So you’re about to embark on a long trip.
You have your paperwork ready, your bags packed, and you’ve made the excellent choice of trusting San Diego Park, Shuttle & Fly with your vehicle.
While we’ll handle your car’s safety with around-the-clock security and on-site staff, you still need to do a few things to ensure your car is in top shape by the time you return.
Don’t worry, though. Here, we’ll tell you exactly what you need to do when parking a car for long-term storage.
Wash and Wax.
While we offer shaded parking, it’s still a good idea to give your car a good wash and wax before letting it sit for a long time. This way the paint will be protected from the air and other contaminants.
Clean the interior.
You want to be meticulous about cleaning your car before leaving it sitting for a long time. Stray trash, particularly organic, can stain and stink up your car if you leave it there for long.
Top off your tanks.
If it has fluid in it, you’ll want to top off that tank, as condensation can lead to rusting if the car isn’t used for a long time.
Don’t worry about potential theft. We offer ’round the clock security in all of our parking lots, and your car will be protected by both security cameras and security personnel.
If you haven’t changed your oil in a long time, this is the time to do it. Old oil has the potential to become acidic if it’s not used.
Mind the battery.
This applies to both old and new vehicles.
Older models need to have their batteries disconnected to avoid depletion, while newer models that require a constant source of power require a trickle charger to keep their internal systems working.
Inflate your tires.
To prevent flat spots, make sure all of your tires are inflated to the suggested tire pressure, and account for temperature changes, particularly during winter.
Our shaded parking lots can protect your car from the elements, but it’s always recommended to follow this step.
Optional Step: Cover your exhaust pipe.
Our parking lots are clean and well-lit, so rodents and other critters aren’t a concern for long-time parking, particularly if you’ve cleaned the interior of your vehicle.
Still, if you wish to take extra precautions, covering all possible entries to your vehicle is always a good idea.
Leaving your car behind for long periods can be nerve-wracking, to the point some people prefer to drive for days on end than leave their car unattended, but with San Diego Park, Shuttle & Fly, you can rest assured your car will be protected even if you’re traveling around the world.
