Summer Heat and Car Shipping: What to Know

by | Sep 7, 2025 | Blog | 0 comments

As summer approaches Australia, it means hot temperatures, long days, and a few seasonal hassles for anyone booking car transport. You might be moving house, buying a car interstate, or simply getting your car transported across the country, and understanding how the temperatures and summer weather affect car transport can be the key to your experience.

At Unicorn Car Transport Australia, we know just how much it means to our clients to be able to feel confident that their car will be transported safely and efficiently, whatever the weather. In this article, we’re going to examine the impact of the summer heat on car transport, what you can expect the process to be and how you can prepare your car for the journey.

How Summer Heat Affects Car Transport

1. Car condition and fluids
High temperatures can be rough on vehicles. Fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, and motor oil may evaporate or degrade more easily at higher temperatures. When you’re moving cars, particularly when you’re moving them long distances, it’s important that the systems are functioning properly in order to avoid leaks or breakage.

2. Tyre Pressure Variations
Heat causes expansion and tyre pressure to increase and sometimes this causes the tyres to be over-inflated. Trucks that are loaded for transport and whose tyres are not inflated to the correct pressure may develop uneven wear or blowouts while operating routes to and from depots.

3. Seasonal Demand-related Delays
Summer is transport’s busiest season in Australia. School holiday periods usually translate to people moving home and larger volumes moving through dealerships. The increased volume sometimes equates to relatively longer times before pickup or delivery at the busiest times in December and January.

4. Impact on Drivers and Timetables
Our skilled drivers will be even more careful during the summer months. Severe weather and extremely high UV exposure lower the energy and visibility the long-distance drive requires, and stringent rest requirements protect the drivers and your vehicle too. Occasionally this necessitates tiny schedule adjustments.

Preparing Your Car for Transport in Summer

To provide for a comfortable transport experience while Australia’s warmest months last, doing some preventative measures prior to submitting your car can be beneficial:

  • Check Fluid Levels
    Refuel the essential fluids, particularly the coolant and the oil, to prevent the car running too hot. This will also protect your car’s engine on the move.
  • Inspect Tyres
    Make sure tyres are properly inflated according to manufacturer recommendations. Over- or under-inflation tyres are more vulnerable at high temperatures.
  • Clean Your Car
    Pre-washing the car prior to shipping facilitates inspection. This allows you and the shipping company to clearly photograph the condition of the car prior to shipping.
  • Remove Personal Items
    Heat can destroy personal items kept inside the vehicle. Electronics, plastics, and other belongings can warp, melt, or leak when the temperatures become extreme. Ensure you remove valuables and personal items prior to transportation.
  • Use a Sunshade or Car Cover
    If your car will be sitting outside awaiting pick-up or delivery, a sunshade or air-permeable car cover can be used to cover the interior and paintwork from direct sunshine.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport in Summer

One frequent question asked is whether the heat of the summer months necessitates enclosed transit as the preferable choice. Note the following:

  • Open Transport: Less expensive and usually more accessible. The vehicles are subjected to the elements including direct sunshine, but most vehicles accept them on a daily basis without severe consequences.
  • Enclosed Transport: Offers protection from the elements, dust, and the sun. This service is preferred for luxury vehicles, antiques, or high-value vehicles whereby extra care and caution are needed.

Both are provided at Unicorn Car Transport Australia, and you can pick the most suitable one for your automobile and budget.

Common Questions About Summer Car Transport

Will the heat affect my car paint?
The paintwork today is formulated to be resistant to extreme UV exposure. Direct prolonged sunshine can induce fading eventually. If that is a concern, then enclosed transport or the application of a protection wax prior to the journey is recommended.

Can transport schedules change during heatwaves?
Yes, in rare circumstances. For reasons of safety, extreme weather may require modest timetable variations to permit drivers to rest sufficiently and lorries to be safe.

Is summer more expensive for car transport?
The rates are not weather-related but seasonal. When you’re entering the middle of peak holiday periods, the demand will be greater and you ought to book early.

Why Choose Unicorn Car Transport Australia?

Shipping a car in the middle of summer isn’t a hassle when you call Unicorn Car Transport Australia. Our company prides itself on providing safe, hassle-free, and reliable service that’s completely transparent. Our team understands the subtleties of the Australian climate and does whatever it takes to get your car delivered on time and spotless.

Coast-to-coast coverage, flexible pickup and delivery, and priority on clear communication mean that we’re here to make the process smooth from start to finish—whether you’re moving a family truckster, a rare collector’s item, or several vehicles.

Final Thoughts

Australian summer temperatures shouldn’t be trifled with and when you’re handling car transport, knowledge is the best defense against the unexpected. From the adjustment in tyre pressure and fluids to the choice of open or enclosed carriers, preparing your car and researching the topic will bring you peace of mind.

At Unicorn Car Transport Australia, our experience and devotion mean that your car will be safe with us at all times of the year. When you want to transport a car this summer season, call our team today and let us help you through the process while you sit back and relax.

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