When planning a trip abroad, there are many things you need to take care of, such as booking your flight, finding suitable accommodation, and so on. Another important consideration is how you will get to the airport. More often than not, travellers choose to drive their own car and leave it at the airport while they’re away, and this is particularly true for those living in rural areas. Of course, this comes with some safety concerns, as the last thing you want is for someone to break into your car. Therefore, it is essential to take some safety precautions to have a stress-free vacation, such as leaving your car off-site, as it involves fewer risks.
Most large airports in the USA offer long-term airport parking, and if you book a spot in advance, you will also save money. For example, you can find the best rates for boston logan airport parking if you use an online service that will help you compare prices and get the best deal. Once you do so, you can arrive at the airport comfortably, park your vehicle seamlessly and proceed with your flight, knowing that when you return from your trip, your car will be waiting for you in the same spot you left it. However, you need to prepare it for long-term parking, and you can learn how to do so by checking out the tips below.
Check the tires
If you plan to leave your vehicle at the airport for a long time, you should check and inflate your tires. This will not only help you prevent flat tires but also ensure that you will have a safe trip back home. When a vehicle sits for too long, flat tires can occur due to leaks, no matter how slow they are. And let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with this issue after returning from the best vacation of their lives! So, make sure to prioritize this aspect. Checking the car’s tires is especially important if you travel during winter because exposing the vehicle to cold for too long can harm the tires’ air pressure.
Fill your gas tank
Another step to take when preparing your car for long-term parking is filling your gas tank – unless you want to take a trip to the gas station right after your plane lands. Suppose your car will be at the airport for more than 30 days; in this case, we also recommend adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from oxidizing. It is also essential to determine whether the oil tank of your vehicle is full, so don’t forget to check it. If you spot any leaks, you should fix them to ensure the best condition for your car once you return from your vacation.
Consider covering the vehicle
Before heading to the airport building, you want to take the time to cover your car, as this will prevent thieves from seeing the model or looking inside to see if they can steal something from it. In some instances, you can opt for a covered spot for your car (for instance, lax parking offers plenty of on-site lots and off-site facilities for it), which is always worthwhile even if it tends to be more expensive. This is because it will protect your car from weather elements, like heavy rain, scorching sunlight, or a dreadful snowstorm. However, if the airport has no covered parking space, you can always purchase a car cover made of soft and breathable fibres and drape it over your vehicle. We recommend avoiding car covers made from duvet, sheet, or tarp, as they will not cover the car properly.
Don’t leave any valuables in the car
No matter which parking lot you decide to use, you will want to remove all your valuable items from the vehicle before leaving it at the airport. While parking lots are secure, taking this step as an extra safety measure is still essential. For example, if you keep important documents in the car (which most people do), it’s best to remove them and keep them in your carry-on bag instead. This will help prevent thieves from committing identity theft. Extra car keys are another item you shouldn’t leave in the vehicle, as this will give thieves the chance to easily access and even steal your car. And is it necessary to mention that you should never leave money in your car? Don’t overlook this step, and make sure nothing of value is in the automobile as you’re away so that people with bad intentions feel tempted to break into your car and steal it.
Disconnect the battery of the vehicle
If you opt for long-term airport parking, an important thing to do is to disconnect the car’s battery, as this will prevent it from draining and ensure the car will not start accidentally. However, you will also want to decide whether to leave the car in gear or park. If you opt for the former, the car should point downhill, and the handbrake should be on. On the other hand, when leaving the vehicle in the park, keep in mind to ensure the parking brake is set. These are essential precautions to keep your vehicle safe during your trip abroad.
Clean your car
When preparing your car for long-term parking, it is also essential to keep it clean. This will make your ride smoother, at the same time ensuring your vehicle maintains its good condition. You should clean both the interior and the exterior of the automobile, as both are vital parts of your car. When it comes to the exterior, bird droppings, water stains, and dirt can damage the vehicle’s paint, which is why you want to wash it using a water solution and mild soap and scrub away any debris or dirt. Keeping your car’s interior clean matters because it will keep bugs and rodents out, so make sure to vacuum carpets, seats, and floor maps and wipe down the door panels, dashboard, and console.
Takeaway
If you decide to opt for car airport long-term parking, consider the tips above to prepare it. This will help avoid running into potential issues and ensure you have a safe trip back home.
