How to Prepare Your Car for Long-Distance Transport in Nigeria

Transporting your car across Nigeria requires more than just handing keys to a driver. Proper preparation protects your vehicle, prevents delays, and ensures smooth transport. Here's your complete checklist.

Why Preparation Matters

An unprepared vehicle can:

• Develop mechanical issues during transport
• Suffer damage from pre-existing problems
• Miss delivery deadlines (due to mechanical failure)
• Create disputes about pre-existing damage
• Cost extra money for repairs mid-transport

Spending 1-2 hours preparing saves headaches later.

The 7-Day Pre-Transport Checklist

7 Days Before Transport

Vehicle Inspection:

• Check all fluid levels (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid)
• Test all lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, hazards)
• Verify battery health (no corrosion, secure connections)
• Check tire pressure and condition (all four tires, including spare)
• Test brakes (firm pedal, no grinding noises)
• Verify steering (smooth operation, no pulling to one side)

Documentation:

• Locate vehicle registration and ownership documents
• Take detailed photos of your vehicle (exterior, interior, all angles)
• Record odometer reading
• Note any existing damage or scratches
• Prepare list of pre-existing issues for driver awareness

3 Days Before Transport

Mechanical Preparation:

• Get oil change if overdue (longer transport requires fresh oil)
• Top up all fluid levels
• Check engine belt condition
• Verify air filter isn't clogged
• Test air conditioning (especially in harmattan season)
• Confirm transmission shifts smoothly

Interior Preparation:

• Remove all personal items (clothes, valuables, CDs, phone chargers)
• Empty trunk completely
• Clean interior (prepare for professional appearance)
• Check under seats for loose items
• Remove air fresheners (can be strong in enclosed transport)

Exterior Preparation:

• Wash vehicle (shows any hidden damage, improves appearance)
• Dry thoroughly (prevents water spots)
• Clean windows (interior and exterior)
• Remove exterior accessories (roof racks, spoilers if they're removable)
• Note any loose trim pieces

1 Day Before Transport

Final Checks:

• Verify transport appointment details with company
• Confirm pickup time and location
• Provide specific delivery address
• Arrange parking or access for haulage vehicle
• Alert neighbors if using shared parking (large truck arriving)
• Prepare keys (provide spare key if available)

Last-Minute Details:

• Fill fuel tank to 1/2 or 3/4 full (not empty, not overflowing)
• Set aside important documents
• Have phone charger ready (stay in touch with driver)
• Plan your schedule (be available for pickup)
• Take final damage assessment photos

The Complete Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Mechanical Systems

Engine:

• Oil level: ☐ Full ☐ Top up needed
• Coolant level: ☐ Full ☐ Top up needed
• Battery condition: ☐ Good ☐ Needs attention
• Belt condition: ☐ Good ☐ Worn

Transmission:

• Manual: Shifts smoothly ☐ Yes ☐ No
• Automatic: Engages smoothly ☐ Yes ☐ No
• Fluid level: ☐ Full ☐ Top up needed

Brakes:

• Pedal feels firm: ☐ Yes ☐ No
• No grinding noise: ☐ Confirmed ☐ Noise present
• Pads thickness: ☐ Good ☐ Thin

Steering & Suspension:

• Steering smooth: ☐ Yes ☐ No
• No pulling: ☐ Confirmed ☐ Pulls left/right
• Suspension quiet: ☐ Yes ☐ Noises present

Tires & Wheels

• All four tires have adequate tread (not bald)
• Tire pressure correct (check driver's door label)
• No bulges or damage in sidewalls
• Wheel rims undamaged
• Spare tire in trunk with jack
• Lug nuts tight

Lights & Electrical

• Headlights work (both high and low beam)
• Taillights function
• Brake lights illuminate
• Hazard lights work
• Interior lights function
• Wipers operational
• Windows operate smoothly
• Locks function

Interior Assessment

• No loose items in cabin
• Trunk completely empty
• Floor mats secure
• Glove box closed
• Sunroof closed (if applicable)
• All vents clear

Exterior Assessment

• No dents or damage documented
• Paint condition noted
• Glass intact (no cracks)
• Trim pieces secure
• Exhaust pipe clear
• Fuel door secure

Documentation You'll Need

Bring to Pickup:

• Vehicle registration (original)
• Proof of ownership
• Insurance documents (optional but helpful)
• Driver license (for verification)
• Contact numbers for delivery location

Keep Copies of:

• Pre-transport vehicle condition report
• Pickup time confirmation
• Driver contact information
• Delivery address and contact
• Haulage company details

Special Preparation for Different Vehicle Types

For Luxury Vehicles

• Professional detailing before transport
• Confirm flatbed (not wheel-lift)
• Verify padded straps will be used
• Arrange climate-controlled transport if available
• Take extra pre-condition photos

For Damaged Vehicles

• Document all damage thoroughly with photos
• Create detailed damage report
• Inform driver of all issues
• Confirm damage won't affect transport safety
• Get written confirmation that pre-existing damage is noted

For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Vehicles

• Ensure flatbed is being used (never wheel-lift for AWD)
• Verify all four wheels will be off ground
• Confirm transmission won't be stressed

For Vehicles Not Driven Recently

• Have pre-transport inspection by mechanic
• Top all fluids (may have leaked)
• Charge battery (may be weak)
• Test all systems (may have deteriorated)
• Consider slight driving before transport (warm up systems)

What NOT to Do Before Transport

❌ Don't modify the vehicle – Save repairs for after delivery

❌ Don't leave fuel tank empty – Driver needs fuel for transport

❌ Don't leave personal items – They can shift and damage interior

❌ Don't disable the battery – Driver needs electrical systems

❌ Don't ignore warning lights – Tell driver about any issues

❌ Don't schedule transport without confirming availability – Avoid last-minute surprises

❌ Don't provide wrong address – Confirm delivery location in detail

Final Thoughts

Taking 1-2 hours to prepare your vehicle prevents 90% of transport problems. When your car arrives at its destination in the same condition as pickup, you'll be glad you invested in preparation.

A properly prepared vehicle:

• ✅ Arrives on schedule
• ✅ Avoids mechanical issues during transport
• ✅ Eliminates damage disputes
• ✅ Provides driver confidence
• ✅ Ensures smooth delivery

Ready to transport your properly prepared vehicle? Ready to Transport Your Vehicle? Get a Free AI Quote and mention any special requirements during booking.