Preparing Car for Long Distance Towing: 10 Things to Do Before the Truck Arrives
Truck's booked. Pickup is tomorrow. The car's still full of gym bags and old coffee cups.
If you need to prepare your car for towing long distance, a bit of work now saves a lot of grief later. It protects your paintwork, keeps the driver safe and stops nasty surprises at the other end.
Maybe you're moving interstate. Maybe a breakdown means a long haul home. Whatever the reason, your car is about to spend hours (maybe even days) on the back of a truck. Brisbane Towing and Recovery believes that preparation is the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.
Here are ten simple things to do before the truck arrives. All of them matter.
Why It Pays to Prepare Your Car for Towing Long Distance
A short tow across the suburbs is one thing. A long haul is another. Your car will spend hours, sometimes days, on the back of a truck, over bumps, through heat and rain, and across different states.
Anything loose can shift, scratch or go missing. Any damage that wasn't documented can turn into an argument. That's why the best long distance towing tips are boring ones: prepare early, document everything and talk to your operator.
Our long distance towing Brisbane crew sees the same mistakes over and over. This list is built to help you avoid them.
The Car Transport Checklist for Australia: 10 Things to Do Before the Truck Arrives
1. Confirm the details with your operator
Before anything else, lock in the basics: pickup time and address, drop-off location, the type of truck and who your contact is on the day. Ask about the likely transit time and how updates will reach you. Clear answers upfront mean fewer headaches later.
2. Check your insurance
Don't assume you're covered. Ask the operator what their transit cover includes and whether there's an excess. Then ring your own insurer and ask whether your policy covers the car while it's being transported. If it's an accident-related tow, our insurance tow Brisbane team works directly with insurers where approved. The Queensland Government's crash towing guide also explains your rights around towing authority forms.
3. Wash the car and photograph it
A clean car makes it easy to spot existing scratches and dings. Wash it, then take clear photos and a short video from every angle, including the roof, wheels and interior. Make sure the images are time-stamped. If there's ever a dispute about damage, those photos are your best evidence.
4. Empty the car completely
Personal items usually aren't covered by transport insurance, and loose objects can shift or damage the interior. Take out everything: bags, phone chargers, sunglasses, documents, kids' toys and anything valuable. Don't forget the boot and glovebox. If you'd like to leave something in, ask the operator first.
5. Sort out fuel and battery
Many operators prefer a low fuel level to keep the weight down, often around a quarter of a tank, but check what yours wants. Make sure the battery is healthy if the car runs, as it needs to start for loading. If it won't start, tell the operator before they arrive so they can bring the right gear.
6. Check tyres, leaks and loose parts
Look at the tyres, since a flat or damaged tyre can complicate loading. Note any oil, coolant or fuel leaks and mention them. Fold in the mirrors, lower or remove aerials, and secure or remove spoilers, roof racks and anything that isn't firmly attached. Take out your toll tag too, so you don't pay for the truck's journey.
7. Tell them about anything unusual
Low-slung, lowered, modified or lifted? Non-runner? Hybrid or electric? Tell the operator upfront. Low cars may need special ramps or equipment, which is why our low car towing service exists. Electric and hybrid vehicles can have their own rules, which we cover in our guide to EV and hybrid towing. Not sure how your car should travel? Our explainer on flatbed vs dolly vs skates helps.
8. Gather documents and keys
Have your registration papers, photo ID and insurance details ready. Hand over a working key, plus the locking wheel nut key if your car has one. If the car has an alarm, switch it off or explain how to disarm it. For standard jobs, our car towing Brisbane service will tell you exactly what to have on hand.
9. Prepare the pickup spot
Make it easy for the truck to reach your car. Clear the driveway or street space, check for low branches or tight gates and warn the operator about steep driveways or basement car parks. Be there for the handover if you can. The driver will do an inspection and give you a condition report to sign. Read it before you sign, and note any differences.
10. Stay safe and stay flexible
Long hauls can run late. Weather, roadworks and traffic all play a part, and Brisbane's storm season can add delays, as we explain in our Brisbane storm season guide. Keep your phone charged and a backup plan ready. If your car breaks down on the way to the pickup, our truck breakdown checklist and the Queensland Government's breakdown safety advice cover what to do while you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing Your Car for Towing
Should I leave my car with a full tank for long distance towing?
Usually not. Many operators prefer low fuel. Ask your operator what level they want, then follow that.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
It's best not to. Transport insurance often doesn't cover belongings, and loose items can damage the interior. Remove everything, or get the operator's permission first.
What if my car doesn't start?
Tell the operator when you book. They'll bring the right gear to load a non-runner safely.
Ready to Prepare Your Car for Towing Long Distance?
Prep takes an hour, maybe two. That small effort protects your car, your belongings and your sanity. Photograph the car, empty it out, confirm the details and talk to your operator, and you'll hand over the keys with confidence rather than crossed fingers.
The goal is simple: no surprises. When the truck pulls up, the driver should find a clean car, clear access and the right paperwork. At the other end, check the car against your photos, read the condition report and speak up straight away if anything looks off.
Planning a long haul? Call Brisbane Towing and Recovery on 0438 155 555. We're on 24/7 and happy to talk you through your trip.
