Safe Vehicle Shipping During Winter: Essential Preparation Tips for Canadian Car Owners

Winter is an inevitable part of the Canadian landscape, but the approaching cold shouldn't put the brakes on your vehicle transport plans. Whether you're moving for the season or relocating permanently, shipping your car during the winter months will benefit from advanced preparation. Instead of subjecting yourself and your vehicle to the gruelling, unpredictable conditions of a cross-country winter drive, trust in professional auto shipping. Hansen’s provides year-round auto transport services to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and in pristine condition, from coast to coast.

By taking these essential steps, you protect your investment, ensure a smooth handoff, and make the transport process as efficient as possible for the logistics team.

Technical Readiness: Protecting Your Vehicle from the Cold

The cold is a machine's worst enemy. Proper fluid and power levels are important for safe shipping during winter to protect against damage and ensure the vehicle can be safely loaded and unloaded.

1. Optimize Fluids for Freezing Temperatures

Check and top up all vital fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Confirm your antifreeze/coolant mixture is specifically rated for extreme Canadian winter temperatures.

• The Reason: Low or improper coolant is the number one cause of engine damage due to freezing. Vehicle transport services will often need to start your car briefly to maneuver it, and the correct fluids ensure there are no problems.
• Fuel Level: Check that your vehicle has between a quarter and a half a tank of gas. This is enough for the transport team to safely drive it onto the carrier.
  

2. Battery and Electrical Security

Confirm your battery is fully charged, securely fastened in its bracket, and that the terminals are clean and tight. Cold weather dramatically reduces battery performance and starting power.

• The Reason: A loose, corroded, or weak battery poses a safety hazard and can fail to start when needed, resulting in transport delays. A fully charged battery ensures your vehicle can start immediately, even in cold conditions, for loading and unloading.
• Note for EVs: For electric vehicle shipping, we require keys with access to the trunk compartment. This may be necessary to safely access charging ports or other components as required by transport regulations.

3. Inspect and Prepare Your Tires

Inflate your tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Inspect the tread depth and overall condition. Install appropriate winter tires if your vehicle is being transported to a cold destination that requires them.

• The Reason: While they won't be on the road for the long haul, properly inflated tires ensure the vehicle sits correctly on the transport carrier, minimizing stress on the chassis and preventing flat spots during storage or long rail shipping journeys.

Pre-Inspection Protocol: Cleaning and Documentation

The preparation process culminates in a thorough pre-shipping inspection. Your actions here ensure a smooth, dispute-free handoff and confirm compliance with transport regulations.

1. The Essential Deep Clean (Inside and Out)

Give your car a complete wash and detailed interior cleaning. Critically, remove all external, non-factory attachments, such as bike racks and roof racks. A clean vehicle is mandatory for the initial inspection (Bill of Lading). This allows the Hansen’s representative to accurately document all existing dents, scratches, or wear before transport. This level of detail protects both you and the shipper.

All personal items must be removed from the interior of the vehicle. Insurance and transport regulations generally do not cover non-factory personal effects, so clear them out to prevent loss or damage during transit. This is standard practice whether you are using fleet shipping for a corporate move or shipping a single-family vehicle.

2. Windshield Wipers and Visibility

Inspect wiper blades for wear and tear and replace them if necessary. Top up the washer fluid reservoir with a premium, low-temperature winter mix. Even for a vehicle being shipped, it may need to be driven a short distance in snow or ice. Functional wiper blades in good working order and fluid are essential for immediate, safe operation upon delivery.

The Hansen’s Advantage: Safe Vehicle Transport During Winter

Driving across Canada in winter exposes you to dangerous road closures, delays, potential accidents, high fuel costs, and significant wear and tear from road salt and snow. Choosing professional transportation is a calculated and safe alternative to driving yourself through challenging winter conditions. Hansen's manages its own fleet and offers comprehensive vehicle tracking, providing peace of mind.

For speciality vehicles such as antiques or those with a high-value that require maximum protection against road salt, ice, and road debris, we also offer an enclosed shipping option on routes within western Canada. An enclosed trailer protects your vehicle from the elements from start to finish, ensuring it arrives in the exact condition it left. 

If you need a reliable and professional partner for safe shipping during the winter, Hansen’s has you covered. Contact us today to request a free, no-obligation quote from our experts and secure your vehicle’s safe passage across Canada or to the U.S.