Getting Your Car Ready Before Leaving It at Fastpark

Going on a trip also means leaving your car alone for several days, sometimes even weeks. Packing for a flight usually means thinking about luggage, documents, and tickets. But the car itself deserves a little attention too before it sits in the parking lot. Here's what's worth checking before you leave.

Why prepare your car before a long stay

A car that sits still for several days doesn't behave the same way as one driven daily. The battery drains faster if it's older. Tyres can lose a bit of pressure. Something forgotten inside the cabin can become annoying, or even leave a bad smell by the time you're back. Nothing serious usually, but a few minutes of preparation before leaving can save you some hassle when you return from your trip.

Basic mechanical checks

Before a long stay, a few points are worth a quick look:

• Tyre pressure, especially if the trip lasts more than a week.
• Fuel level: neither completely empty nor completely full if the stay is long.
• Battery condition, particularly on vehicles over four or five years old.
• The handbrake: some drivers prefer leaving the car in gear rather than keeping the handbrake on for a very long period, to avoid the brake shoes sticking due to moisture. This depends on the vehicle and gearbox type, so checking the owner's manual can help.

These checks only take a few minutes but can prevent an unpleasant surprise when you hit the road again after your return flight.

What to do with the inside of the car

A closed cabin left for several days can develop odours, especially in summer. A few simple habits help:

• Remove any rubbish, wrappers, or leftover food before leaving.
• Empty the door pockets.
• Don't leave anything that could melt, leak, or spoil in the heat, like a forgotten water bottle from a previous trip to the beach or a phone charger left plugged in.
• Take any valuables out of the cabin and the boot. Parking is at the customer's own risk, so it's wiser not to leave anything visible.

A clean interior when you leave means a pleasant one to come back to, especially after a tiring flight.

Documents and items to keep with you

Before handing your car over to the car park, make sure you have on you, not in the car, everything you need for the trip: boarding pass, ID, tickets, reservations. It's also wise to keep the vehicle registration document on you rather than leaving it in the glovebox, just as a precaution, unless local regulations require it to stay in the car. A spare set of keys, on the other hand, can be left with someone you trust in case it's needed while you're away.

Think about the season

Weather also plays a role in preparation. In winter, a windscreen covered in frost when you get back can make leaving the car park more complicated. Keeping a small scraper in the car can save time. In summer, a car heating up in the sun for several days can damage certain plastic or leather items left on the dashboard. It's better to store them in the boot or take them with you.

Departure day to the airport

Once the car is ready, the drive to the Fastpark car park, located at Rue de Capilone 11A in Heppignies, requires no particular detour. On site, your spot is indicated on arrival, so there's no need to drive around looking for a space. Booking online guarantees an available spot, with a confirmation sent by email before departure.

Once the car is parked, the free shuttle takes care of the connection to the terminal. It also runs on the way back, bringing travellers back to their vehicle. A team is on site during opening hours, every day of the week, to answer any practical questions.

Coming back from your trip

After several days away, it's useful to let the engine run for a few moments before setting off, especially if the car has been sitting still for a while. A quick check of the tyres and fluid levels only takes a few minutes and lets you hit the road with peace of mind, especially if the drive home is a long one.

In short

Getting your car ready before a long stay isn't complicated. Checking the tyres, fuel level and battery, clearing out rubbish and valuables, and keeping important documents on you: these small steps are enough to leave with peace of mind. The rest is handled by the car park itself, with a spot reserved in advance and a free shuttle to reach the terminal without wasting time.