If you drive your car relatively frequently, you may not bother to put it in the garage every time. After all, if you’re often in and out of your home, it can sometimes be a bit of a hassle to take it in and out of the garage every time – which makes it all the more tempting just to leave it where it is. (Sometimes garages get used for spillover storage too, which doesn’t help.)
Despite all that though, there are several compelling reasons why it’s best to keep your garage reserved exclusively for vehicle storage – and not least because you might be using it to fix up a car from one of our online car auctions here at RAW2K. Here are four of the most universal points!
Protection from weather elements
Parking your car in the garage provides essential protection from various weather conditions. In the UK, where rain is frequent and temperatures can fluctuate (in summer too, somewhat irritatingly), keeping your vehicle sheltered can prevent damage from prolonged exposure to moisture.
Rainwater can cause paint damage and accelerate rusting on metal surfaces, especially when combined with pollutants in the air, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade paint and damage interior materials such as dashboard plastics and upholstery. Hailstorms are much more rare, but aren’t unheard of, and these pose a risk of denting your vehicle's bodywork, which can be costly to repair. You’ll note that you get none of these weather conditions inside your garage, which can go a long way to protecting the aesthetics and mechanical functions of your car.
Reduced risk of vandalism and theft
A garage offers increased security for your vehicle compared to parking it on the driveway or street. The vast majority of thieves and vandals are opportunists, and parking in a garage reduces its visibility, making it less likely to be targeted. This added security can give you peace of mind from a standing start, and installing security features like motion-sensing lights and a robust garage door further enhances protection.
Reduces wear and tear
As we’ve touched upon, parking your car in a garage helps maintain its exterior and mechanical components. And it’s not just from weather elements either – the issues can come from all sorts of sources.
When left outside, vehicles are exposed to dust, bird droppings, tree sap, and other debris that can damage the paint and finish. Regular exposure to these elements can also lead to premature wear on rubber seals, windshield wipers, and other vulnerable parts. Parking in a garage helps to protect your vehicle from these hazards, reducing the frequency of cleaning and detailing required to keep it looking its best. What’s more, a stable indoor environment minimises temperature fluctuations, which can prolong the life of fluids like oil and coolant, as well as preserve the integrity of electrical systems.
Potentially boost your car’s lifespan
The protection provided by a garage can contribute to extending your vehicle's lifespan. By shielding it from weather extremes, UV radiation, and other environmental factors, you reduce the risk of corrosion and deterioration of both exterior and interior components. This preservation can translate into fewer repairs and maintenance costs over time, as well as maintaining a higher resale value should you decide to sell or trade in your vehicle in the future. Regularly parking your car in a garage also helps in retaining its aesthetic appeal, which can be crucial when negotiating a better price during resale or trade-in transactions.
Those are just some of the most universal benefits – you may be able to enjoy a couple more specific ones of your own! And of course, if your car is already showing its age, or you’re thinking of finding a fixer-upper, you’re in exactly the right place. Here at RAW2K, we update our online car auctions daily and weekly. We also include makes and models available from some of the world's leading manufacturers and, as we know now, firm public favourites like Volkswagen, Ford, Renault, and many more. Why not take a look at our online auction and see what you can find?
