The best conditions to store your car

Are you thinking about storing your car away for winter – or maybe longer?

Indoor car storage is a safer bet than the bleak British outdoors, but there are still temperature and humidity elements to think about when storing your car indoors.

In today’s blog we’re looking at the optimal conditions to keep your car protected whilst in storage – Here’s what we’ll be covering:

• Temperature and light – Does it matter if it’s too hot or too cold?
• How does humidity affect your car?
• What is the ideal humidity and temperature for car storage?
• How to monitor and control the conditions in your storage unit

Temperature and light – Does it matter if it’s too hot or too cold?

Light

It’s tempting to store your car outside through summer when it’s sunny and mostly dry but sun damage is the first problem you may encounter when storing outside, or even indoors if your garage lets in a lot of light

UV rays can cause paintwork to fade over time and can also damage interiors too. Upholstery and trims become faded and leather becomes discoloured and is prone to cracking.

Hot temperatures

Heat from the sun or installed heating turned up too high can cause warping of components, cracked paintwork and also invite pesky critters to nest in hidden areas, away from the cold (who have a tendency to nibble at wires and upholstery)

Cold temperatures

When the storage environment is too cold moisture and condensation creep in, leading to a multitude of humidity problems which we talk about below. It can also cause freezing and damage to perishable components such as rubber seals and pipes.

How does humidity affect your car?

Too humid or not humid enough? Both can and will cause problems.

When storing your car at home, a ‘normal’ garage may seem a safe place to do so but with little insulation, it’s easy for condensation to form, resulting in an environment too humid for your car.

Humidity can also increase when you drive your vehicle in damp conditions, or after a much needed trip to the car wash – The moisture retained on your car will transfer to the garage, all of which affects humidity levels

So, how does too much moisture affect your car?

• High humidity can accelerate the rusting process, leading to corrosion of bodywork
• Rust acceleration may also cause mechanical components to corrode
• Interior mould growth on upholstery

How about not enough moisture? This can also cause problems, including:

• Cracking to leather and vinyl elements in your car such as seats or interior trims
• Warping and cracking to wooden components
• Seals can perish and crack

If the vehicle you’re storing is a classic or a rare model, it may be difficult or costly to source new components, so you want to ensure you’re doing everything you can to preserve each tiny component of your car.

What is the ideal humidity and temperature for car storage?

Temperature

18℃ to 20℃ – The ideal temperature to store your car. Much lower than 18℃ and you risk an increase in moisture which will lead to humidity increase. Higher that 20℃ and you increase the risk of heat damage to seals, hoses and paintwork

Humidity

55% – 60% relative humidity (RH) – Less than 55% you increase the risk of drying cracking of paintwork, seals, trims and hoses. Above 60% humidity risks the increase of possible mould and rust.

Studies show a huge increase in rust acceleration once humidity levels move above 60%

How do you monitor and control the conditions in your storage unit?

At classicwise our purpose built unit is kitted out with moisture meters and thermometers throughout the unit to continuously monitor the humidity and temperature of the facility.

We utilise a range of dehumidifiers and regulate air circulation via fans that create constant air circulation.

The building is also insulated in a way that regulates the temperature to a constant level throughout the year, no matter what the weather outside.

We do this to ensure the preservation of your car whilst stored with us. However if you’re storing at home or thinking of a self store facility, you’re unlikely to have the same kit as we do!

So if you do decide managed storage isn’t for you, we’d advise kitting your garage/unit out with thermometers and moisture meters at the very least, along with these tips:

• Ensure your car is bone dry before storing. The best way to do this is by using a forced air blower to dry the exterior following a drive out or recent wash.
• Get a good dehumidifier!
• Allow for regular air circulation, taking care to keep an eye out for increased moisture from outside air
• Don’t allow the storage area to get too hot – or too cold.

If that all sounds too much, bring your car to us and be safe in the knowledge that she’s stored in the best environment possible – or give us a ring for some advice. Our packages start from just £35+vat per week.

Call us on 01636 375 911 or send us a message