Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Parking at the Airport

When it comes to winter parking, it creates challenges that you will not face when parking in any other season of the year. The cold weather is brutal on the vehicles, especially when they have been sitting idle for days. However, most of the problems that come with it can easily be dealt with by proper planning. 
 

Why Winter Parking Is Different
 

Let’s try to understand what happens when you leave your vehicle parked in cold weather. 
 

Battery Drainage.
 

When a car is parked in the winter, the chemical reaction inside the car’s battery can slow down greatly. This means that the battery that operates fine during the summers can lose around 30% to 50% of its life when the temperatures drop. 
 

This worsens when your car is sitting there without being used for days. This slows down and drains the battery faster, and when you return, chances are you’ll find your car battery dead. 
 

Thickening of Car Fluids
 

When we talk about car fluids, we’re talking about engine oil, transmission fluids, and brake fluids. All of these tend to thicken when the vehicle is parked in cold weather. When you turn on and try to start your car, it burdens the engine to put in more energy to make the fluid circulate.
In case your car fluids are already low or old, it will aggravate the situation. 
 

Loss of Tire Pressure
 

It has been noted that car tires loses 1 PSI of pressure every time they get parked in a temperature where the temperature drops 10 degrees at least. 
 

When you drive on underinflated tires, especially after they’ve been sitting for days, it becomes a risk of poor handling and severe tire damage. 
 

Accumulation of Ice and Snow
 

This heavily depends on the weather during your trip. If the winters are extreme, your parked car can get buried in snow or ice. And when you come back from your trip, you will face frozen door locks, snow-packed wheel wells, and windshields covered with ice. This all creates stress. 
 

Facing Corrosion from Road Salt
 

When it comes to winter weather, it means there’s road salt. If you park and your car has salt residue on its body, it gradually starts to eat your car’s paint. 
Getting to know these challenges is the first step in preparing your car for the winter airport parking. 
 

Essential Winter Vehicle Prep for Airport Parking
 

Let’s walk you through exactly what is required before you leave for the parking facility during winter. 
 

Always Check and Charge Your Battery
 

The matter of checking the battery is non-negotiable. If your car’s battery is more than three years old, it is advised to get it tested before going on the trip. Most of the auto stores will do this free of charge. 
 

If the test shows weak performance, you should replace it immediately rather than taking a risk. A new car battery will cost less than the towing truck that you’ll be calling after finding your battery dead in cold winter. Don’t forget all the stress and frustration. 
 

If your car battery is in good condition, you should go for a battery tender or a maintainer if you know you’ll have power access in the parking area. These devices are optimal in keeping the battery in the best condition during storage.
 

If there’s no space for this in the airport parking, then make sure you fully charge your battery before leaving. Don’t forget to disconnect any aftermarket electronics. 
 

Topping off All the Car Fluids
 

Before parking your car at the airport parking during winter, make sure to check your:
 

• Engine oil
• Coolant and antifreeze
• Windshield washer fluid
• Fluids for the Brake
• Fluid for power steering 
• Transmission fluid
   

In cold weather, lower fluid levels can become a critical issue. When the reservoir is full of fluids, it will help in protecting car systems from freeze damage. It ensures that everything is in proper working condition on your return. 
 

Always try to pay special attention to antifreeze. The coolant you use for your car should be for lower temperatures. If you’re unsure about your coolant protection level during winter, get it tested. 
 

Inflating Tires Properly
 

When tires are cold, checking their pressure is a must. This should be performed before driving. Inflate your car tires according to the recommendation provided by the manufacturer. 
 

You can add an extra 2 to 3 PSI beyond the recommended PSI. This is to account for pressure loss, which the tires will go through when parked for the winter. Never overinflate. 
 

Filling Gas Tank
 

When you leave your car parked at the facility during the winter, make sure the gas tank is full.
Here’s the thing: when the gas tank is full, there is no chance of moisture condensation inside the tank. If you don’t fill up your tank, it can cause fuel line problems. This also gives you the comfort that when you come back, the tank will be full and you’ll no longer have to stop for a refill in the winter. 
 

If your car is parked on a surface that has become slippery during the winter, a filled gas tank can add extra weight to it, making sure it stays still. 
 

Protecting Your Car’s Exterior
 

Exterior protection should also be on the list for winter car prep.
Wash your car thoroughly before leaving. Make sure you remove all the road salt, dirt, and grime. Salt, if left on the body of the car, can eat your paint and cause corrosion.
 

Consider going for a coat of wax or sealant for paint protection. This will create a barrier against dirt.
To avoid freezing shut, use a rubber protector around doors and the trunk. 
 

Protecting Your Car’s Interior. 
 

Prepare Your Interior
 

Before leaving your car in the parking, discard any liquid that can expand or freeze. This includes sodas, water bottles, and cleaning products. 
 

You should leave your car’s climate control at a moderate level. This will help in reducing stress when you come and restart your engine. 
 

Parking Supplies to Bring
 

• An ice scraper and a snow brush
• A Portable Jump Starter
• De-Icer Spray
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• An emergency kit
• A flashlight and a small shovel
   

In case things go south on your way back, these essentials can help in dealing with the situation and keep you safe.
 

Things to Do Before Leaving 
 

• Always inspect the car before starting the engine. Check for any snow accumulation. Clear the exhaust pipe.
• Start your engine and let it stay idle there so that it can warm up. 
• Always check for any warning lights on your dashboard.
• Test the steering wheel, the gear and the brakes, the windshield wipers, and the lights.
   

Parking in winter can be hard, but it does not have to be a nightmare.
With proper planning and preparation, your car will handle the cold weather smoothly without causing you stress and money.