15th February 2021

So, you are a real car enthusiast but lockdown and the winter weather seem to be taking their toll on your motor’s lovely interior.

Does this sound familiar? Then read on for some top tips to help you both through these dark times!

This time of year the weather is unpredictable and temperatures from day to night can see a dramatic swing. Sometimes the weather seems dry and you can even feel a little warmth in the sunshine but always there is moisture in the atmosphere. This combination creates ideal conditions for condensation, even for cars kept outside under covers.

 Condensation is most common where there is a dramatic change of air temperatures where the cooling of the air encourages water vapour to change into a liquid. These droplets of water appear on cold surfaces including the inside of car windscreens, windows and on painted surfaces.

Condensation and moisture inside a car can lead to several problems including mould and mildew.

Our first top tip is to clean your interior glasswork. You probably think that it sounds unlikely but mould spores will attach themselves to dirt and debris and these also encourage water droplets to form. Next time you are cleaning your car pay particular attention to the inside of screens and window glasses. You should slightly open windows and remove any marks around where the runner seals fit as these will most likely be a dirty residue. Use a glass cleaner or automotive cleaner designed for glass and polish with a soft microfiber cloth

Condensation can be hard to spot completely but it can be mitigated and a few simple safeguards can be taken to ensure your car interior is not exposed to unnecessary levels of moisture. This is particularly important for classic car owners where interiors are unlikely to have the more advanced, mould resistant interiors of later cars. Check your interior mats to see if they are wet. Mats in frequently driven cars can become soggy from wet shoes and should be taken out of the car and left to dry naturally.

If you are leaving the car for several weeks, leave the windows very slightly cracked open. This will prevent a ‘microclimate’ forming inside the car as the days start warming up in springtime. Mildew in particular will grow on any dirty surfaces if fuelled by a moist atmosphere and some springtime warmth.

Another old trick is to use a moisture absorbent substance or desiccant to keep moisture levels under control in your car. A pair of old long socks filled with cat litter and tucked under your front seats can actually make a big difference. Don’t forget to take them out when summer arrives though!

Also consider investing in a quality car cover. If you do not buy the right cover for your car you could encourage droplets of condensation to form on the paintwork which can lead to cosmetic and mechanical issues.

Will I get condensation on my car even if it’s under a cover?

Our Stormforce car covers are fully breathable and are designed to allow air to flow between the car cover and the surface of the car. This reduces the chance of condensation as the air temperature is more regulated and consistent. You may still see some condensation form on the bodywork but with the right car cover, this will be significantly reduced.

It’s also worth mentioning that if your car cover is fully waterproof it can restrict leaks that may be affecting your car seals and letting additional moisture in the car. A breathable car cover will allow the water to evaporate away easily once the air warms up or it becomes breezy.

The seasons make a huge difference as air temperatures generally need to rise throughout the day so water can be more easily evaporated. Spring creates the right conditions for a lot of condensation as there are greater extremes between warmer days but bitter nights but also makes the process of drying and cleaning quite easy on a good day.

In winter, it is more difficult for water to escape as the rise in temperatures is unlikely to be as noticeable as in the spring. Winter also offers another complication as if the temperature falls too low, condensation can freeze and have several detrimental effects.

How often should I remove my cover in winter?

Winter is not just a time for your car to be sleeping! Classic car owners often put vehicles into storage and seasonal fleets are hibernated. This is the perfect time for covering your car but some attention is still required. We use covers throughout the winter and it’s important to take some steps to ensure your car is protected properly. Lift the cover frequently, allow and encourage air flow, inspect and clean debris from the surface once a month.  Just like all seasons, take some time to check and ensure your vehicle is well protected.

If you have concerns and questions about moisture and the protection our breathable car covers can offer, please contact us or call to chat through what you need. We are always here and happy to help.