Building the Perfect Garage for Your BMW
There are few quicker ways to ruin a luxury vehicle than leaving it at the mercy of the elements each day. Storing a classic car in a dedicated garage, on the other hand, can help to keep your vehicle looking like brand new even after years of use. In the wise words of author Amit Kalantri, “Take care of your car in the garage, and the car will take care of you on the road.”
Unfortunately, for many of us, our garage is far from the ideal space for our favourite car. The environment may be mouldy, damp or even cluttered from all of the old knick-knacks that don’t fit in the house. Even if your garage is completely empty, that doesn’t mean that it’s ready to house your BMW. Here are some tips on how to set up your garage to ensure that the area’s safe, sound, and comfortable for your car.
Set an Ambient Temperature
You should always take the temperature and humidity of your garage into account when storing your BMW. The area should reach no more than 70°F, even in the summer. If necessary, you may want to install an AC system in your garage. Conversely, you shouldn’t let the area reach below freezing temperatures in the winter, as this can damage glass and metal components.
The humidity of your garage should always sit between 40% and 50%. If the air contains too much moisture, it can lead to rust and mildew. If the humidity is too low, on the other hand, it may damage wood and leather interiors. You should get a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep your garage at appropriate levels depending on where you live.
Include Proper Ventilation
It’s a good idea to ensure that fresh air is always circulating through your garage to prevent the buildup of moisture, bacteria, mildew, and dangerous pollutants. Not only does proper ventilation help to maintain the look and integrity of your BMW’s exterior, but it also reduces the risk of you experiencing health effects from carbon monoxide and other noxious fumes. At the very least, you should install a vent system in your garage that reaches the outdoors. You can also set up a more complex exhaust system to actively pump new air into your garage.
As a proud BMW owner, you likely want to keep your car in top notch condition. Perhaps the best way to do this is by setting up your garage to specifically handle the unique needs of your vehicle. By keeping the temperature and humidity at moderate levels and installing a ventilation system, you can ensure that you’re providing the best possible care for your car when it’s not in use.