Winter Storage: Blanket under Car Cover?

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KrisDetails

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Hey guys,

So winter is coming up and unfortunately I have to store my car outside this year. Im just really worried about hail damage while it is outside. My plan is to put a thin blanket over the car and cover it with a water resistant/ weatherproof Car Cover.
The thing is since its not fully waterproof, it will go through and make the blanket underneath wet. Should I be worried about the moisture between the blanket and the car paint/metal that would potentially cause rust overtime?

Like always I will put 2 coats of KSG Sealant and a layer of wax on the pant before storing. As well lubricate all door jams and grease anything that will need to be greased etc.
 
I would definitely worry about the moisture, I think your asking for trouble. What have you done in the past?
 
Yeah, I wouldn't do that.

Where do you live that it hails in the winter?
 
Not big on a wet blanket over entire car. What about blanket followed by car cover followed by a waterproof tarp to keep car dry. But you still need to be careful about mold growing on the interior surfaces such as seats,doors, dash, floor, trunk, etc. You should put dessicant packs in the car cabin and trunk and check monthly for moisture. I am not an expert in this area just some thoughts based on previous errors of storing a car.
 
You’re actually be best off just leaving the car uncovered and washing it every so often. Car covers are a bad idea - especially outside. They will get wet / dirty and wind will rub that thing all over your paint all winter long. Stuff like putting a blanket under it outside probably would just make it worse over time and could prevent moisture from evaporating naturally on its own.

It’s really a crap shoot - only way to know is to try it. I know one thing - snow / rain won’t damage your paint in itself.
 
The blanket will probably mar the paint with movement from the wind and such. Marred paint and mold are enemies of a detailer.
 
swanicyouth said:
You’re actually be best off just leaving the car uncovered and washing it every so often. Car covers are a bad idea - especially outside. They will get wet / dirty and wind will rub that thing all over your paint all winter long. Stuff like putting a blanket under it outside probably would just make it worse over time and could prevent moisture from evaporating naturally on its own.

It’s really a crap shoot - only way to know is to try it. I know one thing - snow / rain won’t damage your paint in itself.
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I agree 100%. Long term outside storage with any car cover is risky business. To me, the only element that warrants a cover is the sun and during winter months the sun is at it lowest azimuth and least destructive intensity. Leave the cover off... And if you're hell bent on using the cover, definitely do not put any moisture retaining blankets underneath.
 
swanicyouth said:
You’re actually be best off just leaving the car uncovered and washing it every so often. Car covers are a bad idea - especially outside. They will get wet / dirty and wind will rub that thing all over your paint all winter long. Stuff like putting a blanket under it outside probably would just make it worse over time and could prevent moisture from evaporating naturally on its own.

It’s really a crap shoot - only way to know is to try it. I know one thing - snow / rain won’t damage your paint in itself.
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Totally agree, too.

Even if the car cover is weather proof, I'd be worried about temprature changes causing condensation to form under the cover which would then soak the blanket. The blanket would mold/mildew, but it might also cause issues as mentioned above by not allowing the moisture to evaporate. I can remember at least a couple instances here where people are looking for help after a car cover trapped moisture on the surface and caused issues with the clear coat.
 
Thanks for the reply guys. I had the car stored inside before but we got a bunch of furniture in the garage right now that is why it will have to sit outside this winter. I like the Blanket-Tarp-Car Cover Idea but ill see how it goes.
We usually dont get Hail but when we do no one is ever prepared for it and usually it happens when im at work. Ill just have to weight out my options. I also saw someone using cardboard boxes to cover it then a car cover.
Id rather have some scratches to deal with come spring time than Hail Dents all over my car.
 
