By Madeline Klein on January 30, 2019 in Life Hacks
Were you bitten by the wanderlust bug? Can you just not get enough of traveling? Is your dream destination list getting longer and longer? If that’s the case, you’re probably spending quite a bit of time at the airport.
That means spending time in TSA lines, waiting at gates, and figuring out parking at the dreaded airport parking lot. And let’s face it, parking is no easy task at the airport. It can be expensive, and you may need to take a shuttle from your parking spot to the actual airport, which adds time to your travel plans. Not to mention you’re probably stressing about the potential of your car getting broken into while you’re out and about enjoying your vacation.
There are a few good precautions you can take if you’re leaving your car in extended parking at the airport. And these will hopefully make your trip just a little bit more worry-free.
1. Remove everything out of your car
That’s right. Literally everything. Take all your belongings out, or at least put things under seats, in the trunk, or in the glove box. You don’t want any valuables or shiny electronics to tempt the random passerby while your car is unattended. Making sure everything is out or at least hidden from sight can help keep things safe.
2. Be ready for the weather
It could be sunny and 70 when you leave, but snowing and freezing when you return. Weather is unpredictable, so make sure you’re ready to handle whatever may come your way. That means that if it’s winter, you’ll want to have an ice scraper with you so you can crack your way into your car if it’s really frozen when you return to it.
3. Use a windshield cover
Windshield covers like this one can be a lifesaver when you’re leaving your car. It can help keep your vehicle cool in the summer or keep ice and snow off your windshield in the winter. Less time scraping ice off your car? Sign us up!
The cover can also help block the view of what’s in your car. This can help deter people from wanting to break in and may keep your car just a little bit safer.
4. Check your lights
Before walking away from your car, do a quick check of all the lights. It’s worth it. Really. Do a quick walk around your vehicle and make sure your headlights are off, as well as any lights that were turned on within the car. Nothing’s worse than coming back to a drained battery after a trip. Sure, you may have Roadside Assistance, but a dead battery will surely put a damper on your travels home.
5. Write down your parking spot
Simple, but so important! Make a quick note about where you parked. Make a note in your phone about the color, number, or lot name so you can quickly and easily find your car after a trip. Or, better yet, take a photo of the sign. A lost car at the airport will definitely lead to immediate post-vaca stress, and we don’t want that!
6. Set your anti-theft device
If your car has an anti-theft device, be sure to arm it before you leave. And if you don’t have an anti-theft device, you may want to look into getting one before leaving your car at the airport for a long trip. The investment would be worth it if it deters a break-in.