Away for weeks? How to prep your car before Gosselies parking

Heading off for two or three weeks isn't the same as a quick two-day round trip. A car left standing for a long time behaves differently: the battery drains, tyres lose pressure, and odours build up inside. A few checks before you leave make all the difference when you come back to collect your vehicle.

The battery, the first weak point

A battery that isn't being used gradually loses charge, especially if the car has an alarm, built-in GPS or other systems that draw power on standby. Before parking for several weeks, it's worth checking the overall condition of the battery, particularly if it's a few years old. In winter, the cold makes this worse. If you have any doubts, a quick visit to a garage before you leave can save you from a flat battery on your return.

Tyres: check the pressure

A slightly underinflated tyre loses even more pressure over time, especially when the car isn't moving. Checking before you drive to the car park reduces the risk of driving on dangerously low pressure once you're back from your trip. This goes for the spare wheel too, which is often forgotten.

Fluid levels and fuel

Before a long stay, a quick check of the fluid levels (oil, coolant, windscreen washer fluid) lets you leave with peace of mind. As for fuel, there's no need to fill up before leaving the car: a half-empty tank even limits the risk of condensation building up over a very long period. The main thing is to have enough fuel for the drive back to the first petrol station.

Inside the car

A closed-up cabin left untouched for weeks tends to trap odours. Before you leave, it's a good idea to:

• empty out any bins, wrappers and food leftovers;
• remove anything sensitive to heat, such as certain electronic devices or glass bottles;
• give the car a quick vacuum if it's recently been used to carry children or a pet;
• air it out for a few minutes before closing the doors for good.

Valuables and documents

No parked car, even for a short stay, should contain valuables, whether visible or hidden. Wallets, official documents, electronic devices, removable GPS units: anything not essential to have in the car should go with you or stay at home. This applies to any airport car park, wherever you choose to leave your vehicle.

Don't forget the handbrake

For a long stay, it's sometimes better to leave the car in first gear or reverse rather than applying the handbrake, to avoid the brake shoes seizing up. The best choice depends on the type of gearbox and the terrain: if you're unsure, the manufacturer's handbook remains the best reference.

On the day you leave

Once these checks are done, all that's left is to head to the car park. At CharleroiLowCost, on Avenue Jean Mermoz in Gosselies, you'll be shown to your spot on arrival, and a free shuttle runs to and from the terminal. Booking online lets you secure a spot ahead of time, with confirmation sent straight to your inbox.

When you get back

Coming back from your trip, it's worth taking one last look: tyre pressure, fuel level, overall condition before hitting the road again. Those extra few minutes mean your journey ends just as smoothly as it began.