Car covers?
- Thread starter slickooz
- Start date
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
- Aug 31, 2010
- 17,061
- 1,355
Not to speak for Mike, but car covers to me have limited applicability for cars that are outside. Usually you get one of the thick felty covers so that the car is protected from hail or door dings or branches, etc. One, the car has to be clean when you put the cover on, because not only are you risking marring the car, but if you get the inside of the cover dirty, then you are even risking it when you put it on a clean car. The covers get wet and stay wet for a while if there is rain/snow, and what do you do with a wet cover if you want to drive the car? It's dirty and wet, it's too big to put in your washing machine, etc.
There are the thin covers that are washable, but they don't give you mechanical protection. For me the best application for covers is in the garage when the car is clean to keep dust off. That being said, I did have a car outside for years with an Evolution cover on it, and that was better than it getting bird crap etc. on it, but there was always a layer of silt on the car when I took it off. That was one or two Evolution generations ago, so they may be better now.
Make sure you get a breathable cover if it is going to stay on there for any length of time or you will be sorry.
There are the thin covers that are washable, but they don't give you mechanical protection. For me the best application for covers is in the garage when the car is clean to keep dust off. That being said, I did have a car outside for years with an Evolution cover on it, and that was better than it getting bird crap etc. on it, but there was always a layer of silt on the car when I took it off. That was one or two Evolution generations ago, so they may be better now.
Make sure you get a breathable cover if it is going to stay on there for any length of time or you will be sorry.
slickooz
New member
- Nov 8, 2010
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Thanks guys. How much damage can leaving your new car out for winters months? My garage is filled so much that we can barely walk inside it. I might ask a neighbor to rent her garage for about 100 a month, and I can also work inside it for winter months and for the future.
Dubbin1
Active member
- May 28, 2009
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You can get a rental unit cheaper then that to put all the crap in that's clogging up your garage
john F
New member
- Jun 2, 2010
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You can get a rental unit cheaper then that to put all the crap in that's clogging up your garage
Don't know how much they cost, but I see them around everywhere
Self Storage Containers and Portable Storage Units | PODS
I have the same car that's in your avatar and I use the covercraft noah car cover. It needs to be breathable like Setec said or else any moisture that's under your cover and on your car will be trapped there. It does a great job in the rain and to protect it from bird crap (which is a big problem because birds seem to gravitate towards the grey color of my car for some reason). It protects it really well in the winter, you won't have to scrape ice off of your car, but the only problem is, as Setec stated, what the hell do you do with a car cover filled with snow?? Caring for the car cover becomes a task in itself. That being said, It does it's job and if you put it on a clean car and keep the inside of the cover clean, you won't have to worry about scratches.
forrest@mothers
Just call me Mr. Mom
- Dec 8, 2009
- 767
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I'm a car cover guy - use one at the airport to protect from door dings and the particulates that fall from burnt jet fuel.
The better material choices are Evolution (4 layers) and NOAH (3 layers). More layers = better door ding protection.
It takes less than 5 minutes to quick detail the car and then put the cover on. As long as you install/remove it properly (fold sides to center, roll from front to back) and install in the opposite order, it's quick and easy.
"Breathable" covers mean water will evaporate OUT if it gets under - and it will. Even rain on the ground will condense under the cover.
My suggestion, if you decide to go with one, is to go with a custom fit that includes mirror pockets. They make great anchors for installing the cover and hold it in place. Also, buy the cable and lock so no one steals your cover. It also helps hold it on.
Hands down, the best fit in the industry comes from CoverKing. Covercraft is a great source as well, and easier to find.
The better material choices are Evolution (4 layers) and NOAH (3 layers). More layers = better door ding protection.
It takes less than 5 minutes to quick detail the car and then put the cover on. As long as you install/remove it properly (fold sides to center, roll from front to back) and install in the opposite order, it's quick and easy.
"Breathable" covers mean water will evaporate OUT if it gets under - and it will. Even rain on the ground will condense under the cover.
My suggestion, if you decide to go with one, is to go with a custom fit that includes mirror pockets. They make great anchors for installing the cover and hold it in place. Also, buy the cable and lock so no one steals your cover. It also helps hold it on.
Hands down, the best fit in the industry comes from CoverKing. Covercraft is a great source as well, and easier to find.