Car Covers Cause…
Car storage and owners of car covers are likely scratching their heads right now. Now, car covers were created to preserve cars, not harm them. The intentions are always good, but the reality is that car covers may only preserve what you see during car storage. Indoor or outdoor doesn’t make a difference, the moisture will be trapped if the car covers are waterproof.
One may believe that salt air and humidity are the cause of rust. Not so. South Florida is a great example of wonderful cars, but aren’t they all in the middle of constant 100% Humidity? Wait, isn’t everything really close to the salt air form the ocean?
South Florida Beaches are known for tropical climate, high rainfall, and high humidity levels. Despite all this, it has a surprisingly low number of rusty cars.
The Science
Rust, or iron oxide, is the product of a chemical reaction between iron, oxygen, and water. The reaction being described is called oxidation. When the car’s metal surfaces are exposed to water (moisture), add oxygen, and rust will form during car storage. While high humidity and rainfall provide the necessary elements for rust formation, it is actually temperature fluctuations and condensation that accelerate the process.
The Catalyst and Car Covers
Car Covers should be preventing this, not promoting it. Condensation starts when the temperature of something, such as a car’s metal surface, drops below the dew point of the surrounding air. Or in other words when there is a sufficient fast temperature change. This causes the moisture in the air to condense on the surface. In the case of cars, this creates an ideal environment for rust to form. Once this occurs the only way to dissipate the moisture is with airflow.
The Role of Temperature Changes
Temperature changes are a major contributing factor to condensation. When the air temperature fluctuates, so does its dew point. If the dew point is higher than the temperature of a car’s metal surfaces, moisture from the air will condense on them, promoting rust formation.
Are Car Covers the Difference?
South Florida’s climate is described by always high temperatures and humidity levels. These together are the key, and there are few temperature changes that are enough to cause condensation, which causes corrosion.
Consistent Temperatures
South Florida’s tropical climate results in high temperatures all the time during the year. This means that there is almost no temperature change that is enough to cause condensation. In particular, at night, when condensation usually occurs, those temperature changes don’t happen. With no big swings in temperature, the chances of condensation are low, preventing corrosion from forming on cars.
Minimal Temperature Difference
The consistently warm temperatures in South Florida also help to limit the temperature difference between the air and a car’s metal surfaces. This reduces the chances of condensation, as the dew point remains mostly constant. As a result, the conditions that encourage rust development are less likely.
Humidity Levels
While South Florida has high humidity levels, the region’s consistent temperatures keep dew points stable. This prevents the formation of condensation on car parts, despite the high levels of moisture in the air. As a result, corrosion is less likely to occur, even with the increased humidity.
Rainfall Patterns
South Florida does experience heavy rainfall, especially during the wet season. However, the constant warm temperatures ensure that rainwater evaporates quickly, reducing the time that a car’s metal surfaces are exposed to moisture. This limits the opportunity for corrosion.
The Role of Car Maintenance
While South Florida’s climate plays a significant role in limiting rust formation, proper car maintenance also contributes to the region’s low number of rusty cars. Regular upkeep can help to further prevent rust development, particularly in high-humidity environments.
The Last Word.
While South Florida’s high humidity and rainfall may seem like a recipe for rust, the region’s consistent warm temperatures actually work to inhibit rust formation on cars. The lack of significant temperature fluctuations and minimal temperature difference between the air and car surfaces prevent condensation, the main catalyst for rust development.
Car Covers, Car Storage
The invention car covers for car storage is not attributed to a single individual as it is believed to have evolved over time through various designs and materials. However, it is known that car covers were used as early as the 1900s to protect automobiles from the elements and dust. Initially, car covers were made from canvas or similar heavy-duty materials, and they were typically custom-made to fit specific makes and models of cars.
Car Cover Canada offers a comprehensive range of car covers that go beyond insurance to safeguard your investment. Despite the challenging natural elements that constantly impede our efforts, our car covers protect your car from a variety of hazards such as rust, mold, rodents, bugs, and dust. Our outdoor models are designed to handle UV rays and other outdoor elements, while our indoor models provide a dust-free showroom view, allowing you to admire your car. With our car covers, you won’t have to worry about wiping off dust or fingerprints as they keep your car looking and smelling just the way you left it.