While the climate in Algarve is a little drier than other areas in Portugal, humidity still averages around 79% in December. We all know this can get a little uncomfortable, but did you know that it’s even more uncomfortable for our vehicles?
According to several research projects, high humidity can have a negative effect on the interior components of our cars, leading to a drastic change in performance and even driveability. But why is this the case and what can be done to prevent it?
The Effect of Humidity on Interior and Exterior Components
For old cars, specifically, humidity can cause a great deal of internal corrosion. Even if it’s just 40% RH, corrosion can impact the car radiator, which is a crucial component in the cooling system. As well as the radiator, the moisture present in the air can cause rust to the car’s engine, which can lead to a degradation in fuel economy and engine performance. Excess moisture can also lead sensors – including lambda sensors – to trip inadvertently, meaning they might tell you there’s an issue when there isn’t, or vice versa.
Rust can also affect the air conditioning system and even exterior components such as the framework and wheels. This isn’t just a problem from an aesthetic point of view. Because rust is a sign of corrosion, it can easily lead to clogged valves in the wheel and transmission system, which could increase the danger during driving and result in costly damage.
How to Spot Rust
When it comes to spotting rust, it’s all about acting early. For starters, you should be regularly checking your car for scratches and dents, or any kind of damage that has led metal to be exposed – this can be tied in to regular oil and tyre checks. You should also check underneath your car, looking out for patches with red dust, small gaps, or a bubbling effect.
Speaking of bubbling, this is another telltale sign that can be spotted in the paintwork. As soon as you spot a bubble – no matter how small – you should act quickly to prevent it from spreading. When it comes to internal components, this can be a little more tricky. However, booking in a professional test can be a good way to stay on top of everything, and if you put in the work to prevent humidity-induced decay, these tests can gradually become less frequent.
How to Avoid Rust
Speaking of the work needed to actively avoid rust, it’s all fairly simple. If you’re living in Algarve – or any climate that is known to get humid – it’s a good idea to protect your car before you spot it. This involves reading up about the types of anti-corrosion agents – autopecasonline24.pt is a good source on this – and finding an agent that suits you and your vehicle.
These petroleum-based rust inhibitors offer several benefits, but the most significant is their ability to spread over the metal and cover unreachable areas of the car. Because they remain on the metal surface, they can also seal it from an excess of water and oxygen – which is the main issue generated by high humidity.
There are plenty of types to choose from, too. These include bitumen-based, wax-based, and even paintable protection. The most popular in this instance is transparent aerosol container types, with a weight of around 500 ml. As well as rust-inhibitors, other rust protection methods include joint insulators, rust converters, paint hardeners and paint primers.
Cleaning and Reducing Mould
Along with sprays, you should also regularly clean your car and make sure you’re proactive in spotting corrosion, rather than reactive. This goes beyond a soft sponge and some hot water. If you’re the owner of an older vehicle, especially, adequate protection should include anything from distilled water, wheel cleaning sprays, diesel exhaust fluids, and liquid electrical tape.
If you’re tackling rust and corrosion, you should also bear in mind the impact of mould. Just as humidity can cause mould to grow in your home, it can cause mould to attack your car’s interior, leading to issues for the interior components, upholstery, and other areas.
Good ways to avoid this include keeping your interior clean and dry during humid weather, and ensuring the windows and doors are shut properly. If you want more surefire guidance on how to protect your car from mold – cotes.com includes product recommendations for a multi-functional dehumidifier, which is the most reliable method to control atmosphere and maintain optimum humidity while storing your car.
Simply by applying these methods, you’re doing enough to ensure your car is in good stead, ensuring only you are made uncomfortable by the humid Algarve winters!
