189 NE 2ND STREET
Naturally, many vacations involve driving to your destination for a number of reasons, such as the distance is close enough to make driving is the best choice or sometimes driving even longer distances is less expensive and the more money you save in one place is more you can spend in another, just to name a couple.
Leaving It All Behind
However, if you are not driving to your ultimate destination and you must leave your vehicle somewhere other than home, begin to look for options nearby and fan out from there. If you are taking a short-term vacation, street parking or simply leaving your vehicle in your own driveway is probably a good choice; however, if you are planning to be away from home for an extended period and your own garage is not an option, perhaps you have a friend that can garage your car while you are gone.
If this is not an option, look a bit further afield to a commercial parking garage in the town in which you live. Some business-type multilevel parking garages have long-term options and may fit the bill and there are also other short-term garages available that are good for a vacation lasting even a few weeks and you will have the advantage of professionals monitoring your vehicle, unlike airport parking lots and garages. Long-term storage is available in some areas if you are going to be away for several months and you may find these more affordable than you imagine.
There are a few things you will want to do when storing or parking your car short-term, such as removing valuables, not leaving important papers or a spare key in the glove box, cleaning out any trash that may appear to be hiding valuables, and removing receipts and other business papers that can be a hassle to lose.
If you do plan on being gone for a longer period of time, there are other maintenance-type things to consider doing to avoid problems upon your return.
Clean It, Cover It
Even though it seems unnecessary when you are going to be away for the next few weeks, treating your ride to a wash is a very good idea, especially since things like road salt, sand, dirt, bird droppings and water stains on the body and oil, mud, grease, and tar on the undercarriage or in the wheel wells can cause paint and other damage if let to sit too long. For an added boost of protection, add a coat of wax also.
If you are not leaving your car under cover, such as in a garage, consider using a car cover to protect it from the elements somewhat; naturally, a fabric cover is not as ideal for this as a garage which will also be somewhat temperature stable but it will keep the car relatively clean and dry.
The Mechanicals
Sitting unused for a long period of time is never good for a vehicle. Chances are you will not be leaving your car for the period of time it would take for serious damage from sitting, although, you should have someone at least start your car once a week while you are gone if possible, there are some things that can be detrimental if leaving the car completely immobile for more than a couple of weeks.
Used oil contains pollutants that can damage the engine if it is not regularly moving through the engine instead of resting in pools in one place; therefore, it is recommended, by Ford Motor Company, for one, to change your oil before leaving on an extended vacation.
Also, should you be gone for more than four weeks, it is advisable to fill up the gas tank to prevent moisture from building up inside the tank and keep the seals lubricated, as well as to add a fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol from building up and to protect the engine from gunk. Another tip to prevent a dead battery upon your return is to disconnect the battery if you will not be able to have someone start and run the engine periodically.
Although it may be tempting to skip these important steps, you will either be glad you didn’t when you return to find your car just as you left it, or sorry you did when you return relaxed and rested to find your wheels needing major attention and possibly repairs.
Safe Cruise Parking, a Miami cruise parking company, offering the best Miami cruise port parking rates, recommends these tips and more to make your life easier when you return and keep the vacation feeling going, at least until you are back to reality on Monday morning.
