How To Look After Your Car While You're Away

As the weather improves and we head into summer your thoughts will probably have turned to your holidays. While there is lots of advice available on how to make sure your home is secure while you are away on holiday, what if you’re leaving your car at home?

We’ve put together an invaluable guide which tells you everything you need to know if you’re planning on leaving your car behind when you jet off this summer. And, if you’re planning to leave your car at the airport, we also have some useful advice for you. Keep reading to find out more.

Some police forces report that the number of burglaries from cars increases in the holiday season. So, if you’re planning to leave your car at home while you are away, you should make sure it isn’t a temptation for a burglar.

Make sure you empty your car of all your belongings and replace the parcel shelf so any of your boot contents cannot be seen. Also, double check that you lock your car doors. It’s easy to forget and to leave your car unlocked on your drive or on the road.

Finally, make sure you haven’t left your lights or any other electrical item on. If you have, you are likely to return home to find your battery has been drained.

Many experts recommend that you park your car in your garage or undercover if you can.

Leaving your car outside in bright sunshine or in persistent rain can damage the paintwork or make it more likely that your car won’t start when you return from your holiday.

Even of your car is secured it is important that you don’t leave your car keys where a thief can find them. Avoid leaving them on a windowsill, a table inside your front door or on a key rack. If a burglar gets into your house and you have left your keys visible they can easily make off with your pride and joy.

One solution is to consider leaving your car keys with a friend or neighbour while you are away. As well as ensuring the keys are safe, your friend could also start the car and run the engine throughout your holiday. This should ensure your car starts with no problems on your return.

Having a neighbour drive and move the car will also give the impression that you are at home - and this can deter potential burglars.

With strong competition, there are lots of great deals for airport parking, particularly if you have booked your spot in advance. However, if you’re planning to leave your car at the airport while you jet abroad, you should still be careful.

Make sure your chosen car park has the Park Mark status. A car park with this logo has been vetted for safety and security by police. In addition, check whether the car park has CCTV, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), security fences, guard patrols and lights.

You may also want to consider a ‘meet and greet’ service. Here, you can drop your car off and pick it up at the terminal entrance. Always check where the car will be stored when you’re away, whether it carries the Park Mark logo for safety and security and that there is suitable insurance in the event that your car is damaged while being driven by the parking service.