How to Keep Your Car Safe When You Need to Leave it Behind

Maybe you’re taking a flight and don’t want to deal with the hassle of airport parking, or maybe you don’t want to add miles onto your car. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, sometimes it’s simply not possible to go on your trip in your car.

No matter the reason, at some point you’ll have to leave your car behind. For most people, their car doesn’t only have a practical purpose, but it’s also a significant financial investment. You don’t want to take any chances of your car being damaged or stolen while you’re away, so it’s important to take precautions to keep it safe, and there are 4 ways to do just that.

1. Rent A Storage Unit

The safest option for leaving your car behind is to rent a storage unit and store it there. This way, you’ll know that your car is in a secure location and will be protected from the elements. Of course, you’ll want to do some research on the self storage company you’re considering. Besides it being in a suitable location for your needs, you want to check if they offer easy access – you don’t want to have to plan your trip around your storage unit’s opening hours. You should also make sure the company has a good reputation and that its security features are up to par. Things like a mobile phone-controlled gate, coded locks, as well as surveillance cameras can give you peace of mind while you’re away.

2. Leave It With Friends Or Family

If you have friends or family who live close by, you could leave your car with them. Of course, you don’t just want to assume they’d be willing to take on this responsibility – you’re asking for a favor after all – so be sure to ask first. And if they do agree, be sure to work out the details ahead of time, like how long they’re going to store it for and what you want them to do in case of an emergency. Are they allowed to use the car? Can they take it to the mechanic if something goes wrong? You’ll also want to make sure your car is in good condition before you leave it, so you don’t have to worry about anything while you’re gone.

3. Park In A Well-Lit Area That’s Under Surveillance

If you can’t rent a storage unit or leave your car with friends or family, the next best option is to park it in a well-lit area that’s under surveillance. This will make it less likely for someone to try and steal or damage your car. If you don’t already have a car alarm installed – don’t bother, they don’t really do much to deter thieves. Ideally, you’ll want to install a motion sensor light in your driveway as well as a surveillance system you can access through your phone. That way, you can keep an eye on your car no matter where you are. Plus, if your neighbors know you’re away, they might go out and check on your car for you from time to time.

4. Install A Tracker

If you’re really concerned about your car being stolen, you could install a tracker. This way, even if someone does manage to steal your car, you’ll be able to track it down and get it back. And if you’re going to be leaving your car in a less-than-ideal location, like an urban area or a parking garage, a tracker is a must. There are a number of different trackers on the market, so be sure to do your research and find one that fits your needs. Of course, this option works best in combination with some of the other options on this list.

Leaving your car behind can be stressful, but if you take precautions, you can rest assured that it’s in good hands. By renting a storage unit, leaving it with friends or family, parking in a well-lit area under surveillance, or installing a tracker, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your trip knowing your car is safe and sound.