Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,062 Threads: 110
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Location: Cheshire
Hi,
What is recommended on returning from a rainy trip, please? I don't like closing the door on a wet car.
Colin
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,035 Threads: 54
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Location: The delightful town of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
I set an oscillating fan on a timer for an hour or two. and that is in a garage with a dehumidifier.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,062 Threads: 110
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Location: Cheshire
A fan should work well in those circumstances. However, in a garage without a humidifier, I am not sure anything makes much difference other than the condition of the garage and the weather. A garage that lets in water can be perpetually damp. In a water-tight garage, a bit ventilation can make a difference - it seems to be better to have some air circulation rather than a tight box? If I had a vintage or rare vehicle I would think about a dehumidifier to help with long term preservation.
After twenty years, my car has little very little corrosion. This is because it was well protected twenty years ago and has had small amounts of remedial work done since - a stitch in time saves nine with corrosion. In addition, the superior quality of the steel (compared say to the other extreme - a 1970s Alphsud) means that any rusting is slow to start and progress.
Colin
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,062 Threads: 110
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Location: Cheshire
Anyone use a Carcoon or similar?
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,062 Threads: 110
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Location: Cheshire
Had a quick look at conditions considered necessary for rusting - temperature/relative humidity. The benchmark seems to be to keep below 50% humidity at 20 degrees C for slowed corrosion. At lower temperatures, the humidity can rise higher before the corrosion increases, so a cold garage helps. For any temperature, the corrosion rate rises ever more steeply as the humidity approaches 100%.
Interesting that the level of air polution affects corrosion rates - dirty air means more ions in the moisture making it a better electrolyte. Also that a 'dry' surface (no rain or condensation) is not sufficient to prevent corrosion - high humidity air is enough.
Colin
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 3,024 Threads: 170
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Location: Sherwood Forest
Car type: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
I think another benefit of the Carcoon/Airchamber idea is that they provide a continuous movement of air.