Alaska is one of the coldest states in the US, as it’s the closest to the north pole. However, even though it’s extremely frigid in Alaska, there’re many fun activities to enjoy there in winter. Tourists from various parts of the globe come to enjoy winter activities in Alaska in particular.
These activities include downhill skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and many others. So, if you’re one of those and have decided on Alaska for your winter vacation, it’s time to plan your pre-trip to-do list.
The first thing on the checklist, look for an Alaska auto transport company to deliver your car to your accommodation in Alaska. The auto shipping company handles all the burden of picking up your vehicle, moving it along the way, and delivering it to the pre-agreed drop-off location. In this article, we put together a list of essential tips about choosing an Alaska auto shipping company.
Hire a reputable Alaska auto transport company
The first step for guaranteeing your car a safe and fast trip to Alaska is hiring an experienced and professional Alaska auto transport company. To make the right decision, use Google for recommendations and check clients’ reviews.
Read the feedback from people who have ordered their car’s shipment to Alaska. Find out about their car’s journey, any unpleasant delays, damages, or scratches. You can also read about the fees they paid, reasonable or overpriced.
Get the answer to all these questions from previous clients and customer service and make your decision accordingly. You can save time and visit Tempus Logix’s review section and read many feedbacks from satisfied clients; the company has over 1000 online reviews and has already shipped over 30,000 vehicles across the United States.
Hire an enclosed trailer
Exposing your car to frigidness for a long time is very risky. Its battery might die, oils might become thick and less viscous, the tires may become underinflated, and the list goes long. So, to ensure nothing from the above mentioned issues affect your car during its trip to Alaska, go for an enclosed trailer.
Enclosed trailers are the best method to transport cars during extreme cold, as they’re temperature controlled and sheltered. So, a car won’t be affected by cold, rain, snow, or chilly wind. An enclosed trailer will cost you more than an open trailer; however, in the case of extreme chilliness, it’s worth it.
Go for a door-to-door shipping service
You have two options for your car delivery, you either head to Alaska’s terminal to pick up your car and drive it back to your accommodation under extreme cold weather, known as terminal-to-terminal shipping service.
Or you can go for the door-to-door shipping service when the enclosed carrier driver delivers the car to your home effortlessly. We always recommend door-to-door shipping service over terminal-to-terminal in extreme cold and hot, as these two weather conditions can dramatically damage cars.
Be prepared for delays
Even though shipping cars in the winter is dangerous, auto shipping companies always witness huge demand for shipping services. They have crowded schedules at this time, which is attributed to the number of holidays in winter, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and others. So, you will have few chances of finding an Alaska auto transport company with an available trailer to ship your car.
And moving on from the winter’s holidays, the unpredicted snow and rain might close some of the main routes drivers usually use. So, planning and figuring out new routes will take time, resulting in delays in the cargo’s arrival.
How to prepare your car for the shipment to Alaska
Check fluid levels
Since it will be a long and freezing trip, you have to ensure your car will be able to hold on throughout the road and arrive safely in Alaska. Ensure that approximately half of your fuel tank is full.
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Moreover, ensure there is enough antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission, and power steering. Not having enough antifreeze will expose your car’s engine to severe damage, especially if you haul your car on an open trailer.
Lubricate door locks
Seals and lock doors are likely to get stuck and frozen in winter, especially if there’s snowfall. So, to avoid such unpleasant incidents, lubricate them with weather strip spray.
You also have to ensure cars are closed properly to prevent snow from falling and building in the car. No matter if you hire an enclosed or an open trailer, it will be exposed to the weather at one point or another.
Check the battery
Alaska’s cold might cause your car’s battery to die, as cold can dry oils and fluids in the battery. However, your car’s battery can make it safely to Alaska if it’s in a good state already. Ensure the terminals are tight enough and there’s no sign of erosion.
Conclusion
Shipping a car in winter to Alaska could be tricky, as it needs many preparations and a dependable Alaska auto transport company. However, by preparing your vehicle the right way and following the tips mentioned above, your car will arrive in Alaska safe and sound.
Decide on your trip date and place your order as soon as possible to guarantee your vehicle arrives on the same date as your trip.
