Car Maintenance Tips While Using Long-Term Parking

This is a hard fact: our cars have not been made to sit idle for weeks. 
However, that is exactly what happens when you go for long-term parking and have long travel days. It is super important to know that without the proper awareness and preparation, your car can go through hundreds or even thousands worth of damage. This could turn what is supposed to be a simple parking experience into chaos. 
There is something that many of us fail to understand: when you park your car for an extended period, you will likely encounter maintenance issues that don’t occur during regular or daily driving. This includes but is not limited to the draining of the battery, tire flat spotting, deterioration of fluid, and infiltration of pests inside the car. This can turn into an expensive nightmare. 

Whether you're parked for a week-long holiday or a 30-day business trip, you must know that the car you’ve parked will require special preparations for going through these days of inactivity. 
As someone who operates The Parking Station, I have researched and asked questions of my existing customers and a bunch of mechanics to hear what they have to say about cars being parked for long periods. I have developed a guide to protect your vehicle and prevent damage from inactivity. 

In this car maintenance guide, you will know:

• The very important 2-day checklist that can help you avoid 90% of the damages that could occur in long-term parking.
• How different parking places require different maintenance needs. 
• Special fluids, duration of parking, as well as important parts that could be damaged.
• Money-saving strategies for different types of cars and their duration of storage.
• The right way to inspect your car upon arrival. 
• Procedures that are required in case of an emergency. 

Let’s dive in.

What Really Happens to Idle Cars in Long-Term Parking

Idle cars create several conditions and issues that daily-used cars don’t produce or face.

Battery and Electrical System

• There is a natural discharge that causes a 1%-3% loss of battery life daily.
• If you have a modern car, it likely consumes power for its computer memory, clock functions, and security systems.
• Lead sulphate batteries are likely to develop sulfate crystals whenever discharged.

Mechanical Parts

• When there’s a constant pressure involved, it could cause a flat spot that will be permanent on contact patches. 
• The rotors of your car can produce rust. Brake pads can also stick to the rotors. 
• Seals and gaskets of the car can also be subject to drying and cracks without proper circulation of lubrication.
• Vital car fluids such as coolant and oil can break down when there’s zero circulation.

Environmental Damages

• An idle car can become a place for mice and rats to make their nest.
• Infestation of insects can destroy the wiring and air filters of the car.
• Condensation occurs in an idle car, causing rust and a number of electrical problems. 
• In case the car is parked outdoors, weather exposure can cause UV damage and precipitation effects. 
   

Combining all that, that’s easily a $500-$5000 repair waiting for your return. 

Preparation Checklist for Four-Term Parking

Mechanical Checklist

• Make sure to change engine oil every six months.
• Make sure to top off all the levels of fluid in the car. (Coolant, oil for transmission).
• Fill the tank and add stabilizer for storage for at least thirty days.
• Monitor pressure and inflate it to the maximum PSI suggested.
• Make sure to test out the charging system and car battery.
• Check the car belts and hoses for damage. 

Electrical and Battery Checklist

• The battery terminals should be cleaned with a protective coating.
• The battery installation tender should be for storage for at least 2 weeks.
• Make sure to turn off all the lights and the electrical accessories.
• Any electronic device that draws energy in the aftermarket should be completely removed.
• All windows, doors, and systems should be tested and checked properly. 

Interior-Exterior Cleaning Checklist

• All beverages, food, and organizational materials should be removed from the car.
• The interior of the car should be vacuumed, including its seats and crevices.
• The leather surfaces should be cleaned.
• The exterior should be washed. Protective wax should also be applied.
• Wheels should be thoroughly cleaned. 

Pest and Environment Checklist

• Moisture absorbers should be installed inside the car.
• A car cover should be considered for outdoor parking.
• Making sure all the windows are closed.
• Any air intake should be blocked. 
• Rodent deterrent must be applied in the engine’s bay area. 

Documentation and Security Checklist

• The vehicle should be photographed from every angle before leaving the parking area.
• Odometer and fuel level should be recorded.
• The insurance company must be notified of the storage.
• Don’t leave any important documents inside the car.
• The parking facility should be left with your contact information. 

Maintenance Strategies (Cost-Effective) 

Here are some of the budget-friendly car maintenance tips for long-term airport parking to make sure your car has maximum safety and health while it’s parked. 

Approach 1 (Basic)

• Looking out for battery maintenance and basic fluids.
• Cleaning and preparing your car for long-term parking (DIY).
• Using simple pest deterrence and moisture control.
• Using a car cover for outdoor protection.

Approach 2 (Standard)

• Battery tender installation (professional).
• Going for a complete fluid service before the storage.
• Opting for covered parking.
• Taking pest-proof measures. 

Approach 3 (Premium)

• Opting to park your car at a climate-controlled facility.
• Hiring professionals to take care of cleaning and preparation.
• Hiring professionals for pest control measures.
• Referring to inspection visits of the vehicle while you’re away.
• Insurance coverage and maintenance of the car.

By following any one of these approaches, you will drastically reduce the chances of causing any sort of damage to your car while it is parked in the parking facility. 

The protection cost is less than the repair cost. 

These are some of the measures that can yield great benefits and can save potentially thousands of dollars if taken into account. Many of these easy trips and tricks are simple and yet overlooked by the majority, opting for long-term parking. Note that the long-term protection is not an expense but an investment to save from a greater loss. 
People simply need to plan beforehand to be prepared and take care of their car while it sits in the parking lot for a longer period while they’re away. And when you return, the last thing you desire is to see your precious transport in a bad condition and lots of expensive repairs. So by simply following this super basic guide, you can actually save your car and be relaxed upon your return.