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.
Problems Solved
Here are some problems that using a car bubble can solve, which you can include on your website:
- Weather Protection: Car bubbles provide effective protection against various weather conditions, including rain, snow, hail, and UV rays. This ensures that your car remains in pristine condition regardless of the elements.
- Preservation of Vehicle Value: Storing your car in a bubble can help preserve its value over time. It prevents paint damage, rust, and corrosion, which can significantly impact a vehicle’s resale value.
- Dust and Debris Prevention: Car bubbles keep dust, dirt, leaves, and debris away from your car, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and detailing.
- Security: Car bubbles act as an additional layer of security, deterring potential thieves and vandals from accessing or damaging your vehicle.
- Long-Term Storage: Car bubbles are ideal for long-term storage, making them perfect for seasonal vehicles or collector cars that are not regularly driven.
- Convenience: Using a car bubble is convenient as it minimizes the effort required for cleaning and maintaining your car. It’s also easier to access and move your vehicle when needed.
- Protection from Insects and Pests: Car bubbles keep insects, rodents, and other pests away from your car, preventing potential damage and contamination.
- Interior Preservation: By maintaining a controlled environment around your car, bubbles help preserve the interior, including the dashboard, seats, and electronics, from UV damage and heat.
- Reduced Allergen Exposure: For individuals with allergies or sensitivities, car bubbles can help reduce exposure to pollen and airborne allergens that might accumulate on the car’s surface.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Car bubbles keep your car looking great all year round, ensuring that it’s always ready for a drive or display.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your car is protected in a secure, controlled environment provides peace of mind, especially during extreme weather conditions or long periods of storage.
- Savings on Maintenance: By reducing the wear and tear caused by exposure to the elements, car bubbles can lead to savings on maintenance and repair costs.
Storing Your Car
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 as these are intelligent chargers which know when to stop charging.
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.
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. Be aware, if mould is already present within your vehicle, it may appear as the bacteria is already there, using anti-bacterial cleaners on surfaces like the steering wheel, belts and seats is advisable before storage.
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?
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 and also require more power when starting. Some modern day cars will not allow a car to start if the battery voltage is below a particular threshold, whereas an older car may have just been able to splutter into life.
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, I think most classic car owners can agree with this, I know I can!
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!