The Importance of Protecting Your Car’s Paint Job While You Ship It

fortworthautodetailing • March 25, 2023

Shipping a car that you own will allow you to move your car a long distance without having to drive it the whole way yourself. Shipping your car also prevents you from putting unnecessary chunks of mileage on it. However, one of the potential downsides that you might not be aware of if it is your first time having a vehicle transported is that rocks and pebbles can still chip and scratch your paint, even on an auto carrier. Thankfully, you have a few reliable options for protecting your paint and your car when it ships.


Why you need to have your car’s exterior clean before you ship it

A woman is washing a bentley in a car wash.

When your car transport driver arrives to pick up your vehicle, the process of loading your vehicle onto the carrier will not be able to begin until the driver thoroughly checks the outside of your car for damage. The reason that they must do this is because it is required by the insurance that covers the car shipping company for liability in case a car is damaged while it ships. If the driver did not conduct a close and detailed inspection for preexisting dents, chips, missing parts and scratches, the owner of the vehicle could file a claim with the car shipping insurance that those things occurred during the shipment and insurance would need to pay out that claim.

A close up of a muddy tire on a car

You might be wondering why a bit of dirt on your car could affect the auto transport driver’s ability to check the vehicle for damage. Well, imagine having to closely check a glass dinner plate for small scratches and chips. Now imagine that plate is covered in food residue. It would be much more difficult and take much more time to complete inspecting the plate if it were not clean. The same goes for your car when you choose to ship it. Your driver will eventually finish their inspection, but it will take much longer and, as a result, your vehicle shipment will not begin as quickly as it could have.


Not having the exterior of your car clean could delay the start of the shipment by an hour or more! Getting your car washed or detailed a day or two before your pickup date is a great way to ensure that this does not happen. You can easily make sure the outside of your car is spotless with an exterior detail at our Fort Worth shop and we can even pick the car up for you!


Safeguarding your paint with a ceramic coating during auto transport

A black car is parked in a coating bay.

When you choose to ship your car on an open car carrier, this leaves your car exposed to outside elements like rain and ultraviolet rays from the sun. It also leaves the potential for rocks to fly up off the pavement when they are driven over by a nearby car and then strike your car on the carrier. This could lead to a chip or a scratch on your car which is obviously the last thing that you will want.



Fortunately, you can get a ceramic coating for your car which can minimize or completely prevent any damage if this happens. A ceramic coating will seal the vehicle’s paint and make the surface harder to scratch overall. Specifically, a ceramic coating makes your car’s paint more scratch resistant because it makes the surface much slicker and prevents most dirt from sticking to the vehicle. Dirt sticking to your car’s surface increases the chances of a scratch forming because dirt particles are abrasive and dig into your car’s surface, weakening it. A ceramic coating will also protect your car from any negative effects that could possibly result from weather or ultraviolet rays. A ceramic coating is not scratch proof although it does provide some scratch resistance.

A blue ford mustang is parked in a parking lot.

Other ways you can protect your car when shipped



There are two other major ways that you can protect your car and its paint while you ship it somewhere. Both involve selecting upgraded shipping methods with your car shipping company when you initially book your shipment. One is called “top-load” where you choose to have your car placed on the upper deck of an open-air car carrier instead of the lower deck. The advantage with this option is that the top deck is about ten feet off of the ground whereas the lower deck is only about two or three feet off of the ground. However, choosing to top-load your vehicle will not protect it from UV rays or inclement weather. Again, this is where a ceramic coating can be vital to your vehicle. Selecting “top-load” for your car shipment will usually cost you an extra $100 or so.

A yellow sports car is being transported on a trailer.

The other upgraded option that you can select when you are shipping your car is enclosed car shipping. Enclosed car shipping is when you ship your car in a special car carrier that has complete walls and a roof which will offer complete protection from all outside elements. Shipping your car in an enclosed car carrier will add an extra $300 to $600 to the cost of your shipment.



Whether shipping or taking delivery of a new car, installing a ceramic coating as quickly as possible is so important to maintain the long term health of the vehicle. If you have any questions about ceramic coatings or getting your vehicle ceramic coated we would love to talk to you.

Paint Protection Film Services

Debunking Common Myths About PPF in Cars: Facts You Need To Know

By SEO Team • November 17, 2025
PPF protects your car more effectively than common myths suggest. Learn the real facts about paint protection film and why Fort Worth drivers rely on it for lasting defense.
Ceramic Coating Services

Secret to a Ceramic-Coated Car's Always-Clean Look: Maintenance Tips for Lasting Shine

By SEO Team • November 17, 2025
Ceramic coating helps your car stay cleaner longer. Learn simple maintenance tips that boost shine, protect your finish, and keep your Fort Worth vehicle looking its best.

Why Paint Protection Film Is a Must-Have for New Vehicle Owners in Fort Worth

By SEO Team • November 17, 2025
Buying a new car feels like opening a fresh chapter, but keeping that shiny look can be tougher than you think. Every drive through Fort Worth, your paint faces tiny battles: rocks, sun, bugs, and road debris that quietly chip away at its smooth finish. That's where paint protection film (PPF) steps in, acting like an invisible shield to guard your investment from everyday wear and tear. If you've ever wondered how some cars stay flawless for years while others quickly show their age, this guide will walk you through why PPF is the smart choice for new vehicle owners wanting to keep their ride looking great without extra fuss. Paint protection film is essential for new vehicle owners because it acts as a transparent shield that protects your car's paint from everyday damage such as scratches, rock chips, UV rays, and environmental contaminants. Investing in PPF not only preserves your vehicle's pristine appearance but also helps maintain its resale value by preventing costly paint repairs and reducing long-term maintenance. The Importance of Protecting Your Vehicle Your car's paint is its first line of defense against the environment. Without proper protection, everyday hazards chip away at this barrier bit by bit. Consider how easily tiny rocks kicked up from the road can create unsightly chips, turning fresh paintwork into a map of imperfections. These small damages do more than spoil appearance: they expose bare metal underneath, which invites rust and corrosion that silently spreads beneath the surface. Ultraviolet rays are another unseen enemy. While they may seem harmless, relentless sun exposure breaks down the paint's chemical bonds, causing colors to fade and dull over time. This slow erosion diminishes not just beauty but also the protective quality of your finish. Add the unpredictable dangers like bird droppings and tree sap, both packed with acidic compounds, and you have a trifecta of threats actively eating away at your paint. If left untreated, these contaminants can etch deep into your car's surface, leaving permanent marks. Many vehicles without protective films or coatings show visible paint damage within their first year on the road. Imagine the gradual wear accumulating day after day, unnoticed until it's glaringly obvious. This continuous assault doesn't just demand cosmetic repairs. Paint degradation leads to expensive refinishing or even structural compromises as rust creeps in. To visualize these risks: rock chips cause small dents and surface losses, UV rays fade colors and weaken clear coats, bird droppings and tree sap leave acidic stains and permanent marks, and road salt accelerates corrosion, especially during winter months. Recognizing these daily battles brings us to why proactive protection systems like paint protection film are not merely an option but a necessity for new car owners determined to preserve their investment. PPF acts as a robust shield, preventing damage before it begins, saving time, money, and headaches down the line. It's like giving your car an invisible suit of armor that defends every vulnerable inch without changing how it looks. Understanding the threats your vehicle faces makes it clear why protection is essential.
More Posts