cola can also help clean rust or corrosion [3] because it contains phosphoric acid, an edible food acid found in lots of foods and drinks.
2. Test the Voltage:
   Use a multi-meter to test the battery voltage. A healthy car battery should read between 12.4 and 12.6 volts when the engine is off. If the reading is lower, consider recharging or replacing the battery.
3. Check for Loose Connections:
   Ensure the battery cables are securely attached to the terminals. Tighten any loose connections to prevent electrical issues during transport.
4. Assess Battery Age:
   If your battery is more than three years old, it may be nearing the end of its life. Replacing it before transport can prevent potential problems.
5. Turn Off Electrical Systems:
   Before handing over your car, turn off all electrical systems, including lights and the radio, to prevent battery drainage during transport.
6. Communicate Any Issues:
   If your car’s battery is weak or unreliable, inform the transport company ahead of time. They may need special equipment to handle a non-operational vehicle. In this case, a winch would be needed to load the vehicle.
   

Additional Tips for Battery Maintenance

Take a few extra tips in battery advice for auto transport services.

• Charge the Battery Fully:
  If the battery is low, charge it to full capacity before transport to avoid complications.
• Keep Jumper Cables on Hand:
  While not typically required, having jumper cables available for delivery can be a good backup plan.
  

For Brokers: Managing Vehicles With Battery Concerns

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Battery issues can affect a carrier’s ability to operate ramps, secure a vehicle, and complete a smooth pickup. When brokers address battery condition early in the process it helps improve quote accuracy, reduce carrier issues, and keep customers informed.

Top tips on handling vehicles with battery issues

• Ask about the battery condition during the booking conversation: 
  Make it a routine part of your intake questions to ask whether the vehicle has a fully charged battery or any known battery problems. A weak or dead battery can affect how the carrier accesses and secures the vehicle which may influence carrier selection and pricing.
  
• Document battery issues clearly in the order information: 
  Record any reported battery condition issues and include them in the order details shared with carriers before dispatch. Clear documentation reduces surprises at pickup and helps the carrier prepare the right tools or adjustments in advance.
  
• Factor battery condition into pricing and carrier choice: 
  Vehicles with battery concerns may require carriers who are comfortable using external power sources or handling dead batteries. This can affect pricing and carrier availability. Brokers should account for this when giving customers an estimate and selecting carriers.
  
• Set clear expectations with your customers: 
  Customers should understand that a weak or dead battery might lead to extra handling, possible additional charges, or a more limited carrier pool. Transparent advice up front helps prevent confusion and ensures smoother communication throughout the transport.
  
• Use proactive guidance to strengthen your service: 
  Educating customers about battery preparation shows attention to detail, improves the transport experience, and builds trust. Brokers who help customers prepare properly create fewer issues and stronger reputations.
  

At Viceroy Auto Transport, we understand that a well-prepared vehicle ensures a smooth transport experience. By checking your car battery and addressing any issues, you help us deliver your car safely and on time.

Related Links

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• How to Prepare: Check for Oil Leaks
• How to Prepare: Fix Any and All Flat Tires
• Winch Service for Non-Running Vehicles
  

     

References

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1. https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/batteries/how-to-test-car-battery-at-home/
   
2. https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/advice/car-maintenance/how-to-test-a-car-battery
3. https://blog.upsbatterycenter.com/cleaning-corroded-car-battery-coca-cola/