How it works
The Car Bubble works by using air to protect the vehicle inside of the Car Bubble. A constant flow of air is pushed into the Car Bubble, through a fan featuring a polyester reticulated foam filter, the filter has the perfect balance of allowing adequate air to flow through while stopping floating particulates from getting through to the inside of the Car Bubble.
Due to the constant flow of air, a consistent pressure is maintained within the bubble, which is more than enough to keep the Car Bubble inflated and ensure the air inside is never still, this is the key to protection. Still air, allows for moisture and particles to settle, once these settle, this is when rust and mould can develop. An isolated environment is created within the Car Bubble, this results in slower temperature changes which prevents condensation and ensures nothing harmful on the outside, get in. We have all come back to our garaged cars to find new spider webs!
The Car Bubble itself is enough to protect a vehicle inside, featuring PVC side panels, the PVC is thicker than your average car cover and will protect your paintwork. The PVC reinforced tarpaulin base mat, is enough to stop moisture rising through it while being tough enough to stand up to being driven on and off, even on rough surfaces. It is the thickest base mat available, purposely to ensure it lasts the longest.
If you happen to get caught in the rain or have just washed your car, you can still use the Car Bubble, a removable drying panel allows air to flow out at the opposite end to the fan, creating a flow of air over the car which helps dry your vehicle faster than leaving it outside.
If you are conscious about energy usage, you can use a timer plug to activate the car bubble at sunset and deactivate at sundown, condensation is less likely to occur during the day time for a car which has remained contained within the Car Bubble, as long as the vehicle is clean, the PVC will not cause any harm to gently resting on the vehicle. Of course, the Car Bubble remains sealed and still works as a general protection device when deflated which is still better than any typical car cover. To avoid the top cover from resting on the vehicle, you can make use of the hook points which feature on each corner, this then prevents the top cover from resting on your vehicle.
Air flow
Cars have been designed to be driven and not parked in garages for prolonged periods of time. The door and other cavities receive an adequate flow of moving air when the car is driven but not when it is still. This is where the physics of the Car Bubble comes into its own. Instead of the car moving, the Car Bubble moves the air, about 30,000 litres per hour, flowing all around and through the car inside the smallest of spaces.
Condensation
So what about condensation? As the car is now in its own environment, we can control against rapid changes in climate, the cause of condensation! In the Car Bubble, the air is exchanged 3 times in an hour. If there is a rapid change in air temperature outside this environment, then it will take twenty minutes to change inside, this is not a rapid change and therefore condensation does not occur.
Storing Your Car
Do I Need To Prepare My Car?
As you are not running the vehicle regularly, there are steps you must take. These ensure that it is in the best condition possible when you come to use it again. Therefore, it is important to take the time to do them.
Why Do I Need It?
A car is predominantly made of plastic, metal, and glass, if you’re lucky, carbon fibre! These make ideal places for condensation to occur. Many cars rot from the inside out. This is because when the condensation occurs, it occurs on both sides of the surface it can be seen on, this can be detrimental to Carbon Fibre. One side is painted, polished, waxed, and is open to the air. The other is hidden and sheltered, inside of doors, under carpets, inside side sills and chassis rails, to name just a few traps. Therefore, we usually do not recognize the problem of rust and rot until it is too late, while the underside of your car may be wax-oiled and protected, the other side of those very panels will have minimal protection and over time, rust can set in and begin it’s process and spread, only alerting you when it is too late and an MOT tester is prodding their screwdriver through it. The Car Bubble prevents moisture, dries existing moisture and stops direct contact with the upper surfaces from the likes of dust, bugs and accidental knocks, brushing past, kids hand prints and pets using it as a seat.
Things to consider before long term storage
As your car will be stationary, over-inflating tyres will prevent flat spots developing. Also, the battery will not get used while the vehicle is out of use. You should either disconnect it or use a battery conditioner. We recommend CTEK and can supply these, they are beneficial for your car when you come to bring it out of storage.
Tyre trainer mats, which are shaped to assist the radius of a tyre help prevent flat spotting and contact with the ground, which may be damp, this can allow a vehicle to be parked without use of the handbrake, preventing cables from being stretched for extended periods of time and pads from binding on to a drum/disc. We recommend Tyre Dox, a fellow UK company, the mats are by far the best quality we have seen and are made from recycled rubber. These work hand in hand with a Car Bubble as the tyre trainers can also protect the base of the Car Bubble.
There are several different types of fluids in a vehicle, fuel, oil, water, and windscreen wash. This takes time but ultimately will help protect your car. You should replace the oil, as contaminants build up when the car runs. When you leave it sitting, it can cause damage to the engine. The fuel also needs filling to stop moisture building up inside and rusting the tank, if it is not a plastic one.
To stop problems like rot, rust and mould, cleaning is an essential step for both inside and out (Not a worry with a Car Bubble). You can then protect the paintwork by finishing off with a wax. When assembling the Car Bubble, a clean car is highly advised as the Car Bubble top cover will make contact with your car, so a clean car will help stop any scratches caused by moving the top cover on the bodywork. You will not have to be concerned about condensation when you invest in an air chamber, as it offers outstanding protection.
Post storage care is just as important
Correct car storage preparation can pay off when you come to remove your car from storage. But many people can forget how crucial it is to also prepare for driving again.
Checks to make
Look at the tyre pressure and adjust them to the appropriate level. The sidewall and tread rows also need inspecting in case cracks have formed; this is as well as ensuring all nuts are tight enough.
All fluid levels need checking. There are plenty of different ones, so remember them all, including the oil. When you put it at the appropriate level, the amount of rust and corrosion present should be minimal. You should change the oil and filter if the vehicle has not been driven in over 2 years.
People choose different things to do with their battery when putting a car into storage. If you use a battery conditioner, then disconnecting it and ensuring there is a full charge should be enough. For those who took it out, you will have to install it again. This takes care, and you should clean the posts and cable ends too.
How long can a car sit in storage?
People have been driving less frequently in the last 6 months because of coronavirus. With winter fast approaching, this amount will fall even more. What this all means is more cars will be sitting for periods without being driven. This could be bad for the vehicle.
Newer vehicles
The great thing about modern vehicles is they can usually sit for longer without issues. This is because of the newer technology and materials. However, not driving the vehicle for a long time can cause issues with the battery and tyres. You need to think about the first because most vehicles will require the electricity to start the engine. The host of electronics onboard also means the batteries can drain faster than you expect.
A good rule if you have a modern car is to drive it every two to three weeks. This will help to prevent issues from developing. You should ensure you drive far enough to fully charge the battery.
Older vehicles
People tend to leave older vehicles in storage for longer periods to try to protect them. However, this could be allowing more issues to develop. That is especially true if they do not choose the right car storage.
It is important to take more precautions to protect vintage and classic cars if you are storing them. You want to protect them against moisture, dirt, and anything else that could damage them. In addition, you need to think about wear on the tyres, the battery, and even the interior if it is a delicate material like soft leather.
Good practice is to do regular checks on the vehicle when it is in storage. This should also include starting it periodically, rotating the wheels if it is sitting on the ground, and cleaning.
The Car Bubble isolates a vehicle from the outside, preventing condensation, keeping dust, bugs, pets and rodents away. If you care for your vehicle, the Car Bubble is the ultimate protection for it!