Start with the owner's manual for your exact model and year—it lists the official service intervals and the required fluid specifications. If the manual is only in Chinese, ask the exporter for the English version, or check the manufacturer's website and owner community forums for your region. After the car arrives, do a baseline service even if the seller says it was just serviced: engine oil and filter, air filter, cabin filter, brake fluid check, coolant, and a 12V battery test. From then on, follow the "severe" or "extreme conditions" schedule rather than the normal one—dusty roads, short trips, and hot or very cold climates all count as severe duty, and intervals are usually shorter. Keep every invoice and record. A documented maintenance history makes warranty claims easier and protects resale value.

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is cheaper and faster for a single car—you drive it onto the vessel and it is secured on the car deck. Container shipping costs more but offers better protection from weather, salt air, and handling damage, and allows you to load spare parts inside the car. Marine insurance is essential either way. Standard cover protects total loss and major damage, but read the exclusions: many policies do not cover pre-existing mechanical faults, cosmetic scratches below a deductible, or damage caused by improper securing (lashings). Ask for ICC(A) or All Risks coverage rather than basic total-loss-only policies. Practical tips: 1. Photograph and video the car thoroughly at loading, with the VIN visible 2. Note existing scratches on the bill of lading 3. Inspect immediately at destination—claims windows are often 3-7 days 4. For EVs, declare the battery; some insurers charge a supplement or exclude battery damage altogether

This is a common issue with sea transport. If the vehicle is parked at a humid dock, the EPB can easily rust to the brake disc. In addition to testing its release before shipping, we try to ask dock workers to secure the wheels with chocks instead of fully engaging the electronic parking brake.