Condensation – How to deal and combat this
One of the most common questions we receive here at the club during the winter concerns condensation. If you don’t have the luxury of leaving your car in a garage then you have most probably experienced some level of condensation during very cold weather.
The following provides some help in how to combat it and also includes an idea of what cover to use.
Condensation
What causes condensation?
Condensation occurs when warm air (carrying evaporated water) meets a cold surface. What typically happens is owners drive around nice and warm, then park up, close up the car (trapping the moist warm air inside) and leave it to cool down overnight. In cold weather, this can cause condensation to form inside the cabin. Worst still, you get home and you cover the car up. This will trap any condensation between the car and the cover too!
The PCV roof adds to the problem
Unfortunately, unlike modern soft-top cars, the roof of the Figaro is very basic, with a single skin design (not layers like a modern car) We know of some owners who have actually pulled the roof liner back and seen small droplets of water under the inside of the roof! heavy rain can also add to the problem and this is yet another reason to take as many steps as possible to combat condensation and keep your car dry.
Tips on how to fight condensation
1 – We recommend (if you can brave it) to try driving the last 5 minutes home with the windows down and no heating on. That way when you leave your fig, it is full of air that is already the same temperature as outside.
2 – As strange as it sounds, it’s important to clean your windows thoroughly on the inside as well as on the outside. Dirt particles on the inside of the windows give the moisture inside the cabin a surface to attach themselves to and will make the condensation problem worse. So, use a cleaner designed for car windows and polish with a clean microfibre cloth or newspaper.
3 – A very effective solution is to keep something in the car that will absorb moisture. If it’s very cold then placing a cat litter in a pair of old tights and keeping it under the seat is a popular strategy.
4 – Allowing the car to breathe air whenever possible will also help. So if you’re able to safely leave it with the windows open for a few hours, then do. If you’ve just got into your car and it’s full of condensation, it’s important to clear it before setting off so you have full visibility and can drive safely. Wipe the windows down thoroughly with a clean cloth and switch on the heater blower, directing it at the windscreen.
Use a car cover
Our position on using a car cover
If you don’t have the luxury of a garage or carport and it’s possible to put a cover on your car, we believe it’s worth it. However, we concede that living in the ‘real world’ it‘s probably not practical to do every day! If however you are not planning on using your car for a few days and bad weather is forecast it’s worth the effort.
What should I pay
The club works with a couple of companies that manufacture covers specifically for the Figaro. This means the wing mirrors fit perfectly (unlike an off-the-shelf cover). They also include securing straps (required if it’s windy) and a handy bag.
Voyager – Basic outside cover – £67.60
We have owned one and it’s featured in the video below. The cover is single skin but well made and has lasted for 8 years.
Stormforce – High-end Cover £137.50
Again, we have owned one for 8 years and it’s lasted very well. The cover has 4 layers, is heavy and slightly larger than the one above. It fits the car very well (even if you have a boot rack fitted).
Super Soft Stretch indoor – £131.60
If you keep your Figaro in a garage then we recommend using (if you can afford it) ‘Classic Additions’ Figaro Soft Covers.
Watch our short Video on Storing the Figaro
