My Car Is Damp Inside

[Blymey]

I don't have a garage so I need to keep the windows and doors closed, do caravan de-humidifiers work?

[ummmm]

Why is it damp?

[Sparkles62]

Before you try drying it out, you need to find out why it is damp, and stop it happening.

[Blymey]

My window seal was catching....but I think it may be from the boot. Its an old Rover 45 2003.

[Graham-W]

The silica gel absorbent crystals work but will need regenerating on a regular basis (spread on a baking tray in the oven for a couple of hours at 70-80c). Silica gel crystals are usually blue when active and gradually turn white as they absorb moisture.

[tonyav]

Yes try and find out were the damp is getting in, if it is the boot then the rear lights are a likely suspect ( were they actually fit to the bodywork ) maybe the seals are breaking down ! or maybe your rear window has a minor leak where it seals on the bodywork or maybe one of the rear panels where another panel joins it ( sealant again ).

[TWR]

The way the weather is at this time of year, I would put this down to the car's mats never drying out, the result ( If they are the Cloth type) remove & dry out ALL the mats that includes the boot.

[Blymey]

Thanks guys. I think the silica gels sound good. Can I get them in Halfords? I've checked round the window seals and the boot rear lights, all seems good there. The cars old now, maybe I need to take it to a garage for a professionals 'eye', cos I cant see any breaks in the seal.
Now I've resolved the window catching the seal, I'm wondering if Maybe its just the residue from that leak.

[dotty.]

the pound shops sell them in plastic tubs ready for use, think they cost £1 each....

[johnk]

When mine godamp I just drove round with the fan on 1 all the time and this cleared it eventually. Is your heater set on recirculating? This will make sure it stays damp!

[RATTER15]

johnk, that wont work if the dampness is coming from the splash off the wheels, it will just make it worse. find out how the damp is getting in first.

[craft1948]

I didn't know caravans had de-humidifiers.................

[Blymey]

Thanks for your answers. My friend gave me his spare silica gel and I re-glued my boot carpet (as it was loose). Its now dried out. thanks.