How to Keep Your Car Safe and Maintained During Long-Term Parking

Leaving your car in long-term parking (whether it’s for a well-earned overseas holiday, an extended business trip, or while moving between cities) can sometimes feel like an exercise in worry. Is it safe? Will the battery last? What about the tyres, or the paintwork exposed to the elements?

At Novotel Melbourne Airport, we understand that when you park your vehicle for a long duration, peace of mind is everything. That’s why we’ve compiled a guide to help you ensure long-term car parking safety, covering both maintenance tips and security best practices. Whether you’re parking for a few days or several weeks, a few simple precautions can go a long way in protecting your investment.

Check Your Tyres Before and After Parking

Tyres are often the first thing to suffer when a car is left idle for an extended period. Underinflated tyres can develop flat spots, making for an uncomfortable (and potentially unsafe) drive when you return. Before parking, make sure all tyres are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI – this can help maintain their shape and extend their lifespan. If you’re going to be away for a month or more, consider using tyre cradles or slightly overinflating the tyres (no more than 10% above the recommended pressure) to reduce the risk of flat-spotting. Upon your return, it’s a good idea to recheck the pressure and inspect for any visible damage before driving off.

Disconnect the Battery (or Use a Trickle Charger)

Car batteries naturally discharge over time, especially in colder months. For trips longer than two weeks, disconnecting the battery can help preserve its life and ensure your car starts when you return. If you prefer not to disconnect it (or if your car has electronic settings you’d rather not reset), a trickle charger is a great alternative. These handy devices provide a steady, low-voltage current that keeps the battery topped up safely while the car is not in use. Some airport travellers also opt for portable jump starters in the boot… just in case.

Use a Quality Car Cover

It’s no secret that Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable. Even in covered parking environments, dust, wind, and UV rays can slowly degrade your vehicle’s exterior. A weather-resistant car cover helps shield the paintwork from dust, bird droppings, moisture, and tree sap. If you’re parking in an open lot or uncovered space, a high-quality, breathable car cover is especially important; it prevents trapped moisture (which can cause rust) and helps preserve the vehicle’s shine.

Clean the Car Inside and Out

It might seem counterintuitive to wash your car right before leaving it parked, but giving it a thorough clean helps prevent damage to the paint. Bug splatter, bird droppings, and tree sap are all acidic and can corrode your vehicle’s clear coat over time. Vacuuming the interior, removing any rubbish, and emptying water bottles or perishables are equally important – this discourages pests from turning your car into a temporary home and helps avoid unpleasant odours when you return.

Top Up Fluids

Before you drop off your car, make sure fluids (especially oil, coolant, and windscreen washer) are at healthy levels. Fresh oil helps protect your engine from moisture buildup and corrosion, while coolant guards against temperature-related engine issues. Even the windscreen washer fluid plays a role in long-term car parking safety, especially during pollen season or in dusty environments. It’s all about returning to a car that’s ready to drive.

Don’t Engage the Handbrake

Yes, you read that right. Engaging the handbrake for long periods can cause brake pads to stick to the rotors, especially in damp or humid conditions. Instead, use wheel chocks or leave your vehicle in gear (for manual transmissions) or ‘park’ (for automatics) to prevent rolling. This is a small but smart habit that protects your braking system from avoidable wear and tear.

Store Your Vehicle in a Secure Facility

One of the most effective ways to ensure long-term car parking security is by choosing a trusted, well-lit, and monitored facility. At Novotel Melbourne Airport, we offer secure parking options that prioritise your car’s safety while you’re away. Security features like gated access, CCTV surveillance, and regular patrols are essential when you’re looking at how to prevent car theft during long absences (learn more about our parking options and directions).

Record Your Car’s Condition

It may seem like overkill, but taking a few photos of your vehicle before you leave can provide peace of mind – and documentation – in the rare event that something happens. Snap photos of all sides, especially any existing scratches or dents, and save them to your phone. It’s a simple safeguard that takes only a minute but can make a world of difference if disputes arise later.

Remove Valuables and Toll Tags

For both security and insurance reasons, be sure to remove all valuables from plain sight – laptops, wallets, GPS units, and even charging cables can attract unwanted attention. On top of this, if you’re travelling interstate or leaving your car idle near toll cameras, it’s a good idea to remove your toll tag or disable your automatic toll account temporarily (this helps prevent accidental charges or misuse while you’re away).

Plan Ahead with a Park, Stay & Fly Package

If you’re flying out of Melbourne Airport and looking for the most convenient long-term parking solution, Novotel Melbourne Airport offers the perfect balance of security, comfort, and convenience. With our Park, Stay & Fly packages, you can relax in a comfortable room the night before your flight, enjoy access to our wellness centre, and leave your car in our secure facility for up to 7 days. It’s the perfect option for travellers who want to start their trip well-rested, and return to a well-maintained, safe vehicle. Plus, you’ll be just a five-minute walk from the terminals, avoiding the hassle of last-minute transport.

Rest Easy… Your Car is in Good Hands

Taking a few precautionary steps can make all the difference in long-term car parking safety. From tyre pressure checks and battery maintenance to choosing a secure parking environment, it all adds up to peace of mind.

At Novotel Melbourne Airport, we know travel doesn’t end at the check-in desk – it starts the moment you leave your car behind. Whether you’re heading out for work or pleasure, our facilities are designed to keep both you and your vehicle safe, comfortable, and stress-free.

Looking to book your stay or explore secure long-term parking options?

Visit our parking and directions page for everything you need to plan your trip with confidence.