CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels
Beyond security, there are many other ways you can protect your car when traveling. Getting it right before you leave means there is less work and fewer problems when you get home.
Reserve a Good Parking Space
You can leave your car in the hands of trained professionals at the airport when you go away. Of course, there’s also the option of a standard parking space at the airport. But you won’t get any service. Which could be damaging if you have a classic or a luxury vehicle. Fortunately, specialist airport offsite parking services like Valet Connections offer advanced features. A parking company will clean your car, service the essentials and provide much-needed security.
Clean It Well Before You Leave
You might like to go on long trips. So, if your car is just going to sit in your driveway and not be used much, you might want to give it a deep clean if you have the time. This means you’ll have less work to do when you get back, and it will be easier to spot any new problems. And don’t forget about the inside. You want it to be clean and tidy when you get home, just like your home. Pay attention to the wheel and column, the entire center console, and the gear shifter.
Use a Cover to Protect Your Car when Traveling
People don’t park their cars in their garages more than half of the time. But even if you do, you still need a car cover while you’re away. This will stop dust, dirt, and animals from getting on your car. You want to make sure your pride and joy is fine while you’re hitting the road in another country. So, if you park your car on an outside driveway, ensure the cover is water resistant, made from soft fabric, and tied down so that it doesn’t get blown away by the weather.
What About Electric Vehicles?
If you drive a hybrid or a battery-powered car, don’t park it when the battery is dead. Make sure the power supply is at least half charged instead. If you have a wall-box charger at home, you can connect your EV or hybrid and charge it with an app. Every car is, of course, different. So, if you have doubts about your car, look at the owner’s manual or contact the company that made it. Most official websites have helpful information about how to take care of your model.
Take Care of the Essentials
Cars need a lot of care, and you have to take proper care of them even when you’re not there. For example, when the tires aren’t used for a long time, the air pressure in them goes down, and they get flat spots. So fill the tires up before you go. And changing the oil and filters, which you could do yourself, also helps. Buying a battery trickle charger and leaving it plugged in is also a good idea. This will keep the charge on your car’s battery and keep it running until you return.
Summary
You can avoid many issues if you take steps to protect your car when traveling away from home. These include using parking services, covering your vehicle, and doing a basic service.