My Import Story, Part 5
So. You've bought and paid for a car, cleared it though customs, now you want to pick it up. If you did all the work yourself, the car will be at the docks in a imported car common area. If you went through a bonded shipping agency, the car will be at their warehouse. Mine was the latter.
Before you even leave for the docks, you'll need temporary car insurance. Pretty simple to get. I forget which documents you need to get one. Probably the VIN/Chassis code for the car, and some proof that you own the car. In Manitoba you can get temporary insurance to only come into effect on a certain date.... so make it the day you get your car. Temporary insurance isn't cheap, so you probably don't want to pay for something you're not using.
This is what I looked like when I picked up my car:
Starting my car for the first time
That's a bit of an embarrassing photo. I think that everyone that picks up their car at the dock looks like that though. Below you'll see a picture of me filling the gas and doing the checks. The background you'll see what a prairie boy calls the ocean. That's awesome.
Doing pre-flight checks
So, your car has been in shipping for about a month now. And you've never seen it in real life before. And if you're like me, you're about to drive it 2000km. You'd be an idiot to not check it out before you start driving it.
First off, these cars ship with the absolute minimum amount of fuel. Probably want to bring a jerry can of premium with you. Why premium? The gas is a bit old, and you don't know what they filled it with. Be nice to your car, it's the new kid in town.
Also, your battery might be dead, or lost its charged. Bring booster cables, or something to boost your car with.
Then, just some regular check.... here's what I did for a checklist.
- Fill up the tank.
- Check the oil
- Make sure there is coolant in the reservoir
- Make sure they're coolant in the radiator (remove coolant cap, make sure it's full)
- Try to start it... probably boost it.
- Let the car run... any weird sounds?
- Check brake fluid, move the car and make sure it stops (usually not an issue, but...)
- Check power steering fluid
- Make sure all lights work (especially brake lights). Again, not usually an issue, but you don't know.
- Check windshield wipers and washing fluid.
Am I pedantic? Yes. Have I seen this car before or know anything about it? No. They're all simple checks that can save you from a world of hurt later on into life. Just do it. Worst case scenario you can brag about how great your car was right off the boat.
Summary:
Bring temporary insurance, gas and booster cables. Bring oil, coolant, brake and washer fluid if you're feeling _really_ unlucky.
And there's still more. If you're most Canadians, you don't live in or around Vancouver. So, the ride home and insurance is coming up!
Leave a comment