How to Prepare Your Car for Long-Term Airport Parking
Leaving your car at the airport for days, weeks or even months needs a little planning. Do it right and you’ll come home to a car that starts, drives and looks the same as when you left it. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide you can use as a checklist before you hand over the keys.
Quick overview (do these first)
- Book a reputable long-term lot with CCTV and staff.
- Remove valuables and any paperwork with personal data.
- Top up fuel, check oil/fluids, inflate tyres, and look after the battery.
Detailed pre-departure checklist
- Choose a secure parking provider
Pick a lot that offers good security (gates, fencing, CCTV, lighting and staff). Many off-site long-term operators publish their security features — choose one with 24/7 surveillance and clear insurance or liability terms. - Remove valuables (and hide what you can’t remove)
Don’t leave bags, electronics, paperwork or receipts visible. Either take them with you or lock them in the boot before you arrive. If you must leave something in the vehicle (e.g., child booster seat), make that explicit to the parking company and ensure it’s concealed. Simple steps like emptying gloveboxes and removing parking permits reduce temptation. - Check and increase tyre pressure slightly
Inflate tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure — some sources suggest adding a few PSI to reduce the chance of flat-spotting if the car sits for weeks. If you expect to leave the car for several months, some manufacturers recommend a slightly higher pressure (check your handbook or the park operator’s advice). Photograph the tyre pressures and note the bay number where you park. - Battery care: use a maintainer or disconnect
Modern cars have standby draws (alarms, ECUs, clocks). For stays longer than a couple of weeks, either ask the parking operator if they offer battery maintenance, use a battery maintainer/trickle charger if available, or disconnect the battery (only if you’re comfortable doing so — disconnecting may reset electronic settings). A battery maintainer is the safest option to avoid a flat battery on return. - Fuel and fluids
Top up the tank before you leave — a fuller tank reduces condensation and corrosion. If you’ll be gone several months, consider a fuel stabilizer (more common guidance for very long storage). Check oil, coolant and washer fluid so everything’s at normal levels on return. - Brakes / handbrake — what to do
If you’ll be away a very long time, avoid leaving the parking brake engaged for months (it can seize to the discs). For short to medium stays, the handbrake is fine. Some recommend leaving the car in gear (manual) or in ‘park’ (automatic) and using wheel chocks if practical. Follow any local parking operator guidance. Photograph or note any chocks or gear selection you use. - Clean it and secure the interior
A quick interior cleaning removes food or trash that could attract pests. Use a sunshade to protect the dash and leather from UV if you’re parking outdoors in hot weather. Close all windows and sunroofs, lock the doors, and double-check the boot and glovebox. - Security extras
Activate the alarm/immobiliser, remove spare keys from the vehicle, and consider additional anti-theft measures (steering wheel lock) if you’re worried. Park under lighting or near cameras if you can choose a spot. Note (or photograph) the bay number, signage and any GPS reference so you can find the car quickly on return. - Paperwork & contact details
Keep proof of purchase/booking for the parking, the operator’s contact number, and your car registration and one photo of the vehicle (front/plate). Leave emergency contact details only with trusted operators. If you have breakdown cover, ensure it’s active while you’re away. - On return: a quick walk-round
When you collect your car, check for new damage, inspect tyre pressures, reconnect any battery maintainer, and start the engine to let it reach normal temperature. Test lights, wipers and brakes before driving away.
Final tip: treat long-term airport parking like short storage
Preparing a car for long-term airport parking borrows from extended-storage best practice: secure it, protect fluids and battery health, and remove temptations. A small investment of time before you depart (and choosing a reputable parking provider) will save you any hassle on your return.
By Stephen Forster at 13 Jan 2026