Discussion
If outdoor and for long term use, avoid using one at all.
Any wind flap will damage your paint, and if any moisture/condensation gets trapped under the cover it can cause damage to the lacquer.
The only cover that I have used outdoors that works without these problems is a half cover, designed for the car, heavy, waterproof and just covering the roof and windows.
This one intentionally does not have straps under the car, they flap and cause damage.
It is held in place by its weight, flaps that are tucked into the boot and bonnet, and straps that clip around the mirrors.
Any wind flap will damage your paint, and if any moisture/condensation gets trapped under the cover it can cause damage to the lacquer.
The only cover that I have used outdoors that works without these problems is a half cover, designed for the car, heavy, waterproof and just covering the roof and windows.
This one intentionally does not have straps under the car, they flap and cause damage.
It is held in place by its weight, flaps that are tucked into the boot and bonnet, and straps that clip around the mirrors.
Edited by QBee on Friday 14th October 06:33
QBee said:
If outdoor and for long term use, avoid using one at all.
Any wind flap will damage your paint, and if any moisture/condensation gets trapped under the cover it can cause damage to the lacquer.
The only cover that I have used outdoors that works without these problems is a half cover, designed for the car, heavy, waterproof and just covering the roof and windows.
This one intentionally does not have straps under the car, they flap and cause damage.
It is held in place by its weight, flaps that are tucked into the boot and bonnet, and straps that clip around the mirrors.
Theres some interesting view points I'd never give a thought toAny wind flap will damage your paint, and if any moisture/condensation gets trapped under the cover it can cause damage to the lacquer.
The only cover that I have used outdoors that works without these problems is a half cover, designed for the car, heavy, waterproof and just covering the roof and windows.
This one intentionally does not have straps under the car, they flap and cause damage.
It is held in place by its weight, flaps that are tucked into the boot and bonnet, and straps that clip around the mirrors.
Edited by QBee on Friday 14th October 06:33
It'll be outdoor. The main attraction was to keep it covered and out of sight of thieving eyes whilst not in use
The high quality covers from specialist suppliers are cotton bud soft inside multi layered and very thick, no damage to my paintwork at all despite being in a windy spot.
After a couple of seasons they might no longer be fully waterproof, mine wasn't but the original cover itself is still in very good condition, so bought a cheaper (Sealey branded) cover which is thinner which now sits over the old one...the cheaper cover i would not put directly onto the paintwork unless in a very sheltered spot.
Deliberately didn't get a shaped cover because no one has guessed so far what car is beneath the cover.
After a couple of seasons they might no longer be fully waterproof, mine wasn't but the original cover itself is still in very good condition, so bought a cheaper (Sealey branded) cover which is thinner which now sits over the old one...the cheaper cover i would not put directly onto the paintwork unless in a very sheltered spot.
Deliberately didn't get a shaped cover because no one has guessed so far what car is beneath the cover.
If you have the space, a Carcoon may be the answer.
https://www.carcoon.com/product-range/vehicle/ and scroll to the bottom of the Our Products page.
They aren't cheap, but nor is your car.
This whole car thief problem is why I run old sheds (apart from the car above) and keep my cars etc where they cannot be seen from the road, behind an electric gate.
https://www.carcoon.com/product-range/vehicle/ and scroll to the bottom of the Our Products page.
They aren't cheap, but nor is your car.
This whole car thief problem is why I run old sheds (apart from the car above) and keep my cars etc where they cannot be seen from the road, behind an electric gate.
Personally, I’ve never had any trouble with outdoor covers. I use a Specialist Covers one, and the car always comes out the other side as clean and shiny as at the start (barring a few spiders that have taken up residence).
I always found the key was to secure it properly so that it billows, rather than flaps. Any excess strappage needs to be tied back, and the car needs to be squeaky clean when the cover goes on with a good layer of wax. I always clean the cover with soapy water before I take it off the car the previous year so it’s clean to use next time.
Having said that, I didn’t use it last year as the car sits in a shadier spot than in my old house so I am concerned about moisture sitting and not evaporating.
I always found the key was to secure it properly so that it billows, rather than flaps. Any excess strappage needs to be tied back, and the car needs to be squeaky clean when the cover goes on with a good layer of wax. I always clean the cover with soapy water before I take it off the car the previous year so it’s clean to use next time.
Having said that, I didn’t use it last year as the car sits in a shadier spot than in my old house so I am concerned about moisture sitting and not evaporating.
I recommend Classic Additions.
The do both indoor and outdoor custom covers and the quality is fantastic. Its the only place I buy my covers from after trying others, these guys are just miles ahead IMO.
They are super easy to deal with and can accomodate any changes or measurements you need.
www.classicadditions.com
The do both indoor and outdoor custom covers and the quality is fantastic. Its the only place I buy my covers from after trying others, these guys are just miles ahead IMO.
They are super easy to deal with and can accomodate any changes or measurements you need.
www.classicadditions.com
The very best car covers which will not scratch paintwork are made by Classic Additions.
These are made from a stretchy neoprene material and are made to fit each model of car exactly. They're used by many manufacturers like Rolls/ Porsche/ Aston for shows/ reveals ect. All come with front, middle and rear straps , the latches being covered to prevent paintwork contact.
Do not buy the 4 layer covers from CoverZone. The jargon is impressive but after around 12months the outer layer disintegrates and goes through the other layers leaving the car covered in a grey dust.
These are made from a stretchy neoprene material and are made to fit each model of car exactly. They're used by many manufacturers like Rolls/ Porsche/ Aston for shows/ reveals ect. All come with front, middle and rear straps , the latches being covered to prevent paintwork contact.
Do not buy the 4 layer covers from CoverZone. The jargon is impressive but after around 12months the outer layer disintegrates and goes through the other layers leaving the car covered in a grey dust.
Edited by Draxindustries1 on Friday 14th October 09:49
I used one for years with no obvious damage done. One of the more expensive "breathable" ones from Halfords. Unless you are envisaging keeping this a45 in mint condition forever, it might not be worth stressing too much about the possibility of the cover damaging the car.
If you are storing it for a long period of time, you could get a load of penny sized neodymium (very strong) magnets and carefully put them all over the car on the top side of the cover which will keep it pretty secure and stop it flapping etc.
However, if you are imagining taking the cover on and off frequently, I suggest you don't do it. Car covers are miserable things to deal with on a regular basis. It'll be wet and soggy and you have to pull it off and store it somewhere, then put the sodden thing back on again later on. They also get gritty and dirty quickly, and you can't put them in a washing machine.
If you are storing it for a long period of time, you could get a load of penny sized neodymium (very strong) magnets and carefully put them all over the car on the top side of the cover which will keep it pretty secure and stop it flapping etc.
However, if you are imagining taking the cover on and off frequently, I suggest you don't do it. Car covers are miserable things to deal with on a regular basis. It'll be wet and soggy and you have to pull it off and store it somewhere, then put the sodden thing back on again later on. They also get gritty and dirty quickly, and you can't put them in a washing machine.
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