Whether you are a frequent business traveler or you only occasionally take vacations with the fam, chances are at some point that you have or will park your car at the airport. While airport-parking services can be very affordable and convenient, there’s always the chance that your car could be damaged, stolen, or burglarized. Anything from weather damage to missing car parts to theft can be valid concerns of travelers who consider using airport parking.
That’s why it’s so important to take steps to ensure the safety of your vehicle while it’s parked, especially at a large and busy airport like Detroit Metro Airport.
Check out these tips on how you can protect your car’s safety in airport parking lots. The key is to enlist the help of expert DTW airport parking.
Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Car
Clear out your car of junk and valuables prior to leaving for the airport. At the same time, give it a good cleaning and de-cluttering. Many airports don’t offer as strict security for cars in long-term parking as they do in short-term lots and garages. A burglar will be attracted to a car with visible valuables left on the seat, so it’s best not to tempt them. Leave those expensive items at home, take them with you, or lock them in the trunk at the very least.
Choose a Lot Wisely
Reputable airport parking services will take good care of your car, but ultimately, you have to choose the right lot. Stick with covered parking if possible, which will prevent your car from getting damaged by sun, rain, ice, and snow. If you park in open-air spots, your car will be exposed to all kinds of weather events, from sleet and rain to snow and harsh sun. The lot you select should be visible, well-lit, and feature 24-hour CCTV or security surveillance. Snap a photo of your spot so you can find it quickly later.
Ensure Proper Inflation of Tires
Make sure your tires are correctly inflated well before leaving for the airport. If the pressure is low or you suspect there is a slow leak, make sure to get it fixed now before heading out. There’s nothing worse than coming home exhausted from a trip only to find you have a flat tire. That will add an hour or two onto your vacation – and not the good kind!
Also before leaving, top off any necessary fluids, such as windshield wiper fluid and oil. Making sure your car is in good general shape will give you added peace of mind. Take a walk around your vehicle before leaving it, taking photos and notes of the condition. This will give you a good point of comparison for when you inspect it upon return.
Lock the Doors
While this sounds like a no-brainer, you’d be surprised by how many travelers neglect this simple precaution in their haste to make their flight. Stay calm and leave yourself enough time to get to the airport without getting frazzled and stressed, which is when simple mistakes and oversights happen. Stay in your routine and you can assure yourself that you checked off all the boxes.
Leave the Proper Accessories in Your Trunk
Be prepared by adding the right seasonal items to your trunk. In winter, keep an ice scraper or small shovel in your trunk while away. You may have left your car there on a clear day but when you return, it may be covered in snow. The last thing you want is for the airport plows to block you in with a wall of snow. In the summer, leave a few water bottles hidden in a cool, shady place. Put up a windshield shade before leaving, or drape a blanket over your steering wheel and leather seats. This will protect your bare legs from getting burned when getting inside after the car has been sitting in the hot sun all week.
Better yet: choose valet parking where your car is placed in a covered area and valets can have your car ready and waiting for your arrival.
Look For Cameras
Whether you decide on open-air parking or covered parking, check for the presence of security cameras. 24-hour surveillance gives you peace of mind in this most basic form of security. These cameras can provide critical evidence in the unlikely event of burglary or theft. You may also want to consider upgrading the security of your vehicle with an alarm system that syncs with a smartphone app. This is a great investment overall, not just when traveling.
Take Advantage of Airport Parking Services
Here at Valet Connections DTW parking, we are your source for affordable, easy, convenient airport parking, whether you are in need of short- or long-term parking services. Our helpful and friendly staff can make this transition super easy for you, thanks to fully insured drivers, CCTV security with 24/7 surveillance, and additional car services such as car washes, oil changes, and car details. Choosing our DTW off site parkinggives you peace of mind as you head on your trip. With us protecting your car, you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Following these tips will go a long way to ensuring your car’s safety in airport parking, resulting in a stress-free trip.
Contact Valet Connections DTW Parking
Here at Valet Connections DTW Parking, our pickups and drop-offs are some of the fastest around, with shuttles coming by every 10 to 15 minutes on a 24/7 basis. We make it easy and quick to pick up or drop off your vehicle, plus we can have it washed and ready for your return if you so choose. To learn more, contact us at (734) 992-4946 today.