Are you leaving your car at a long-term car park? Then you should check the condition of your vehicle when you drop it off and collect it. This is crucial for both your own protection and that of the parking company.
For many people, it can be difficult to hand over something valuable to strangers and trust that it is in safe hands. Some may feel a nagging sense of unease when their car is about to be left at a long-term car park near the airport before the holiday. What if the people handling the car damage it, drive it far and for a long time, or treat it carelessly?
If you choose the right parking company, the likelihood of damage to the car or irresponsible handling of the vehicle is very small. Regardless of how trustworthy a company is, there will always be some element of risk when you hand over the keys. That is why it is wise to carry out a thorough condition check when you drop it off, and to verify that this matches the condition of the car when you collect it.
Not sure what to look for and how to protect yourself and your car as well as possible? Here are 5 things you should always keep track of.
1. Note down the mileage
Few car owners keep constant track of how far their car has actually been driven. Every now and then you might note the mileage reading, but this is a habit few people maintain. When you return from your holiday and the car has been sitting in a car park, most car owners will be very thorough about checking everything over to make sure the car is as they left it — but not everyone remembers exactly how they left the vehicle.
Before leaving your car at a long-term car park, make sure to note down the mileage reading. Take a photo on your phone if possible too. That way you have proof of how far the car had been driven before you handed it over, and can quickly report it if the new figure seems suspiciously high. It is important to remember that cars at airport car parks often need to be moved around, but this should not amount to a significant number of kilometres.
2. Check the fuel gauge
It is also worth checking how much fuel you have in the tank before leaving your car at your chosen car park at the airport. Not only will this help indicate whether the car has been driven irresponsibly far or for too long — it is also always useful to know whether you need to fill up before setting off on the journey home.
There should also be no need for car park staff to top up your tank if they have not driven the car further than they should. If you notice that the tank is significantly fuller than when you dropped it off, this is also something you can report to the company.
3. Take a look at all the windows
It is also worth having a look at the car’s windows before you travel. Make sure everything looks as it normally does and note any existing scratches or damage. Take well-lit photos of the windows before you leave. If any new damage has appeared on the windows, you will have photos to compare with so that no one can question whether it was already there.
4. Inspect the bodywork
Fundamentally, you should take a good look at the entire exterior of the car before handing it over to someone else. Go over the bodywork, look for scratches in the paintwork, small dents you may not have noticed before, or any other marks and damage. Pay particular attention to areas that are especially vulnerable to damage, such as the rims and bumpers, as well as all the car’s doors.
As mentioned, we are often good at inspecting our cars when we collect them, but less thorough about making sure everything is in order before we hand them over. With photographic evidence, it will be easier for you to pursue any complaints. You can also rest assured that the parking company has treated your car with respect.
5. Check the interior of the car
Before you take your flight, you should also have gone over the inside of your car. Make sure no valuables are left in the glove compartment or other storage areas. If you have children, also check that no food scraps have ended up somewhere that could attract flies if the car is going to be closed and locked for an extended period.
Take a look around and check the general condition of the interior as well. Any damage should be noted, and consider whether the car is clean, dirty or somewhere in between. The car should always be returned to the owner in the same condition it was handed in — if not better. Is it significantly dirtier than when you left it, or do you discover minor damage that was not there when you departed? If so, you should fill in a damage report and notify the parking company. Photographic evidence from the interior of the car can also support your case here.
Safety is a top priority at Dalen Parkering
Dalen Parkering is not only Gardermoen’s most affordable car park — it is also highly secure. We ensure a great parking experience and take good care of your car. Our car park is safe because we offer:
- Extra wide parking spaces where the car owner parks and retrieves their own car
- Short-term and long-term parking
- Security cameras and good lighting throughout the entire facility
- HD cameras that photograph your car from every angle on the way into the car park
- A well-organised registration system
- An enclosed facility locked to unauthorised persons
- A shuttle bus running around the clock directly to the terminal so you catch your flight
- Knowledge and expertise from having been established since 1973
If you would like your car to be in an even better condition than when you left, Dalen Parkering also offers both interior and exterior washing. You deserve to end your holiday with relaxed shoulders and the confidence that we have taken good care of your property. Contact us today to book your space before you fly off to your next exciting destination.
