When traveling, securing your car is often the last thing on your mind. You’re focused on flights, accommodations, and the journey ahead. However, airport parking lots can be a hot spot for break-ins and car damage, especially during peak travel times. Ensuring your vehicle’s safety while you’re away can offer peace of mind and prevent any unpleasant surprises when you return.
Here are some critical tips for protecting your car in airport parking, with practical examples to guide you.
Choose a Safe Parking Spot Wisely
The right spot for your car is important to prevent theft and vandalism. The best way to avoid theft and vandalism is to park in an open, well-lit, and often patrolled area. Not all parking spaces are created equally, so selecting the right spot can be the difference between safety and loss.
- Opt for High-Traffic Areas: Thieves tend to stay away from places that are frequently visited by many people. A space next to the elevators or entry gates, where frequent movement happens, could expose someone in case one would try tampering with the car. Many security cameras are there in many airports, but they wouldn’t cover every parking spot; hence selecting a better-illuminated location is more secure and in traffic, lowering the theft risk and also damage of any kind.
- Avoid Secluded Corners: While it may be tempting to park far from other vehicles to avoid dings and scratches, isolated areas often lack sufficient lighting and security coverage. Park in well-lit sections with nearby vehicles to deter opportunistic thieves. For instance, in an open-air parking lot, parking near light poles or cameras can make your car less of a target.
- Research Parking Facilities in Advance: Some airports have “premium” parking areas with enhanced security, such as gated entry, 24-hour surveillance, or restricted access. Many airports and off-site parking services also have “park and fly” packages where your car is kept in a locked facility for added security. Checking the facility’s features online or calling ahead can give you an idea of the available security options.
Remove All Valuables from Sight
Probably the most common mistake people make while parking is leaving their valuables in the car. This attracts a thief, so a little patience in clearing whatever is left outside of cars is worth the trouble.
- Take Important Items with You: Laptops, tablets, and your wallet are things you will always carry with you. Even if these items are out of sight, experienced thieves know to look in glove compartments and consoles. If it is not necessary for your travel, just leave it.
- Clear Out Your GPS and Accessories: Eliminate all the accessories such as GPS devices, mounts for phones, or charging cables that indicate there is electronics inside the car. This may provide a potential thief with the idea that valuable electronics are hidden somewhere inside the car.
Double-Check Your Car’s Locking Mechanisms
It’s easy to get distracted at the airport and overlook locking your car. However, ensuring that every door, window, and even the sunroof is secure is essential for your car’s safety. Thieves often test door handles on the off chance that a car is left unlocked.
- Engage the Locking System: Whether you’re using a key fob or manually locking the car, make it a habit to double-check that all doors are locked. Sometimes, the locking system may fail, especially with older or frequently used vehicles. Use your fob or lock each door manually to ensure that it’s secure. An unlocked car door is an easy target for a thief looking to get in and out quickly.
- Activate Anti-Theft Features: Many modern vehicles have built-in anti-theft systems, such as alarms or engine immobilizers. Before heading to the airport, make sure these features are activated. If your vehicle has an option for “double locking,” where opening the car from the inside is disabled, be sure to engage it. For cars with security codes, set your code if it’s not already enabled.
- Consider an Additional Steering Wheel Lock: For extra security, consider using a steering wheel lock, which serves as a physical barrier and visual deterrent. Even if it adds just a few minutes to the process, a thief is more likely to bypass a car with a steering wheel lock, opting for one with easier access.
Use Additional Security Measures for Extra Protection
Besides parking wisely and locking the car is also essential. The world has transformed, with numerous ways through which people can increase security for their cars even while away for long periods of time.
- Install a GPS Tracker: You can install a GPS tracking device in your vehicle. This way, you can track the location of your vehicle. Although that may seem a bit extra, it might be beneficial if your vehicle gets stolen. GPS trackers are usually secreted in the vehicle to make it hard for robbers to trace and move them. Some apps can also alert you if it is moved suddenly.
- Invest in a Dash Cam with Parking Mode: Some dash cams feature parking modes. This means it records all activity happening around your car if movement is detected. This will be a deterrent when thieves spot a camera around your vehicle. Although it might not deter any incident, you will record everything happening around your vehicle when an incident occurs. Night vision makes sure it’s quite clear during low-lighting conditions.
- Use a Car Cover: If you are going to leave your car in a parking lot, get a car cover. Not only do car covers keep the weather out, but they will also deter thieves who wish to steal your vehicle for a few minutes until it is removed.
Conclusion
Airport parking can be a secure choice with the right precautions. By selecting a safe spot, removing visible valuables, ensuring all locks and anti-theft mechanisms are engaged, and using additional security measures, you significantly reduce the risk of theft or vandalism while you’re away. A bit of planning can make a big difference in keeping your car safe so you can enjoy your trip without worry.
Secure your vehicle and enjoy peace of mind with convenient airport parking in Ft. Lauderdale. Choose a reliable spot and follow our safety tips for a worry-free travel experience.