Keeping Holden Commodore spare parts in good shape over summer can be harder than it seems. Western Australia especially is no stranger to dry heat, and temps can climb high enough to cause trouble if your parts are left sitting in the wrong spot. We’ve seen what sun and moisture can do to rubber, plastics, and even metal if they’re not looked after properly. Whether you’ve got parts stacked in a back shed or stored away for future projects, a few small changes now can go a long way. Let’s walk through how to protect what you’ve got before the heat does any real damage.
Why Heat Affects Spare Parts
Not all car parts hold up the same when summer hits hard. Direct sun, trapped heat, and dry conditions can all wear down materials faster than most people expect.
• Rubber seals and hoses can crack or go brittle when kept in warm, dry air for too long.
• Plastics warp or fade, especially clear lenses or interior trim parts that react badly to high temps.
• Metal components, especially older ones, can rust faster when heat pulls moisture into tight gaps.
Many parts pulled from early VB to VL models have already seen years of wear, so heat just speeds up the decline. What might look fine now could break or fail when fitted later if it sat in a hot shed or in full sun too long.
We offer new and genuine Holden Commodore spare parts for VB, VC, and VL models, each selected for its fit and resilience in Aussie conditions. Our product range includes engine, body, interior, and driveline parts, with many shelf-stocked to ship fast during peak heat months.
Picking the Right Storage Spot
A good storage place makes a big difference during summer. If you’re keeping parts for a few weeks or a few years, the environment around them matters more than most people realise.
• Garages work well if they’re dry and not made from tin that heats up during the day.
• Sheds are fine if they’re insulated or shaded, but avoid storing anything against metal walls that heat up in the sun.
• Inside the house is best for delicate or rare parts, especially ones made of softer plastic or wrapped in fabric.
Avoid spots that get full afternoon sun, sit beneath clear polycarbonate roofs or next to windows. These traps build up more heat than you’d think and can cook the space before noon.
How to Pack and Protect Holden Commodore Spare Parts
Good storage isn’t just about the place, it’s about how the parts are packed. It doesn’t take much to turn a clean, dry part into a dusty one with spiderwebs and rust on it.
• Use clear or sealed plastic boxes to keep out dust and moisture.
• Wrap fragile items like globes, lenses, or gaskets in bubble wrap or cloth before boxing them.
• Organise parts by type or job (engine, body, interior) and use labels to avoid digging through boxes too often.
• Keep shelves off the floor if your storage area gets damp, and allow space so air can move around.
Even parts made to get dirty still need a clean space if you want them to be ready when you need them. Clean storage saves time and avoids having to clean, or replace, parts twice.
Climate-Proofing Tips for Long-Term Storage
Long-term storage through summer takes a bit more thought. When things sit untouched for months, even little issues can grow into costly problems.
• Desiccant packs help pull moisture from the air and are great inside sealed containers or tubs.
• If you’ve got lots of parts in one spot, a small plug-in dehumidifier can help stop rust and mildew.
• Check stored parts every few weeks during peak heat, even if it’s just a quick look for dust, movement or leaks.
• Never leave food or oily rags near your storage, mice and bugs will move in fast and can chew through packaging or wires.
Pests tend to show up more during hot dry weather when they’re looking for cool or hidden spaces. A good check now and then saves a lot of sorting out later.
What to Avoid When Storing Parts Over Summer
Some storage choices seem easy but end up causing problems you won’t notice straight away. Heat doesn’t show damage instantly, but it builds up over time.
• Don’t leave parts in your car boot, especially during summer road trips or parked-on-the-drive weekends.
• Avoid outdoor sheds or materials stored directly on concrete in shipping containers, where intense heat and moisture can build up.
• Stacking heavy parts on top of hoses, plastic trims, or wrapped seals flattens and damages the shape over time.
• Opening boxes too often changes the temperature and lets in moisture, which speeds up wear and rust, especially on older metal parts.
Simple things like forgetting a box in the boot, grabbing parts to compare without closing boxes, or shifting heavy parts for no reason can all do damage without you noticing right away.
Keep Your Spare Parts in Top Shape All Year
Good storage isn’t just about protecting parts today, it’s about giving yourself less work down the track. Parts that are stored clean and dry are easier to use, last longer, and don’t let you down when it’s time to fit them.
February heat won’t last forever, but the damage it can cause might stay hidden until the next job rolls around. A bit of effort now means your Holden Commodore spare parts will still be ready when the weather cools and you’re back in the garage for the next build.
Parts don’t last long if they’re left in the sun or packed the wrong way, so storing them right is worth the extra effort. It’s the kind of thing that pays off later when you're back under the bonnet and need everything to work first go. Whether you’re sorting through boxes or getting ready for your next build, we’ve got a steady supply of Holden Commodore spare parts that are ready when you are. At Holdcom Auto Parts, we only stock what we’d use on our own cars. Give us a shout if you have questions or need a hand lining things up right.
