Why Do We Tape Your Car During Transport? Let us explain....

You might have noticed tape on your vehicle when it arrives after being transported. Don’t worry - it’s not because your car is damaged. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When transporting vehicles on a car carrier, there are a number of areas of a vehicle that can be exposed to forces they simply don't experience during "normal" driving. Your car is designed primarily to travel forwards, with its bodywork, seals, spoilers, mirrors and other components engineered around the airflow created when travelling in that direction.

But when your vehicle is loaded onto a car carrier, some vehicles need to be reversed onto the trailer. This can expose certain parts of the vehicle to airflow and movement from a direction they weren't necessarily designed to withstand at highway speeds. That's where tape comes in.

So, why exactly do we use tape?

At SMB Australia Car Transport, tape can be used as an additional layer of protection on vulnerable or movable areas of a vehicle, including:

• Side mirrors

• Spoilers

• Rear windows

• Loose or exposed trim

• Certain body mouldings

• Other components that may be susceptible to movement during transport

  
  

The goal is simple: keep everything secure and reduce the chance of something becoming loose, damaged or displaced while your vehicle is on the road.

Your car isn't designed to travel backwards at highway speeds

Think about the way your vehicle normally travels.

When you're driving, the front of the vehicle is designed to meet the airflow first. The bonnet, windscreen, mirrors, doors and other components are all designed around that direction of travel.

On a car carrier, however, cars can be positioned in different directions depending on how the carrier is loaded and the available space. This means that a vehicle travelling down the highway can experience airflow across parts of the car from an unusual direction.

For example, a rear spoiler that normally sits behind the airflow created by the vehicle can suddenly be exposed to significantly different aerodynamic forces when the vehicle is positioned differently on the carrier. The same principle applies to side mirrors, rear windows and other exposed components. Tape provides an extra level of security.

It's preventative - not because something is wrong

One of the biggest misconceptions about seeing tape on a transported vehicle is that something must have been broken.

Usually, that's not the case.

Tape is used as a preventative measure. Our carriers aren't waiting for something to start moving before taking action. Where appropriate, securing vulnerable components before the vehicle leaves the depot can help minimise the risk of movement or damage during the journey.

It's a simple precaution that can make a big difference.

Highway speeds make airflow important

A vehicle travelling on a transporter can spend hours travelling at highway speeds.

Add in:

• Wind

• Crosswinds

• Turbulence from passing trucks

• Changes in road speed

• Uneven road surfaces

• Vehicle movement on the carrier

…and components that seem completely secure when the vehicle is stationary can experience considerably more movement during a long-distance journey.

That's why our team considers the vehicle's condition and identifies areas that may benefit from additional protection before transport.

Why do you sometimes see tape on the rear window?

This is another one that can look unusual to customers. Vehicles have rear windows, trims or other components that may be more exposed when the vehicle is positioned on a Car Carrier. Using tape can provide additional support and help prevent movement or separation during transit. It's not there to hold a broken window together. It's there to help prevent movement in the first place.

What about side mirrors?

Side mirrors are particularly exposed because they protrude from the body of the vehicle.

Depending on the vehicle and how it is positioned on the carrier, they can be exposed to airflow and movement during transport. Where appropriate, securing them can help reduce unnecessary movement and protect the mirror assembly.

This is especially important for vehicles with larger, electronically adjustable or more delicate mirror assemblies.

Think of it like securing your belongings before moving house

You wouldn't put a glass vase loose inside a moving truck and hope for the best. You'd wrap it, secure it and make sure it couldn't move around. Vehicle transport works on the same basic principle. The less unnecessary movement, the better. Tape is just one of the simple preventative measures that can be used to help secure vulnerable parts of a vehicle during its journey.

Every vehicle is different

Not every vehicle will require tape.

Our team considers factors such as:

The vehicle's design:

• Spoilers

• Mirrors

• Trim

• Other features vary significantly between makes and models.

• The direction and position of the vehicle on the Car carrier can affect which areas are exposed.

• The condition of the vehicle

  • Older vehicles or vehicles with existing loose trim may require additional consideration.

• The type of vehicle

  • Performance vehicles, SUVs, luxury vehicles and modified vehicles can all have different components that need to be considered during transport.

The decision to use tape is therefore made based on the vehicle and transport conditions - not because tape is automatically required on every car.

What happens when your car arrives?

Once your vehicle reaches its destination, the securing measures can be removed as part of the unloading process.

If you have any concerns about how your vehicle has been secured, you can always speak to our team.

How to remove any tape residue

Occasionally, a small amount of adhesive residue may remain after the tape is removed, particularly if the vehicle has been exposed to heat or sunlight during transport (which is highly likely for our interstate transport).

Don't panic — it can usually be removed quite easily.

Start by gently wiping the area with a clean, soft microfibre cloth. If the residue remains, use

a vehicle-safe adhesive remover or automotive detailing product, following the product's instructions. Apply it to the cloth rather than directly onto the vehicle where possible, and gently work the residue away.

Avoid using harsh household chemicals, abrasive sponges, scraping tools or excessive force, as these can damage paint, clear coat, plastics or trim.

HOT TIP: We suggest using eucalyptus oil for the paint and methylated spirits for the windows or glass sections.

Remember: Tape serves as a precautionary tool to safeguard your vehicle during transport. Though a bit of residue can be annoying, it's typically far simpler to handle than issues like a loose spoiler, shattered rear glass, or a displaced mirror!

So, the next time you see tape on your car… don't panic!

It's there because we're thinking ahead.

Transporting a vehicle isn't quite the same as driving it down the road yourself. Your car can be exposed to different airflow, positioning and road conditions while travelling on a Car Carrier.

Tape is one of the small preventative measures that can help protect vulnerable parts of your vehicle throughout its journey.

It might not look pretty - but it's there for a reason.

SMB Australia Car Transport

With over six decades of experience transporting vehicles across Australia, SMB Australia Car Transport understands that every vehicle needs to be treated with care from collection through to delivery.

Because getting your car there safely isn't just about moving it - it's about protecting it along the way.