Comment protéger sa voiture avant les vacances

What to do with your car before going on vacation? 6 tips to protect it during your absence

The holidays are approaching. Tickets are booked, suitcases packed, the surveillance camera is activated, and trusted neighbours have received instructions to water the tomatoes or collect the mail.

But have you thought about your car?

Whether it's a collector car, a convertible, a sports car, or simply your daily vehicle, a few precautions can help protect it during your absence and avoid unpleasant surprises upon your return.

Here are 6 habits to adopt before going on holiday.

1. Give it a complete wash before you leave

Before leaving your car for several days or weeks, start by thoroughly washing your vehicle.

Squashed insects, bird droppings, pollen, dust, or even certain pollution residues can gradually attack the varnish and paint when left on the bodywork for a long time.

Take the time to clean:

  • The bodywork

  • The windows

  • The rims

  • The door sills

A clean car will be much easier to keep in good condition during your absence.

2. Check essential elements

Before leaving your home, perform a few quick checks:

  • Tire pressure

  • Fuel level

  • Windows closed

  • Doors locked

  • No visible valuables inside the cabin

These few minutes can prevent many inconveniences upon your return.

3. Park your car in the best possible location

If you have a garage

A garage remains the ideal solution. Your vehicle will be protected against:

  • UV rays

  • Rain

  • Hail

  • Wind

  • Prying eyes

However, even in a closed garage, dust continues to accumulate over time.

If your car remains outside

A car parked outside for several weeks is subjected to the effects of many elements:

  • Sun and high heat

  • UV rays

  • Summer storms

  • Rain

  • Dust

  • Pollen

  • Bird droppings

  • Wind-borne debris

Suitable protection then becomes essential.

4. Use an appropriate car cover

This is probably the best solution for effectively protecting your vehicle during the holidays.

For a car parked in a garage

An indoor car cover protects the bodywork against:

  • Dust

  • Micro-scratches

  • Accidental rubbing

Upon your return, your car will remain clean and ready to hit the road.

My Roadster® Stretch™ indoor covers are specially designed to hug the vehicle's contours while allowing the bodywork to breathe.

For a car parked outside

A quality outdoor car cover effectively protects against:

  • Rain

  • UV rays

  • Dust

  • Dirt

  • Wind

  • Leaves

  • Bird droppings

A good car cover also helps limit the ageing of paint and plastics exposed to the sun.

At My Roadster®, our breathable outdoor covers are designed to offer optimal protection against bad weather while allowing moisture to escape.

5. Keep the battery charged if your car is not used much

This point is often forgotten. For a recent car used daily, an absence of two or three weeks generally poses no problem.

However, for a collector car, a sports car, or a vehicle used occasionally, immobilisation can cause the battery to discharge.

Owners of Porsche, Alpine, Jaguar, Ferrari, vintage BMWs, or other enthusiast vehicles are well aware of this situation.

If your car is parked in a garage equipped with an electrical outlet, the use of a battery maintainer is highly recommended.

Your battery will remain at its optimal level, and your car will start immediately upon your return.


6. Prepare for your return

After several weeks away, it's tempting to immediately go for a drive.

Nevertheless, take a few minutes to:

  • Check tire pressure

  • Check fluid levels

  • Remove the protective cover

  • Run the engine for a few moments

Your vehicle will then be ready for a nice summer outing.

Why protect your car during the holidays?

A car often represents a significant investment, whether it's a recent city car, a family SUV, or an enthusiast vehicle.

A few minutes of preparation before departure can help avoid:

  • Dust accumulation

  • Damage due to UV rays

  • Hard-to-clean dirt

  • Premature aging of the bodywork

  • Battery problems

The combination of a good wash and a car cover remains the simplest and most effective solution today.

Conclusion

Before going on holiday, we naturally think about securing our home: surveillance camera, shutters, alarm, or trusted neighbours.

Your car also deserves a few minutes of preparation.

A complete wash, a few checks, a battery maintainer if necessary, and especially a suitable protective cover will preserve your vehicle throughout your absence.

Whether your car is parked in a garage or outside, My Roadster® covers allow you to find a clean, protected vehicle ready to hit the road upon your return.

After all, holidays are for you... but your car will also appreciate some rest.

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