Leaving your car at the airport for a week or two sounds simple. You park, grab your bags and head off. But when you come back, the last thing you want is a flat battery or a warning light glowing at you after a long flight.

A bit of prep before you leave can save stress later. It does not take long either.

Take it for a proper drive first
Do not drive straight from home to the airport if it is only ten minutes away. Short trips do not fully charge the battery.

If you can, take the car for a decent run the day before. Twenty to thirty minutes on normal roads is usually enough to top things up properly. That way the battery is in a better state when it sits still.

Check the battery condition
If your car has been slow to start recently, airport parking will not improve things. Batteries often fail after being left unused.

If you have any doubts, get it tested before you travel. It is far better to deal with it at home than in a crowded airport car park with luggage.

Tyre pressure matters more than you think
Tyres naturally lose pressure over time. When a car sits still, the weight presses on the same patch of rubber for days.

Before you go, check and inflate the tyres to the correct pressure. Some drivers add a tiny bit more within the safe limit listed in the manual, just to reduce the chance of flat spots. Do not overdo it, just make sure they are not low.

Do not leave the handbrake pulled as tight as possible
If it has been raining, rear brakes can stick slightly after sitting for days. Leave the car in gear if it is manual, or in park if it is automatic. Apply the handbrake firmly but not aggressively.

This reduces the chance of coming back to a brake that feels stuck.

Remove anything that drains power
Make sure all interior lights are off. Check the boot light as well. Some stay on longer than people realise.

Unplug dash cams and anything connected to a 12V socket. Even small devices can slowly drain the battery over a week or two.

Clear out food and rubbish
It sounds obvious, but people forget. Empty coffee cups, snack wrappers or even a half eaten sandwich can smell unpleasant when you return.

Also, airport car parks are not immune to pests. It is better not to leave anything that might attract attention.

Fold mirrors and tuck wipers down
If your mirrors fold in, use that function. It reduces the chance of them being knocked.

If very hot weather is expected, some people gently lift the wipers away from the glass to stop the rubber sticking. Just make sure they are secure and not under tension.

Take a quick photo
It takes ten seconds. Photograph the car from a couple of angles and note the mileage and fuel level. It is mostly for peace of mind.

When you get back
After a long period parked, start the engine and let it settle for a moment before driving off. Listen for anything unusual. Brakes might feel slightly rough for the first few presses if there is light surface rust. That usually clears quickly.

If the car struggles to start, do not keep turning the key repeatedly. That only drains the battery further.

Leaving your car at the airport should not be something you worry about while you are away. A few small checks before you lock it and walk off can make the return journey home smooth and drama free.