It is the holiday season and you are probably packing your bags, and everyone is eager to go on a long-awaited trip. But before you do so, you need to make sure that your vehicle is parked somewhere where it is safe and secure.
Leaving your car in the driveway while on vacation sounds like a great idea. A house with cars parked in the driveway might keep away intruders and burglars who think you are home. However, theft shouldn’t be your only concern when leaving your car at home because other things might happen while you are away such as falling objects that might cause dents and scratches on your car.
Deciding whether to leave your car in your driveway or to park it somewhere safer, depends on the length of your trip. For longer trips, it is best to leave your car at the airport’s parking lot and take a shuttle to the airport. In the US, for example, the idea of long term parking has really taken off, and it’s very convenient and safe. In Miami, if you are worried about incurring costs, MIA parking rates are affordable and often offer good deals. It will cost more to fix your car as a result of damage that may occur due to unsafe parking, than paying to leave your car in a secured area.
Here are a few tips to consider when you leave your car in the driveway while away on vacation:
Cover Up
Choose the right car cover that fits perfectly on your car, so that there will be no, or little space left where dust can enter. The cover needs to be more weatherproof and tougher than the one designed for indoor parking.
Maintaining the Battery
Batteries lose charge over time, so even if your car is not operating, your batteries are still working, this keeps all the electronic presets running. The best way is to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before leaving.
Empty the Fuel tank
If your car runs on petrol, then it is best to empty your fuel tank. Because unlike diesel, petrol tends to become stale when the car is not in use. Also, additives in petrol degrade over time, causing problems in your fuel tank.
Inflate the Tires
Flat spots on tires occur when a car hasn’t moved for a long time. Inflating your tires to the correct air pressure will help avoid tire issues. For longer trips, it is best to get someone to move the car every week to warm up the tires.
After cleaning and organizing your car, make sure to secure it by removing any valuable items, such as electronic devices and the stereo system.
It is considered safe to leave your car in the driveway while on shorter trips, as long as you ensure that it is safe and secured. Emptying the fuel take and inflating tires to the correct pressure along with covering it up well, will help you avoid coming back home to find troubles with your car.
