Park Smart Airport Parking Tips From the Experts
Summer travel season is the perfect time to jet off on an adventure. However, it’s also the time many travelers return to find their cars refusing to budge from long-stay airport parking lots. Cue the disappointment! Luckily, with advice from Start Rescue and their seasoned expert Paul Elliott, you can avoid such mishaps and get back on the road without hassle.
Paul, General Manager at Hobbs Recovery Services and a seasoned pro with over two decades of experience dealing with airport car parking crises at major locations like Heathrow and Gatwick, knows how to keep you out of the trouble zone. And according to him, it’s often the "little things" people overlook that lead to the dreaded call for help. From flat batteries to wild key mix-ups, Paul has seen it all—and he’s here to help you prevent these common pitfalls.
Lights Out and Peace of Mind
One of the top culprits for cars refusing to start after a few weeks away? Flat batteries. No one enjoys coming back from a relaxing vacation just to be met with the frustration of a car that’s dead in the water. Paul stresses the importance of taking what he calls the "car walkabout" before you head for your flight.
Take a good look around and inside your car. Those pesky interior lights—cabin reading lights, boot lights, or even the ones inside central armrests—can be sneaky. It only takes accidentally hitting a switch while loading your luggage to create a power drain that leaves your car lifeless when you return. Paul recommends double-checking to ensure all lights are off and your car has been powered down completely.
And it doesn't stop there. Doors, windows, sunroofs—everything should be firmly shut. This ensures not only security but also prevents unnecessary battery strain from half-latched locks or sensors that continue to drain power when not fully secured.
Healthy Batteries, Happy Travels
Speaking of power, if your car uses a keyless entry system, there's one more thing you’ll want to consider before locking up and waving goodbye. Those tiny key fob batteries are easy to overlook—but not having a functional fob can severely disrupt your post-vacation plans. Ensure your entry device is in top shape, and if the batteries seem weak, swap them for fresh ones before you leave. A proactive five seconds spent on this could save you hours of headache later!
For those planning longer trips—spanning two weeks or more—Paul has another nugget of wisdom. Leave your handbrake off (provided your car is parked on flat ground) to prevent it from seizing up while you're away. Instead, place your vehicle in gear or set it to park mode.
And don’t forget those tires—slightly over-inflating them before departure can mitigate pressure loss over the days or weeks. This not only protects against flat spots developing but also makes up for the extra passenger and luggage weight loaded when you drive next.
Locate, Snap, Relax
Ensuring your car stays problem-free while you're gone is only part of the equation. Finding it post-flight is another challenge altogether! Huge airport car parks like the ones at Gatwick or Heathrow can feel like endless mazes. The last thing you need is to be wandering rows upon rows of nearly identical vehicles.
Paul and his team at Start Rescue suggest a simple yet brilliant solution—your smartphone. Snap photos of all location signage around your parking spot before hopping on the shuttle. This small action can be a lifesaver if the excitement of your adventure has wiped out all memory of where your car is parked.
Better yet, using apps like What3Words can pinpoint your exact location down to a three-meter grid. This means if something does go wrong, expert help can reach you faster. And when it comes to hassle-free assistance, Start Rescue’s network of professionals is always ready to step in and get you back on track.
Lighthearted Mishaps That'll Make You Smile
Of course, not all airport parking adventures end in frustration. Sometimes, they result in amusing tales that even the experts at Start Rescue can't help but chuckle about. Paul recalls one callout that turned into a good story for the books.
"A customer once reported being locked out of his car. His key wasn’t working, and he was certain something had gone wrong. After a little investigation, we discovered that while juggling the chaos of hand luggage, he’d simply picked up the wrong set of keys," Paul shares with a laugh. "That’s one we’ll never forget!"
The Trusted Name in Roadside Assistance
When it comes to getting help fast, the trusted network at Start Rescue has you covered. With an impressive 4.7-star Trustpilot rating and six consecutive years as a Which? Recommended Provider, they’ve proven that no challenge is too big—or too small. Add in their Best Breakdown Cover title at the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024, and it’s clear you’ll be in safe hands should you need assistance.
The key lesson? A little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring seamless travels, both on your way out and upon your return. Take a few moments to double-check your car, follow Paul’s practical tips, and enjoy your holiday knowing you’ll avoid the most common parking pitfalls. Because at the end of the day, isn’t peace of mind the best souvenir?
Reference
Newspressuk.com. (2025). Available at: https://newspressuk.com/releases/114085
