The Seasonal Homeowner’s Guide to Vehicle Storage

For the seasonal homeowners of Florida, summer often means bidding farewell to the sunshine state for a few months. However, the decision to leave a car dormant in the garage throughout the season poses its own set of challenges, particularly for the vehicle’s battery, overall lubrication of moving parts and interior condition. Here’s some of the main problems and potential solutions to maintain your car’s health while you’re away.

Battery

A car left untouched for an extended period may seem dormant, but its battery is engaged in a silent battle against discharge. In Floridas’ warm, salty climate, the combination of heat and inactivity can lead to faster battery deterioration. Merely starting the car and letting it idle does little to rejuvenate the battery; in fact, it may further drain its charge.

Connecting a trickle charger, sometimes referred to as a battery maintainer will provide adequate current to the battery as needed. Part of having a professional Home Watch company is to observe and ensure the operability of your trickle charger.

To counteract the effects of prolonged inactivity, We recommend the most effective solution: a 15 minutes drive above 30 MPH. Taking your car for a 10-15 minute drive not only charges the battery but also engages various lubricated components, preventing stagnation. The motion of driving allows the alternator to recharge the battery, ensuring it retains the power needed to start when you return. Additionally, allowing the car to get up to temperature and circulating fluids will have a much bigger impact in the overall maintenance and longevity, compared to idling and at worst, doing nothing.

Mold

As your vehicle sits idle in your warm and humid garage, its interior becomes a potential breeding ground for mold. Closed windows and stagnant air provide the ideal conditions for mold spores to thrive, especially in areas where moisture accumulates. The consequences of interior neglect can range from unpleasant odors to more severe health risks for those entering the vehicle after an extended period.

Of course, the best option is leaving your vehicle within an indoor air-conditioned garage. Though we understand this is not realistic in most circumstances. A cost effective solution is to buy a portable dehumidifier (~$150) and run the drain line outside. This will not help with high temperatures but will expel the moisture in the air, preventing mold from thriving.

Before leaving your vehicle idle, a thorough interior cleaning is essential. Remove any perishable items, vacuum the carpets, and wipe down surfaces to eliminate potential sources of moisture and bacteria for mold to grow. Periodically throughout the summer months, it can be beneficial to keep up with interior and exterior cleaning of the vehicle.

Lastly, never put a cover over your vehicle. This acts as an oven and insulates the vehicle, trapping in moisture and creating more problems than it prevents.

Casa Naples Home Watch extends its expertise to every facet of your home, including your vehicle. Your property, is our priority, and we strive to make every return a seamless and enjoyable experience. Call today to see how our services can benefit you!