Despite a short week in which we seemed to have an Indian summer, we are well and truly heading into colder temperatures and darker evenings. This usually means the end of the classic car driving season, and an influx of classic cars coming into our insulated inside classic car storage facility in Dorset.
The changing season brings with it a set of conditions that every classic car owner wants to avoid, especially if your car is stored outside under cover, condensation.
In this article, we are going to share some tips on how you can avoid condensation forming in your car when it is in outside classic car storage.
What is condensation?
This might seem reminiscent of those year 7 science lessons when learning about the water cycle, but in case you have forgotten, condensation is the process in which water vapour in the air changes from a gas to a liquid.
Condensation can also be used as a noun. This definition refers to the collection of water droplets that form on a cold surface when warm air hits the cold surface.
When we refer to condensation in this article, we will usually be referring to the noun.
Why does condensation form on cars in classic car storage?
If your car is stored outside, there is a chance that during the colder months, condensation will be left on your classic car. This will happen overnight as the temperatures drop over that time frame cooling the air and encouraging water vapour to change into liquid and sit under the cover and on top of the paintwork.
Why does it happen despite a cover?
Even if you use a cover, you might still face condensation when your car is stored outside. This is because most car covers are breathable, so air sits between the car and the cover. When the temperature drops and the surface of the car gets colder, the air between the cover and the car will condense, leaving water droplets.
For the most part, this doesn’t cause a problem for your car in outside classic car storage. As the cover is breathable, the water will evaporate leaving your car unharmed, and unmarked. However, over the winter, sometimes it can be a good idea to lift the car cover up for a bit to allow any moisture to escape. This is because sometimes the temperature during the day doesn’t get high enough for complete evaporation.
Why does condensation form inside cars in classic car storage?
One of the main causes of condensation inside a car in classic car storage is the presence of moisture that has been trapped inside the car. This probably isn’t surprising, nor new knowledge but what might be a little surprising is where the moisture comes from.
Wet floormats and carpets are often the cause of some condensation forming on the inside of your car. It is easy for the moisture to collect on these parts of the car as they are low and so retain water brought into the vehicle on wet shoes.
Other culprits of condensation can be wet towels, umbrellas and blankets, bottles of water, or old coffee cups. We’ve all done it, placed the coffee cup on the door shelf and then forgot to grab it as we got out of the car, but the moisture from these will evaporate over time and be trapped in your car where it will condense on your glass and dashboard.
How to avoid condensation when using classic car storage
The first step to avoiding condensation in your car while it is in classic car storage is to remove anything that might contain moisture from the car. Take out the coffee cups, water bottles and wet towels as soon as you can. This will reduce the chance of moisture getting trapped inside and forming condensation on the glass and dashboard.
If you think the floor mats might be wet, then it is a good idea to take them out and give them an opportunity to dry outside of the car.
It is also a good idea to give the glass in your car a wipe-down. Mold spores can attach themselves to dirt inside the car or on the glass which can encourage water droplets to form and condensate. While you are giving the windows a wipe-down, it is recommended that you wind down the windows slightly so that you can clean the dirty marks left by the seals around the window.
If you have somewhere to stash some silica gel sachets, these can be a great way to reduce condensation as they can absorb some of the moisture and act as a dehumidifier. These are great as they are reusable too. Simply refresh them in the microwave or put them in the airing cupboard for a bit.
When leaving your car in classic car storage for an extended period of time and the car is covered, you should leave the windows open slightly as this will prevent a “microclimate” from forming inside the car.
How Hogleaze Classic Car Storage can help
If you are looking to get your car away from the elements and eliminate condensation, our indoor classic car storage facility is the solution.
Our buildings provide an insulated environment that will reduce the risk of moisture build-up in your car while it is in storage.
On top of this, each plot has access to an electric socket so that you can trickle charge your car, ensuring that your beloved vehicle will be ready to go when you next want a drive.
You can also rest easy knowing that our classic car storage facility has been given the CaSSOA Gold award for security. This means that we adhere to strict security measures to keep your prize possession safe.
Security features include:
- Security fence with a controlled barrier entrance
- Fully enclosed, alarmed buildings
- Key fob entry
- Automatic number plate recognition
- CCTV Security cameras
- Regular staff inspections
Booking your plot is simple and hassle-free. Just call us on 01305 889777.