If you’re an automobile enthusiast, your car, RV, or any other automobile will be one of the most valuable things in your possession.

This is because a vehicle isn’t just something to get you from point A to B, it can be a source of pride, a status symbol, or a beloved family heirloom.

Sometimes, keeping your car or RV at home isn’t always the best option. You might not have room to park it and it might get exposed to the elements, which could lead to damages that could lower its value.

Temperature and humidity are two major factors that can affect the longevity of your vehicle, so when you’re storing it, you need to do so in an environment that controls these factors.

The good news is that there are plenty of temperature and humidity controlled storage facilities out there that are excellent for storing vehicles. Let’s explore how temperature and humidity affect your vehicle and how these storage facilities can keep your vehicle in excellent condition.

Temperature Control

Here’s a look at how temperature can affect your vehicle and how temperature and humidity-controlled storage facilities can help:

1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Some cars, especially classic cars, may be sensitive to extreme temperatures. For example, high temperatures can cause windshields to crack and low temperatures may cause fuel lines to freeze.

Technically, temperatures under 4°F and over 80°F can potentially damage your vehicle, as your vehicle isn’t usually designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Your car or RV should ideally be stored at a constant temperature that’s between 60°F and 70°F.  This is why storage facilities for vehicles usually maintain a comfortable 65°F temperature.

2. Prevent Sudden Temperature Changes

When placed out in the elements, your vehicle may be exposed to sudden temperature changes. These temperature changes can cause the rapid expansion and contraction of materials. Over time, this may lead to parts of your vehicle getting damaged.

This can also affect fuel lines which can lead to dangerous situations where fuel could start leaking from the vehicle—which is a fire hazard. As mentioned before, storage facilities for vehicles maintain a constant temperature, preventing any sudden temperature changes.

3. Protect From UV Rays

UV rays aren’t just bad for people, they can also affect vehicles as well. Long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to your vehicle’s paint fading. Also, UV rays may affect the vehicle’s upholstery too, causing them to lose color.

Storage facilities are usually located deep underground, away from direct sunlight. This will protect your vehicle from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Humidity Control

Now let’s dive into what high humidity levels could do to your vehicle and what storage facilities can do to prevent these problems. Depending on where you live in Pennsylvania, the humidity levels can range between 68.44% and 83.88%.

High humidity levels may cause condensation to form on your vehicle’s body and can accelerate oxidation. This may cause your vehicle’s paint to bubble or peel off, leading to expensive repairs.

Excessive humidity can also allow mold and mildew to grow inside your vehicle. These growths don’t just give off an unpleasant odor, they can also trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Also, high humidity levels can corrode the connectors of your vehicle’s electrical components, leading to malfunctions. Since many modern cars have a significant amount of electrical components, this can become a major problem.

Storage facilities maintain humidity levels at around 65%, which is ideal for most vehicles. To make sure that the humidity levels are always kept optimal, temperature and humidity controlled storage facilities will monitor the humidity levels 24/7 and install dehumidifiers.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Storage Facility

Many companies offer temperature and humidity controlled storage for vehicles but not all of them may be as good as they say they are. Here’s how you filter out the good ones:

1. Location

Choose a storage facility that’s located close to where you live, or at least in the state you reside in. This will make it easier for you to pick up your vehicle and cut down your travel time.

2. Security Measures

The storage facility should employ tight security measures to monitor and protect your vehicle. Ideally, they should have security measures like CCTV, on-site security personnel, and restricted access.

3. Unit Size

The storage facility you choose should have storage units that can accommodate your vehicle’s size. For example, if you want to store an RV, the storage facility should have a ceiling that’s at least 12 feet high.

4. Online Reviews

Research storage facilities online and see what people are saying about them. Keep an eye out for reviews that talk specifically about their services, the state of their facilities, and what condition their vehicles were in after being retrieved.

Also, see what people say about their pricing structure and how their prices make up for their quality of service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few questions to consider when choosing a humidity controlled storage facility:

1. Can humidity affect wood panels in classic cars?

Yes, high humidity levels may cause wood panels to swell and buckle. In the worst-case scenarios, the moisture could make the wood rot.

2. How often should I check on my car when it’s in storage?

You can check on your vehicle as often as you want unless the storage company’s guidelines say otherwise. That being said, you may want to check on your vehicle at least once a month.

3. Can I cover my car after putting it in storage?

Yes, you can. But make sure that the cover is completely dry to avoid trapping moisture.

Get in touch with a temperature and humidity controlled storage facility today

A vehicle can be like a part of the family and it needs a lot of love and care. By getting in touch with a company that offers underground vehicle storage, you can make sure that your beloved vehicle will be safe and sound until you take it out for a spin again.