There are times when you might have to leave your car unattended and park it for a long time. This can be due to multiple reasons including any emergency, vacation or other engagements. In such times, if you park your car without preparation it might face some unwanted wear and tear. Therefore, it is advised to prepare your car before leaving it unattended for long periods and to get it running smoothly once again.
Let’s go through a series of steps that would help you in preparing your car for long-term parking.
Steps to Prepare Your Car for Long-term Parking
Cleaning your car before extended parking would help in protecting it from any type of infestation.
It is suggested to complete your car maintenance checklist before parking your car for a longer period. Apart from the checklist, here are some other precautionary measures that can help you park your car for the long term without causing any damage:
Select an Appropriate Parking Space
To leave your car parked for a long time, you must choose a place that is covered and would protect the vehicle from external environmental impact. Parking indoors is suggested because it will protect the car from dust and harsh weather. However, if you are opting for a public place, choose shaded parking in Dubai or other Emirates.
Go for a Car Cover
Covering your with a car cover is also recommended to prevent exposure to dust or moisture, especially in humid weather. This is necessary for both indoor and outdoor parking spaces. For this, you can use a car cover that secures your car from environmental impact and also helps keep the paint intact.
Opt for the Interior and Exterior Cleaning
Interior and exterior cleaning of cars is an essential practice now and then, especially if you want to prepare your car for extended parking. Make sure that there’s no trash remaining in the car, on the seat covers or floor mats.
Wipe off the grime from the windows, wheels and headlights. If not cleaned thoroughly, cars can be subjected to rodent infestation which damages the wiring and might scratch the paint. Make sure to clean the interior with anti-bacterial wipes and don’t forget to leave an air freshener inside. Along with this, look out for valuables and remove them before leaving your car.
Don’t Leave Hand-brake On
Engaging hand brakes while parking a car is standard practice. However, in the case of long-term parking, it is not advisable to do so. The reason for that is, it will result in damaged brake pads sticking to discs or drums. Instead, you can use wheel chocks, a piece of wood or brick to prevent the car from rolling by putting it in the first gear.
Check the Tyre Pressure
When your car is going to be parked for a long time, make sure to check the tyre pressure and ensure they are properly inflated. Whereas, if cars are parked for too long, their tyres develop flat spots and might deform. Therefore, monitoring tyre pressure before parking your car is necessary.
Check the Engine Oil
When the oil change is delayed, it results in the formation of contaminants and debris that affect the engine’s performance and start to corrode it. Therefore, it is suggested to change the engine oil of your car before you park it for a long duration.
Scrutinise Fluids Level and Car Lubrication
It is considered important to check up on the car’s fluid levels which include transmission, power steering and brake fluids along with coolants and filters. The car oil must be changed and old car filters must be replaced before parking the car for a long time.
In addition to this, also use a silicone spray to lubricate the hood, doors and trunk latches to prevent them from freezing or rusting.
Maintain Car Battery
When you prepare your car for long-term parking, make sure the battery is detached from the vehicle. This is because batteries drain some power when attached to the car even when it’s not in use. This must be done after the battery is charged completely and the battery water level is optimized.
The battery terminals should be removed and coated with grease or lubricants and the battery must be stored in a cool and dry place.
Remove Spark Plugs
One of the tips for long-term parking is to remove the spark plugs and spray some oil in the plug sockets to prevent them from rusting or coat them with fuel additives for avoiding a buildup of any moisture in the plug heads.
Where I Can Park My Car for an Extended Period in the UAE
Finding a place to park your car for a long duration of time requires somewhere which is secure, well-sheltered and economical. This includes airport parking and paid parking spaces.
Airport Parking
International airports in the UAE provide long-term car parking spaces for the convenience of travellers. You can opt for these parking spots at Dubai International Airport and Sharjah Airport car parking.
Car Storage Facilities
Many people opt for car storage companies for safe and secure long-term parking. You can find car storage facilities in Dubai and other Emirates. The companies also provide maintenance services to their customers.
Apart from airport parking and storage facilities, there are a number of paid and rental parking spaces in the UAE. Moreover, there are limited-term permits which can be booked every month for extended parking. Their fares vary according to the number of days. Moreover, if you wish to store your car for a long time, go through these tips for temporary car storage.
Now whether you purchase a new or a used car for sale in the UAE, you can easily park it in a safe and secure place for long-term in car storage facilities.
That’s a wrap-up on the steps to prepare your car for long-term parking. Ensure the availability of arrangements necessary to keep your vehicle safe and secure without any inconvenience when you run it after a long duration.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car maintenance and parking spots in the Emirates.
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