Thanks for the reply guys. I had the car stored inside before but we got a bunch of furniture in the garage right now that is why it will have to sit outside this winter. I like the Blanket-Tarp-Car Cover Idea but ill see how it goes.
We usually dont get Hail but when we do no one is ever prepared for it and usually it happens when im at work. Ill just have to weight out my options. I also saw someone using cardboard boxes to cover it then a car cover.
Id rather have some scratches to deal with come spring time than Hail Dents all over my car.
 
I used to use two car covers one on top of another; a Noah and a Weathershield. Worked well since both allow for moisture evaporation.
 
I stored my Camaro outside for a few years with a heavy NOAH - worked out fine - as long as you are not removing the cover until spring and are prepared to clean up the car after removal.

But yeah - blanket will do way more damage than anything to help.... You need to purchase a proper cover for the conditions.
 
Thanks guys for the replies maybe im just overthinking this whole situation ill just use the car cover and hope for the best!
 
KrisDetails said:
Thanks guys for the replies maybe im just overthinking this whole situation ill just use the car cover and hope for the best!
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Hoping for the best... Doesn't sound that promising to me.

Personally, I'd park the car and forget the cover. Snow and rain will not hurt it. Hail, maybe... If it's pretty severe.

Like I said in my previous post, the only element that warrants a cover in my book is excessive sunshine. The sun will cause more paint damage than any amount of rain or snow.
 
That’s why I see a fair amount of them here in Florida.
 
But like he said, hail damage is a high possibility and it can wreck a car or cars. A close friend of mine is the CFO for a large dealership and hail practically wiped out 50% of his cars( thank goodness for insurance) the cover mentioned above sounds like a plan. Sorry but hope for the best really isn’t a solution.
 
KrisDetails said:
So winter is coming up and unfortunately
I have to store my car outside this year.

Im just really worried about hail damage
while it is outside.
Click to expand...
:idea:

This place:
910E92D2-7586-41F4-9AAD-67A70FC6D932.jpeg

sells car covers that are manufactured for
protection from all types of weather that’s
associated with the Wintertime—including
being hail resistant, as well.

•IMO:
-Won’t hurt to check and see if they
carry one for your specific vehicle.
-They’re reasonably priced, considering
the service/protection they provide.



Bob
 
GUYS!! IT DOES NOT HAIL IN THE WINTER on LI. South yes. Hail typically occurs during thunderstorms. You are talking about sleet. Very different phenomena. Can also be large. I'd cover it to keep all the acid rain from NY off the vehicle and plan on doing a full detail in the spring. The real key is to tie the cover down securely so movement is minimized. Did it for years IN NE BEFORE I BUILT MY SECOND GARAGE. I AM AT 1000FT AND WIND BLOWS LIKE YOU WILL ONLY EXPERIENCE IN A HURRICANE....ROUTINELY. TIE IN MIDDLE, FRONT AND REAR. cuse the caps lock
 
KrisDetails said:
Thanks for the reply guys. I had the car stored inside before but we got a bunch of furniture in the garage right now that is why it will have to sit outside this winter. I like the Blanket-Tarp-Car Cover Idea but ill see how it goes.
We usually dont get Hail but when we do no one is ever prepared for it and usually it happens when im at work. Ill just have to weight out my options. I also saw someone using cardboard boxes to cover it then a car cover.
Id rather have some scratches to deal with come spring time than Hail Dents all over my car.
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I'd say rent a storage unit for the few months and get the furniture out of the garage. Furniture is not usually that sensitive to colder temps as long as its dry. Storage Rental Companies usually can offer Pallets that you can at least place such off the floor a few inches if worried about water entry-intrusion.
 
ddsski said:
GUYS!! IT DOES NOT HAIL IN THE WINTER on LI. IN NE BEFORE I BUILT MY SECOND GARAGE. I AM AT 1000FT AND WIND BLOWS LIKE YOU WILL ONLY EXPERIENCE IN A HURRICANE....ROUTINELY. TIE IN MIDDLE, FRONT AND REAR.
Click to expand...

Who said it did?

And why are you yelling at us?


Lol
 
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