The biggest problem encountered in storing vehicles is moisture. Ideally, a garage used for storing vehicles should be climate controlled to control humidity and temperature, and to keep air circulating in the storage area. If a fully climate-controlled garage is not feasible, there are some car-cover options that will help provide the next best thing.
Standard Car Covers
Quality car covers are a good way to protect your vehicle. Some are designed to provide protection for cars kept outdoors, but covers also provide additional protection for a vehicle that's in storage. There are many types of covers available, and in a wide range of prices. Basic single-layer covers are available for as little as thirty dollars, while more expensive ones have as many as four protective layers. Less expensive covers are typically in generic sizes to fit any vehicle in particular class, while the more expensive custom ones -- some costing several hundred dollars -- are designed to fit the contours of a particular vehicle like a glove. There are covers that are made of materials that protect against UV rays in outside applications, and others that are padded to protect against scratches and dings. Most covers have plastic grommets for tie-downs to hold the cover secure on the vehicle, and the higher quality ones may incorporate a cable-lock system. Plastic grommets are preferable to metal ones since they are less likely to scratch paint finishes.
Important: The most critical attribute of the car cover is that it is made of breathable fabric. In fact, most car covers are designed primarily to protect the vehicle from dust and UV rays, not to provide a seal against water. So-called "waterproof" covers, such as cheap vinyl ones, can actually do more harm than good. In effect, they form a sealed barrier that traps moisture next to the vehicle -- promoting, rather than preventing, rust. Only purchase a cover made of soft, breathable, quick-drying fabric that allows moisture to evaporate quickly.
The Car Bubble
One innovative option is an inflatable bubble that encapsulates the vehicle in a protective, sealed container and helps guard against moisture condensation, dust and even rodents. It utilizes an electrical circulating fan (figure A) that continually forces and circulates air inside the bubble. These structures are designed only for interior-storage situations. They are not intended as a replacement for garage storage. They require a good bit of room, including several feet of clearance above the vehicle, and access to an electrical outlet.
Note: In our demonstration, for easier viewing we installed the vehicle inside the bubble on an outside driveway. This was for demonstration only. The bubble is suitable only for inside-storage applications.
Following are the steps for placing a vehicle inside a protective bubble:
- Once a flat, secure location has been selected, lay the bubble out so that the base mat is flat, and so that all side-zippers are accessible. Next, unzip and pull back the top cover (figure B).
- Slowly and carefully drive or roll the vehicle onto the base mat (figure C ). Be certain that it is centered on the base, with approximately equal distances on all sides. Avoid turning the steering wheel once the tires are on the mat, as the turning action could tear the base.
- Starting at the fan end, carefully drape the clear cover over the vehicle's trunk, roof and hood (figure D).
- Close the zippers, securing the tops and sides of the bubble.
- Plug the 12-volt transformer into an electrical outlet, and plug the adapter end into the circulating fan. Be certain that the air filter is secured in the fan housing. The air filter will help prevent dust from getting inside the bubble interior.
- The fan will begin forcing air inside, and the bubble will slowly begin to inflate. Wrinkles in the plastic cover will drop out as the bubble reaches full inflation.
- Since the bubble provides at least a foot or so of space on all sides of the vehicle, it helps guard against accidental damage. They are available in a smaller size for motorcycles, as well (figure E).
The Full-Coverage Car Bag
One alternative to the plastic bubble is a full-coverage polyethylene car-bag. Like the car-bubble, this provides total enclosure for the vehicle in zipped bag. When using a car-bag, first thoroughly wash and clean the vehicle, then allow it to completely air-dry for a couple of days before installing the cover.
Before placing the vehicle inside the polyethylene cover, leave the windows cracked allow air to circulate inside the vehicle. You may also want to use desiccant packets (figure F) inside the vehicle to absorb excess humidity and help maintain a completely dry environment. These desiccants generally come as part of the polyethylene-cover kit, and they can be re-used a number of times simply by placing them in the oven for drying between uses.
Once you've prepared the vehicle, roll it onto the base mat. To protect your paint finish, you may want to place furniture pads or soft drop-cloths on top of the vehicle (figure G) before enclosing it in the bag. For vehicles that have a radio antenna that does not retract, a plastic protector-tube (provided with the cover kit), will prevent the cover from being punctured.
Finally, pull the upper portion of the bag in place and zip it shut (figure H).
RESOURCES :
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
Car Capsule
Car Capsule from
PDK Inc.
Chicago and Indianapolis
Toll-free: 800-PDK-2822
Web site: www.carcapsule.com
Car Jacket
Car Jacket from
Pine Ridge Enterprise
13165 Center Road
Bath, MI 48808
Phone: 517-641-4881
Toll-free: 800-5-CARBAG
Web site: www.carbag.com
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