Protect Your Car's Exterior
Keeping your car looking shiny and new, inside and out, requires regular maintenance and care. While cleaning and detailing the interior is important, protecting the exterior paint and finish from damage is critical to maintaining your vehicle's appearance and value over time.
How the Elements Can Damage Your Car's Exterior
Over months and years of exposure to the elements, your car's exterior is subjected to all kinds of abuse:
- UV rays from the sun that cause fading, discoloration, and cracking
- Road salt, pollutants, tree sap, and bird droppings that can corrode and stain paint
- Rain, snow, and hail that can chip paint and dent body panels
- Wind and dirt that blast away layers of wax protection
Using a Car Cover for Maximum Protection
A quality car cover can protect your vehicle from many of these exterior threats when parked outside or stored indoors:
| Cover Type | Protection Level |
|---|---|
| Indoor cover | Dust, dents, light scratches |
| Outdoor waterproof cover | Rain, snow, sap, bird droppings |
| Outdoor breathable cover | Sun, wind, mildew, condensation |
Choosing the Right Car Cover
Consider these factors when selecting a cover for your vehicle:
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Custom or universal fit
- Cover material (polyester, vinyl, fleece, etc.)
- Weather resistance
- Breathability
- Color and pattern
- Ease of cleaning
- Anti-theft features
- Budget
A custom-fit cover offers the best protection, while universal fit covers are more affordable. Quality materials like WeatherMax and Noah fabrics provide the ideal blend of water resistance, breathability, and durability.
Caring for Your Car Cover
Follow these tips to keep your cover in optimum condition:
- Wash periodically with mild soap and water
- Check for tears or holes frequently
- Allow to air dry before storing
- Fold or roll up neatly; don't stuff it into a bag
- Keep away from sharp objects that could poke holes
With the right cover and proper care, you can keep your car looking showroom-ready for years. Protect your valuable investment from hazardous weather and environmental threats with a quality, long-lasting car cover.
Types of Car Covers
Car covers come in many different types and materials to suit various needs and budgets. Choosing the right cover will help protect your vehicle whether it's stored indoors or outdoors.
Indoor Covers
Indoor or dust covers are lightweight and designed to protect against dust, dents, and scratches when parking inside a garage or storage facility. Key features:
- Made of cotton, polyester, or blended fabrics
- Softer, more pliable materials
- Often unlined or lightly lined
- Less water resistance compared to outdoor covers
Outdoor Covers
Outdoor or all-weather covers offer heavy-duty protection from rain, snow, sun, pollutants, and more. There are two main types:
Waterproof Covers
- Protect against heavy rain, snow, and moisture
- Made of vinyl, polyurethane coated fabrics
- Fully lined to prevent condensation buildup
- Sturdy, multi-layered construction
Breathable Covers
- Allow humidity and condensation to escape
- Made of polyester, acrylic, or blended fabrics
- Partial linings allow maximum breathability
- Ideal for hot, humid climates
| Cover Type | Ideal Uses |
|---|---|
| Indoor | Garage, storage facilities |
| Outdoor waterproof | Heavy rain, snow. All climates. |
| Outdoor breathable | Sunny, hot, humid areas. Avoid heavy rain. |
Custom vs. Universal Fit
Covers come in custom and universal sizes:
- Custom - Tailored to exact make/model measurements
- Universal - Fit a range of similar vehicle sizes
Custom covers provide a tighter, more secure fit. Universal covers are more affordable but can be loose-fitting.
Other Cover Considerations
Also look at:
- Fabric density - Higher density provides greater protection
- Color/pattern - Solid or subtle patterns. Avoid bright colors to reduce fading.
- Added features - Mirror pockets, lock holes, storage bag
- Warranty - 3-10 years for quality covers
Choosing the optimal cover keeps your vehicle protected and looking its best!
Indoor vs. Outdoor Car Covers
Car covers come in two main types - indoor and outdoor. Knowing when to use each style will help keep your vehicle protected.
Indoor Covers
Indoor covers, also called dust covers, are designed for use inside a garage, carport, or storage facility. Their main purpose is protecting against:
- Dust buildup on the finish
- Minor dings and scratches
- Rodents/pests getting into interior
Typical features of indoor covers:
- Made of cotton, fleece, flannel or polyester
- Lightweight, soft, and breathable
- Often unlined or lightly lined
- Less expensive than outdoor covers
Outdoor Covers
Outdoor or all-weather covers protect against rain, snow, sun, pollutants, and more. They come in two versions:
Waterproof Covers
- Repel moisture from rain, snow, sprinklers
- Made of vinyl, polyurethane, acrylic
- Fully lined to prevent condensation buildup
Breathable Covers
- Allow humidity and vapor to escape
- Made of polyester or blended fabrics
- Partially lined for maximum breathability
| Cover Type | Ideal Use |
|---|---|
| Indoor | Garage, carport, storage facilities |
| Outdoor Waterproof | Heavy rain, snow climates |
| Outdoor Breathable | Hot, humid, sunny climates |
Choosing the right indoor or outdoor cover keeps your vehicle looking its best!
