Long-term travel: What to do with your car when you’ll be away for a long time 

If you’re anxious about travelling by plane, reaching your departure spot by driving your vehicle can be a great way to alleviate your anxiety.

The car is one of the most important possessions in an individual’s life, to the extent that it is a rite of passage for many individuals to get their own vehicle. Taking care of it can be an extensive and expensive process, but most people take good care of their cars because they make their lives easier. It is easy to become over-reliant on them due to disregarding the importance of walking or cycling more regularly, activities that are important for both physical well-being and the environment. Since many people are careful with their vehicles, it goes without saying that not seeing yours for weeks or even months can seem daunting and even stress-inducing. 

However, there are situations in which you must embark on a long-term journey, typically overseas, so bringing your car along isn’t feasible. What can be done in this situation? How do you ensure that your vehicle is still in the best shape upon your return, and what are the steps you need to take to ensure that its safety is guaranteed throughout the duration of your trip? Here are some of the things you need to take into consideration. 

Parking

If you’re anxious about travelling by plane, reaching your departure spot by driving your vehicle can be a great way to alleviate your anxiety. But long-term airport parking can sound daunting, and worrying about your car’s safety is a reasonable concern. Typically, you will be able to have your car parked at the airport for up to a month, but longer stays can be arranged. However, it is essential to be upfront about your plans so that special arrangements can be made. 

Stansted Airport parking is one of the best options when it comes to parking facilities, as the airport serves over 28 million passengers every year, making it one of the busiest airports in the UK. This naturally means that they had to perfect their services to ensure the satisfaction of their customers. One of the features they offer is parking, and there are several alternatives you can choose from. For instance, the Meet and Greet parking service lets you drive to the terminal and then have a parking staff member collect your car. When you return, they will be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal so you can hop into your car right away. 

The Park and Ride service lets you check in your vehicle upon arrival and then use the free shuttle service to reach the airport. If your departure is very early in the morning, you can get the Hotel and Parking service that lets you park either near or directly the hotel, and have a bus transport you between the hotel and the airport so you don’t drive very early. 

Important considerations 

There are some key considerations you need to take into account when it comes to long-term parking. Although services such as https://parkos.co.uk/ offer reliable safety and security 24/7, there are still some extra precautions you need to take to minimise the risk of your vehicle being targeted by lawbreakers. The most important thing is to never leave any essential or expensive possessions in your car, even if it’s locked and placed in an area where there are plenty of security cameras. These things will deter some people, but not all of them. Make sure you are aware of all the essential information concerning the payments and have the option of getting in touch with the customer service employees at any time. This is imperative for your peace of mind so that you feel secure and can focus on what you must do during your travels. 

Have a look at the reviews of the service you plan on using. You can gain valuable insights from the customers who worked with the company before you to better understand what you can expect. You might also be able to determine what are some things that you absolutely shouldn’t do when using this service. 

Additional alternatives 

Apart from long-term parking at the airport, there are several other methods you can use. Car sharing is one of the most popular, as it basically means that you’re renting or lending your vehicle to someone else while you’re away. If the individual is a friend or a family member, the arrangement will typically be completely informal, but things are a little more complicated if it’s someone you don’t know, as you’ll have to complete an official contract and get insurance ready. This might not be worth the amount you could receive due to renting your vehicle and is not the best option if you’re in a hurry. 

Leaving your car in a locked garage at home is a great option, but it’s not available for everybody because not all households have a garage. Parking your car with relatives or friends who have extra parking space that can accommodate your vehicle is arguably the best option, as you know that the car is not essentially left on its own. Renting long-term storage is the preferred choice for those who have to study or work abroad for several months or who have chosen to become digital nomads. Depending on your choice, budget, and what the provider has available at the moment, your car can get either lot or unit parking. 

Preparations 

After choosing the service you want to use to handle your vehicle long-term, it’s time to get your car ready. After removing all the valuables, you should make sure your car is thoroughly clean. That means removing any food wrappers or empty coffee cups that may have remained in your car. Ensure your tyres have enough air pressure and all the car fluids are in order. Use a sun visor on the windshield to prevent any damage, and consider disconnecting the battery if you know you will be gone for over a week. The parking lot managers can provide additional recommendations for what you should do to ensure the safety of your car. 

Travelling is one of the greatest joys in life, but it is often only as pleasant as attentive and mindful as you’ve been about planning things beforehand. Ensuring your car is safe and sound before setting out on a long-term journey will put your mind at ease and allow you to have a perfect trip.