If you’re a follower of the racing community, you’ll know that drag racing is a national and worldwide phenomenon. Races are being held left and right, and that means your drag racing car needs to do some traveling.
When transporting your vehicle, the process should be as safe as possible. Whether you’re a Top Fuel pilot or the proud owner of a factory hot rod, you’ll want the machine to arrive at its destination intact.
Of course, a reliable transport service will be your best friend in that regard. If you want to see what quality race car transportation looks like, jump to https://www.a1autotransport.com/ and check it out.
However, there are more things you can do to make your drag racing car safe during transport. Here are 10 tips that will ensure your dragster is safe and sound.
Top 10 Tips for Safe Drag Racer Transport
Tip #1: Clean the Car
This tip might sound a bit odd, but transporting a clean racing car will increase the chances of it arriving at its destination unharmed. With regard to the exterior, you should wash away the dust or dirt to reveal any potential existing damage. For the interior, it would be best to clean everything and remove all items that may shift around during transport.
Additionally, remove any electronics from your dragster as well as the cables. As a result, you won’t have to deal with a damaged cabin or broken gadgets once your vehicle arrives.
Tip #2: Research Your Mover
You’ll undoubtedly spend some time browsing for the best transport options. Once you find the right company, feel free to research them thoroughly.
A quality car transportation service must have the tools for the job as well as plenty of experience in moving racing cars. Plus, the company needs to be compliant with the latest regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
When it comes to safety, nothing will bring you peace of mind like knowing that your vehicle is in the hands of trusted professionals.
Tip #3: Check All Car Fluids
Before you load your dragster onto a shipping truck, make sure there are no leaks. Leaking car fluids represent a safety risk in transport as much as on the track. Furthermore, the transmission fluid or oil could damage any other vehicles being transported.
When it comes to gas, you should reduce the amount in your tank to the bare minimum. This way, the car will be lighter, making the job easier for the transporter.
Tip #4: Take Care of Insurance
You can’t predict accidents, damage, or theft once your racing car is on the road. That’s why reviewing your insurance options before transport will be a good idea. Contact your agent, inform them about the transport, and ask for their advice.
You might be able to take out additional insurance to cover potential mishaps. While a better policy won’t protect your vehicle physically, it will prevent significant financial loss should unfortunate events occur.
Tip #5: Make Sure Your Tires Are in Order
If the tires on your car aren’t inflated properly, you could find your dragster rolling out of a truck with severe tire damage. In fact, the damage could happen right when the vehicle is unloaded. Loading represents the same risk.
It’s worth noting that having your tires over-inflated presents the same danger as having the under-inflated. Simply put, treat your tires the same in transport as you would when prepping for the race track.
Tip #6: Pick the Right Shipping Type
You’ll have two main options for shipping: open and enclosed. The open type is typically more affordable and means your car will be transported in an open trailer. Open transport isn’t as unsafe as it may seem, especially if you choose a reliable shipping service. However, road debris and the elements may still represent a risk.
On the other hand, enclosed transport is entirely safe from outside factors. With an enclosed trailer, you can rest assured your dragster will roll out of the truck in the same condition as when it was loaded.
Tip #7: If There Are Removable Accessories – Remove Them
If your racing car includes custom spoilers or other accessories that can be removed with ease, it would be best to take them off the vehicle before transport.
Custom parts often have unusual dimensions, which only increases the risk of something getting damaged on the way to the destination. If you can’t remove the accessories, talk to your shipper about ways to add extra protection for maximum safety.
Tip #8: Give Your Transporter Enough Time
Your drag racing car might come with special transport requirements. If you know what type of transport you want and have already chosen the transport company, make sure to give them a heads up at least a week beforehand.
Notifying your transporter about particular needs in advance will ensure the company has solutions available when it’s time to go. Of course, if your shipper is a professional, they’ll likely be flexible enough to accommodate your requirements on short notice. But there’s no reason to risk the safety of your vehicle by waiting for the last minute.
Tip #9: Lock Everything
If it’s got a lock, turn the key. This principle might sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t lock their vehicles properly for transport.
Besides the doors and trunk, you should lock all compartments that have the option. Locking potential entry points reduces the possibility of theft, while securing compartments in the same way will prevent them from opening during transport.
Tip #10: Inspect Your Dragster Upon Arrival
If you’ve taken all of the precautions, your car should reach its destination in mint condition. The final step you can take to ensure the vehicle is undamaged is to perform an inspection as soon as its unloaded.
You’ll likely need to sign a document to confirm the car’s condition. Naturally, you’ll want to see if the vehicle is intact before placing your signature.
Keep Your Drag Racing Car Safe and Sound
Paying attention to the security details will pay dividends once you see your car come out of the trailer unharmed. With a bit of due diligence and a handful of precautions, you can ensure your dragster is ready for the track as soon as it’s unloaded.
