Car covers, used properly, are a good investment.
I use one at the airport, for instance, to protect from inconsiderate door dingers and to protect from the jet fuel/particulates in the air. The tricks are:
• A quality cover, of an appropriate material. I like Evolution material - it's 4 layers thick for those door-dingers. Yes, it's bulky, but that bulk saves dings. That bulk might also protect from falling branches in a storm.
• Only applying the cover to a clean vehicle. A duster and 5 minutes with an instant detailer can make all the difference in the world.
• Securing the cover - I use the cable and lock, but you can tie it on if posible theft isn't an issue.
• Fit - custom beats a one size fits some approach. Make sure it has mirror pockets, which will also help keep the cover in place.
• Proper installation and removal. I fold the sides to the center, then roll from back to front. Install in the reverse. This keeps you from dragging the (dirty) outside across the paint.
Used properly, a cover is a good investment. As for brand - I use Covercraft, but there are others out there with good patterns.