Waterproof vs. Breathable Car Covers
When shopping for an outdoor car cover, two main options are waterproof and breathable materials. Understanding the differences will help you pick the best cover for your climate and storage conditions.
Waterproof Covers
Waterproof covers are designed to repel liquid water from rain, snow, sprinklers, and other precipitation. Key features include:
- Made from vinyl, polyurethane, acrylic or coated polyester
- Sealed seams prevent water seepage
- Inner lining prevents condensation buildup inside
- Multi-layer construction for maximum water resistance
Benefits of waterproof covers:
- Keep interior dry and prevent mold/mildew
- Protect from bird droppings, tree sap, and other liquids
- Ideal for areas with frequent rain or snow
Breathable Covers
Breathable covers allow moisture vapor to escape while still offering protection. Features include:
- Made of polyester, acrylic fabrics, or proprietary weaves
- Moisture wicking properties draw sweat away
- Partial linings maximize breathability
- Looser fit prevents surface contact and scratches
Benefits of breathable covers:
- Prevent condensation buildup and trapped moisture
- Allow paint surface to "breathe" rather than trap humidity
- Maintain showroom shine by reducing waterspots
- Ideal for hot, humid climates
| Cover Type | Best For... |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | Areas with frequent rain or snow |
| Breathable | Hot, humid climates |
Consider your local climate and storage facilities when choosing between waterproof and breathable fabrics. Both cover types protect against dust, sun damage, sap, and more.
Custom Fit vs. Universal Car Covers
When shopping for a car cover, two main options are custom fit and universal sizes. Consider the pros and cons of each to choose the best one for your vehicle.
Custom Fit Covers
Custom covers are tailored specifically to the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Key features:
- Designed based on exact dimensions of your car
- Contour around mirrors, spoilers, antennas, etc.
- Hemmed edges provide tight, secure fit
- Made-to-order sizing
Benefits of custom fit:
- Prevent excess material from flapping in wind
- Minimize dirt and moisture getting under cover
- Reduce risk of paint damage from fabric rubbing
- Provide maximum protection for your investment
Universal Fit Covers
Universal covers are sized to fit a range of makes and models. Features include:
- Designed to fit multiple vehicles in a size category
- Less precise fit with looser allowances
- Elasticized hems to accommodate size variance
- More affordable "one size fits many" option
Benefits of universal fit:
- Wider compatibility for mixed model fleets
- Spare covers can be shared between vehicles
- Lower cost than custom covers
| Cover Type | Best For... |
|---|---|
| Custom Fit | Single owner vehicles |
| Universal Fit | Fleets with mixed models |
For most private owners, a custom cover is recommended for maximum protection and appearance. But universal sizes can serve well for multi-vehicle households on a budget.
Materials and Features to Look For in a Car Cover
The materials and design features that make up a car cover have a big impact on its performance and durability. Consider these key factors when shopping for a cover.
Fabric Density and Thickness
Higher density fabrics with a tight weave provide greater protection. Look for measured in ounces per square yard (oz/yd2):
- Lightweight - 2-3 oz/yd2. For indoor use.
- Medium Weight - 4-6 oz/yd2. All-purpose outdoor cover.
- Heavy Weight - 7+ oz/yd2. Maximum outdoor protection.
Water Resistance
Outdoor covers should have excellent water repellency from coatings and specialized fabric treatments. Features like sealed seams prevent moisture seepage.
Breathability
Fabrics that allow airflow and reduce condensation are ideal for hot, humid climates. Look for labels like "non-woven" or "micro-porous."
UV Protection
Sun protection helps prevent fading and cracking. 70-80% UV ray blockage is good, 90%+ is best.
Lining
Fully lined outdoor covers prevent paint scuffs. Partially lined breathable covers reduce condensation.
Straps & Buckles
Front and rear straps secure the cover in windy conditions. Quick-release buckles make putting on and taking off easy.
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Density/Thickness | Durability and tear resistance |
| Water Resistance | Repel rain, snow, etc. |
| UV Protection | Reduce sun damage |
High quality materials and smart design features boost performance, so check them closely when choosing a cover.
Protect Your Car From The Elements With These Waterproof Car Covers
- Protect your car from the elements with a waterproof car cover.
- Keep your car looking new with a high-quality car cover.
- Choose a car cover that fits your specific make and model.
- Invest in a car cover with anti-theft features for added security.
- Consider a car cover with a zipper door for easy access.
- Choose a car cover with multiple layers for maximum protection.
