Effects of heat and humidity on storing a car | FerrariChat

Effects of heat and humidity on storing a car

Discussion in 'Detailing & Showroom' started by dwe8922, Aug 8, 2018.

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  1. dwe8922

    dwe8922 Formula Junior

    Feb 27, 2004
    385
    FL
    Full Name:
    David
    I live in FL, and store my cars in a concrete block shop. I've always used a damp rid inside the car, and in the summer, the crystals have to be replenished/canister drained pretty much weekly. I bought a thermometer to see what the conditions really are, and on a hot summer day, it can can get to 90 degrees and 90% humidity.

    The shop has a lot of footage, and isn't perfectly sealed, so I don't know how practical ac would be. I've thought of a large humidifier too....

    What are the effects of moist heat like I have, vs dry dehumidified heat?

    Thanks,
    David
     
  2. RacerX_GTO

    RacerX_GTO F1 World Champ
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    Nov 2, 2003
    13,965
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    Gabe V.
    Well, look where they store military aircraft for later use - the Arizona desert.
    Moist heat is sure to grow a nice crop of mold on fine leather and other organic materials, versus the dry heat.
     
    Texas Forever likes this.
  3. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    Feb 11, 2005
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    Buy a dehumidifier with a pump/hose that will automatically drain the unit when it's full. Set to 50-60% humidity and you're good to go. Has worked wonders for me.
     
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  4. abstamaria

    abstamaria F1 Rookie

    Feb 11, 2006
    2,668
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    Andres
    By coincidence, we had a very interesting and informative talk on the topic at the local sports car club this past Sunday. The topic covered critical humidity, carcoons, dehumidifiers, stc. Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  5. docf

    docf Formula 3

    Sep 14, 2008
    1,352
    Florida
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    Gary
    I do the same! No known problems.
     
  6. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    Feb 11, 2005
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  7. bocaf430

    bocaf430 Formula 3

    Jun 10, 2014
    1,361
    LI, boca raton
    I agree in Florida at least, best to have air conditioning or a dehumidifier set up...
     
  8. LBBP

    LBBP Formula Junior

    For added insurance against moisture you might add bags of desiccant to the inside, trunk area and maybe underneath the hood. One pound bags work well for automotive use.
     
  9. Pilot Steve

    Pilot Steve Rookie

    Aug 8, 2018
    44
    Stuart, Florida
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    Steve Adams
    Being in Florida and planning to buy a 348 in the near future I found this string to be extremely interesting. Thanks to all the ideas including putting in the desiccant. Florida is a tough place for a nice car. My old XKE, which was a daily driver for 10 years, had a lot of rust problems due to driving the roads which were near the ocean and during the day dumped lots of salt just by normal wind currents. Once it rained those roads, now covered with dry salt, turned into a salt soup which splashed into the underside of the car. It was a constant battle down here. Same thing with my RV which is now almost completely rusted on the underside after only 10 years. Probably poor planning on winnebagos part. Thanks again guys any other ideas would really be appreciated. By the way I'm in the Stuart area, in case there are others particularly with 348 that could give me specific information on upkeep.

    Sent from my VS995 using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
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  10. ttforcefed

    ttforcefed F1 World Champ
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    Aug 22, 2002
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    aprilaire 1850 installed this week. have it set at 60% given i never spend more than a cple minutes a day in the garage - sure beats humidity of 80% +!!!
     
    Texas Forever likes this.
  11. Kevin Rev'n

    Kevin Rev'n Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2009
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    How much heat do those humidifiers put out? The only ones I am familiar with really cook the room they are in. There is no way you would want to be in there working on your car if they are putting out a lot of heat. I am in need of a solution too very shortly and was researching split AC units that can control humidity too. Anyone use one of these?
     
  12. ttforcefed

    ttforcefed F1 World Champ
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    Aug 22, 2002
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    No the garage actually feels cooler now.


    Sent from my BBB100-3 using Tapatalk
     
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  13. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    Feb 11, 2005
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    Same with mine.

    My understanding is that the dehumidifier uses cold coils to chill the air pulled into the machine to the point that they start to develop condensation (aka pulling the water out of the air). That water content is then drained off and discarded through the hose via the pump once the machine fills up enough.

    The result is cooler, drier air being pushed out of the machine. And also explains why it doesn’t function below the 40 something degrees required to be functional.
     
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  14. RacerX_GTO

    RacerX_GTO F1 World Champ
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    Nov 2, 2003
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    The machines have a operating temp limitation. Cold = no dice. Drying in cooler air, that's where the desiccant or desiccant drying equipment works best.
     
  15. JimEakin

    JimEakin Formula Junior

    Jun 13, 2015
    988
    Mountain Living
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    Jim
    Hi Joe,
    I put in an extender cable so I can make the battery tender connection without opening my hood. When disconnected, I put the cap on and lodge the connector in a slot in the grill.
     

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  16. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    Feb 11, 2005
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    That looks great, Jim. I actually have it on my Turbo but haven't had a real need to do it on the 550 - although it could something to add on when it goes in for service next...
     
  17. JimEakin

    JimEakin Formula Junior

    Jun 13, 2015
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    Jim
    One other thing I like about it is if I forget it's plugged in, it just unplugs itself.
     
  18. Johnny Martin

    Johnny Martin Rookie

    Feb 6, 2018
    15
    St. Petersburg, FL
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    Johnny Martin
    I put a nice split unit A/C unit in my garage here in Florida. When I pull out the window all fog up like sunglasses. I know I’m keeping her cool.
     

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