You think all is well and dandy when you park your vehicle in a vehicle storage, but you might forget about one glaring (no pun intended) obstacle. Weather plays an integral part in maintaining the integrity and lifespan of any vehicle parked outside in less-than-ideal conditions, from summer heat rays to frostbite in winter months. We will look at various weather conditions’ impact on stored cars in this article, as well as provide valuable advice for mitigating potential damages. Your beloved vehicle deserves to have its own safe haven, so let’s make sure it gets one.
The Sun’s Relentless Rays
As always, Mr. Sun is our starting point. While most of us appreciate a sunny day, too much direct sunlight can have detrimental effects on your vehicle’s finish. This can lead to faded paint, cracked dashboards, and worn interiors. Plus, its heat can lead to faster degradation of the tires, increasing the chances of blowouts.
Mitigation Tips
- Cover It Up: Bite the bullet and invest in a high-quality car cover designed for your specific type of vehicle that allows airflow for proper moisture drainage underneath.
- Park Strategically: If possible, park strategically either in shaded areas or garages equipped with adequate ventilation systems.
- Regular Checkups: Maintain a regular maintenance routine and wax it often to protect your car against harmful UV rays.
Rain, Rain Go Away!
Your vehicle requires water for proper functioning, but too much rain could result in water damage. If too much of it accumulates in areas like the engine compartment or undercarriage, it can potentially lead to rust and corrosion damage. Plus, rain often contains pollutants which leave an unsightly film behind on its surface.
Mitigation Tips
- Seal the Deal: Make sure all seals and weather stripping are intact to help prevent water from infiltrating into your cabin or other vulnerable areas. This will help ensure water doesn’t seep into them.
- Periodic Inspections: Conduct regular checks for signs of rust or corrosion after heavy rainfalls, acting immediately if any issues arise.
- Wash It Off: Give your vehicle a thorough wash after each downpour to eliminate contaminants before protecting its lacquer with wax.
The Chill of Winter’s Grip
The chill of winter poses its own unique set of difficulties. From battery failure, thickened engine oil and frozen fluids in your vehicle may all become major headaches in terms of performance and reliability. The cold makes everything extra complicated by potentially leading to physical damage.
Mitigation Tips
- Battery Check: Before winter sets in, be sure that your battery is strong and in top shape. Consider investing in a battery maintainer to extend its lifespan during its hibernation phase.
- Fluid Levels: Check and replenish fluid levels as often as possible during the winter.
- Indoor Storage: To further protect your vehicle, invest in indoor storage during harsh winter weather months for best results.
Wind: an Unwanted Pariah
While wind may not always take the spotlight in discussions about weather conditions, it can still pose serious threats to vehicle storage. Strong winds can carry debris that scratches or dent vehicles parked outdoors while gusts create unstable conditions for covers and tarps used for covering.
Mitigation Tips
- Choose Your Location Wisely: For outdoor storage purposes, it is wise to select an area sheltered from wind by an object like a building or fence if possible.
- Secure Car Covers: Make use of weights or straps to hold down car covers against strong gusts, ensuring they don’t fly away and cause more harm than good.
- Regular Maintenance: Inspect your vehicle regularly for signs of scratched paintwork caused by windborne debris, rectify any repairs as soon as they appear.
The Humidity Monster
Humidity plays a significant role in degrading stored vehicles. High humidity levels create an ideal breeding ground for mould and mildew growth within vehicles’ interiors, further worsening their condition.
Mitigation Tips
- Dehumidifiers or Moisture Absorbers: For vehicles stored for extended periods, place a dehumidifier or moisture absorber inside.
- Give Your Car Time to Breathe: Every time you take your vehicle out for use, allow some fresh air into its cabin. This may help stop mildew growth from developing further.
- Frequent Use: To keep everything running smoothly and avoid moisture build-up, start your vehicle regularly and drive it around. Doing this can prevent anything from breaking down or creating moisture-based issues in the system.
Your Vehicle Deserves the Best Storage
Proper vehicle storage environments are important to prolonging its lifespan, which is why Amberley Self Storage in Ipswich, Australia understands the significance of protecting them from weather-related elements. Their facility offers secure storage options specifically tailored to protect against rain, sun and wind. When weather woes threaten damage to your precious ride, choose Amberley Self Storage for peace of mind and vehicle care.
