What Are the Effects of Leaving a Car in a Damp Place for a Long Time?
3 Answers
Leaving a car in a damp place for a long time can affect the vehicle, including causing parts to rust easily and impacting the electrical circuits. The details are as follows. Parts Prone to Rust: The interior of the car is more susceptible to moisture and mold. The welding parts of the doors and body, as well as iron components inside the doors such as hinges and locks, are also prone to rust and corrosion. It is essential to perform proper dehumidification to avoid hazards while driving. Impact on Electrical Circuits: If a car is left in a damp place for a long time, it can affect the vehicle's components and wiring. Particularly for the engine, if it is not lubricated for an extended period, the internal wiring may age, and parts may rust, leading to engine damage.
A friend of mine parked his car in a particularly humid garage in the south for a year, and the entire chassis rusted, even the brake discs became pitted with rust. The leather seats inside the car were covered in mold spots, and turning on the AC released a sour, musty smell. The electronic devices fared even worse—the infotainment screen malfunctioned several times, and the mechanic said the wiring harness connectors had oxidized. Now, he makes a point to drive the car out for half an hour every week, using the heater to dry out the floor and seats. For long-term parking, it's recommended to place some dehumidifier boxes inside the car, apply silicone oil to rubber parts to prevent aging, and if possible, using parking space desiccants would be even better.
Our repair shop has handled many vehicles parked by the seaside for extended periods, with chassis rust being the most troublesome issue. Cast iron components can rust through a layer in less than six months, and cities with heavy rainfall often experience clogged drainage holes. The critical factor is the interior environment—when humidity rises, the air conditioning evaporator becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, and the blown air can trigger coughing. Faults caused by oxidation of electronic system contact points are exorbitantly expensive to repair, with dashboard error alerts appearing as unpredictably as a lottery draw. To protect your vehicle, rely on three key measures: inspect the chassis rubber guards every other month, promptly remove interior moisture after rain, and run the engine for at least twenty minutes monthly to cycle the air conditioning system.
