Don't Let Your Car Turn into a Molten Cupcake: A Guide to Florida Garage Storage
So, you're a Floridian with a car. Fantastic! You've got sunshine, beaches, and... the ever-present threat of your vehicle spontaneously combusting from the summer heat. Fear not, fellow sunshine state resident! With a little know-how, your car can emerge from its garage slumber unscathed, ready to hit the road without looking like a melted marshmallow.
| How To Store A Car In Florida Garage Over Summer |
Step One: Turn Up the TLC, Not the Thermostat (Your Garage Doesn't Have One Anyway)
- Give it a Bath: Before your car takes a dirt nap, wash away any grime, bird droppings, or rogue jellybean projectiles (hey, Florida is full of surprises). Think of it as a spa day to keep the paint happy.
- Interior Deserve TLC Too: Vacuum out crumbs, forgotten french fries, and that rogue sock that's been missing for months. Trust us, your car will thank you (and your nose will too).
Step Two: Prepping for the Great Florida Bake-Off (Because Let's Face It, That's What Summer Feels Like)
- Battery Tenderness is Key: Florida heat can zap your battery faster than you can say "ice cream." A battery tender connected to an outlet (assuming your garage has electricity) will keep it happy throughout its snooze.
- Tire Talk: Pump those tires up to their recommended PSI! Soft tires are unhappy tires, and unhappy tires can lead to flat-out trouble (pun intended).
Pro-Tip: If you're feeling fancy, consider placing wheel chocks under the tires to prevent them from flat-spotting. Basically, it's like giving your tires a little vacation too!
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Step Three: Cover Up - But Not in That Way
- Garage Cover-Up: This might seem like a no-brainer, but unless you want your car to look like it got into a fight with a rogue paint sprayer, consider a breathable car cover.
- Skip the Plastic: While it might seem tempting to encase your car in a plastic bubble, it can trap moisture and lead to rust woes. Nobody wants a rusty car, not even Dory.
Step Four: Keeping the Critters at Bay (Because Florida Has Enough 'Wild Things' Already)
- Seal Up the Cracks: Mice love a good Florida garage as much as the next guy. Plug any holes you see with caulk or steel wool to keep those furry freeloaders out.
- Bonus Tip: Leaving bowls of unopened dryer sheets around the garage can deter critters with their strong scent. Just don't blame us if your car ends up smelling like a giant linen closet.
Remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of critter-chewed wires!
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Florida Garage Storage FAQs:
How to stop my garage from getting too humid?
Consider a dehumidifier or running a box fan for a few hours a day to circulate air.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
How often should I check on my car?
Start your car every few weeks and let it run for a bit to keep things lubricated.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
How do I know what PSI my tires should be?
Check the owner's manual or sticker on the driver's side door for the recommended PSI.
What if my garage doesn't have electricity?
Look into solar battery chargers or disconnect the battery altogether (consult your owner's manual for proper storage instructions).
Should I leave the windows cracked open?
This is a judgment call. Cracked windows can help with ventilation, but they can also let in moisture and critters.