DIY Car Prep Before Leaving It at the Airport for Weeks 

We’ve all been there: you’ve snagged a brilliant Compare Manchester Airport Parking for your three-week holiday, packed your suitcase, and triple-checked your passport. But have you prepped your car? After returning from a trip to find a dead battery, sagging tyres, and a dashboard hotter than the Costa del Sol in August, I learned the hard way that leaving your car unattended requires more than just locking the doors. 

Here’s my foolproof checklist to ensure your car survives airport parking unscathed—because even the cheapest, most secure airport parking deals won’t save you from a flat battery or mouldy crisps lurking under the seat. 

1. Give It a Proper Clean (Yes, Really) 

A quick wipe-down isn’t just about vanity. Bird droppings, tree sap, or road grime left for weeks can etch into your paintwork. I spend 20 minutes before every trip hosing off the exterior and vacuuming crumbs (RIP to that forgotten biscuit under my toddler’s seat last summer). Empty the interior completely—no half-finished water bottles or snack wrappers. Trust me, you don’t want to return to a car that smells like a bin lorry. 

Must Read: The Rise of Automated Parking Systems at UK Airports.

2. Pump Up Those Tyres 

Tyres naturally lose pressure over time, and cold weather can make this worse. Before my Iceland trip, I ignored my slightly soft rear tyre—big mistake. Two weeks later, it was completely flat, and I had to limp to a petrol station. Now, I inflate all tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (check your manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door). Some experts even suggest adding 5-10 PSI to compensate for gradual deflation. 

3. Top Up Fluids Like Your Engine’s Life Depends on It 

Your car’s fluids are its lifeblood. Check the oil—if it’s dirty or low, consider a change. Coolant should sit between the “min” and “max” marks, and a full screen wash tank prevents grimy build-up. Last winter, I skipped the coolant top-up and returned to a frozen reservoir. A £10 fix turned into a £100 garage bill.

Must Read: Top Strategies for Avoiding Airport Parking Overcharges. 

4. Declutter Like You’re Moving House 

Even the most secure car park isn’t Fort Knox. Remove everything: sat navs, charging cables, that £2 coin in the cupholder. Thieves target airport cars knowing owners are abroad. A friend learned this after her aux cable sparked a broken window—all for a £1.99 Primark scarf in the back seat. 

5. Shield Your Interior from the Elements 

British weather is unpredictable, but a windscreen sunshade is non-negotiable. In summer, it stops your steering wheel from melting (I’ve got the blisters to prove it). In winter, it prevents frost buildup. For extra protection, rub a thin layer of dashboard conditioner to avoid cracks—yes, even in Manchester. 

6. Lock, Double-Check, and Snap a “Where’s My Car?” Photo 

Modern keys can be fiddly. After a 3am drop-off, I once spent 20 minutes wandering a car park because I’d “locked” my car without realising the boot was slightly ajar. Now, I physically check each door, then take a photo of my parking spot (bonus points for snapping the row number). 

Must Read: Fuel Costs & Manchester Airport Parking.

Bonus Tip: Battery TLC 

If you’re parking for over a month, consider a trickle charger or disconnecting the battery. My neighbour’s Focus refused to start after a six-week Bali trip, all because the radio drained the battery. A five-minute fix with a spanner saved him a £80 jump-start callout.