Prepping Your Car Before Leaving It at Aeropark for Days

Going on a trip also means leaving your car alone for several days, sometimes several weeks. A bit of preparation before boarding the shuttle to the terminal can save you plenty of hassle when you return. Here are the points to check before leaving your vehicle at Aeropark.

Fill up or empty the tank?

Neither extreme is ideal. An almost empty tank isn't recommended, as it encourages condensation inside over long periods. A full tank isn't necessary either, since you won't be driving much when you get back. A middling level is more than enough for a stay of a few days to a few weeks.

Check your tyre pressure

A slightly underinflated tyre left stationary for a long time can develop a localised flat spot, especially in cold weather. Before leaving, take a few minutes to check the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. It's a quick step that protects your tyres over time.

The handbrake: not always your friend for long stays

Many travellers pull the handbrake out of habit before leaving their car. Over a short period, that's no problem. But over several days, especially in damp weather, the brake pads can slightly stick to the disc or drum. For a long stay, it's better to leave the car in gear (manual) or in park (automatic), with wheels chocked if the slope of the ground requires it.

Unplug anything that drains the battery

A battery naturally discharges over time, and certain devices speed this up even with the engine off: a GPS tracker left permanently plugged in, a phone charger still in the cigarette lighter socket, a poorly set alarm. Before you go, unplug any unnecessary accessories. If your vehicle will be parked for several weeks, it's also worth checking the overall condition of the battery beforehand: an already tired battery won't cope well with a long period of inactivity.

A clean cabin, nothing left behind

Before locking the car, take a look inside. Leftover drink dregs, a forgotten sandwich or crumbs can attract unpleasant smells after several days of heat building up in the cabin, especially in summer. While you're at it, remove any valuables visible from outside: a bag, a GPS mounted on the windscreen, sunglasses. It's never a good idea to leave items in plain sight in a vehicle, wherever it's parked.

Properly close doors, windows and sunroof

It sounds obvious, but it's the most common thing forgotten in the rush of heading off on holiday. A window left open just a few centimetres is enough to let rain in during a shower. Before stepping away from your car at Aeropark, do a full visual check: windows closed, sunroof locked, boot properly shut.

Think about the weather on your return, not just departure

If you leave in high summer and come back several weeks later, weather conditions may well have changed. A windscreen left unprotected can gather dust or residue from trees depending on the season. Nothing serious, but it's worth bringing something to quickly clean your windows before hitting the road again on your return.

The case of long-term parking

For a stay of several weeks, these precautions matter even more. A vehicle left stationary for a long time can develop minor mechanical niggles that wouldn't show up after just three or four days: slightly deflated tyres, a weakened battery, odours in the cabin. Nothing alarming, but it's better to limit the risks beforehand rather than discover them on your return, tired from travelling.

One last thing before boarding the shuttle

Once your vehicle is parked in the spot assigned to you on arrival, take a moment to note the location: a photo of the spot on your phone can be handy on your return, especially after a long stay when details tend to fade. It's a small habit that makes finding your car again much easier, once you've stepped off the free shuttle bringing you back from the terminal.

In summary

Preparing your car before a trip only takes a few minutes, but these simple steps avoid plenty of surprises on your return: a sensible fuel level, checked tyre pressure, avoiding the handbrake for long stays, accessories unplugged, a clean cabin and everything properly closed up. Small habits that let you leave with peace of mind, and find your vehicle just as you left it.

To arrange your parking ahead of a flight from Gosselies, you can book your space online and check the pricing page for terms based on the length of your stay.