To cover or not to cover?

[markh1]

Unfortunately I am not able to store my 996 in my garage so it has to live on the driveway. I bought the best quality car cover that classic additions sells however after the prolonged damp weather we have had I have started to get microblisters on the front bumper paint. I understand this is caused by humid and then cold conditions which can be exasperated by a cover.

Should I just not bother with a cover? or maybe just use a half cover?

I was thinking of using a vehicle storage shelter like this....

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/sealey-ccs01-vehic...

However the cost of one of these would be the equivalent to a decent paint detail/bumper respray and they are pretty unsightly plus faff of securing to a brick driveway etc

I have about 18 months to put up with no garage then we are moving to a place with a big garage!

[Fnumber1user]

Contact free cover is the only way to go, but that MM version looks pretty naff. For similar money why not go for the best (assuming you can access power) - https://www.carcoon.com/carcoon-double-skin-outdoo...

[BertBert]

Oddly there seems to be mixed reports of the carcoon. Both on grounds of quality but also problems with damp.

If it were me, I'd just leave it outside open to the elements.

Bert

[Jonny TVR]

A few years back I didn't have a garage. I didn't want to use a car cover as its not convenient, the car needs to be dry and spotless etc. Its best in my opinion not to bother if thats your choice. Instead I used this. It really worked well. It took around 4-5 hours to put together and to anchor to the ground. In seriously windy conditions the frame never moved. I put it some LED lighting and ran my trickle charger in. I tended to leave the front open so that it was easier to drive in and out plus it also allowed air to circulate .. to avoid condensation. Under certain conditions condensation would build up on the inside like a tent which is why I left the doors open.





Depending on size £400 to £500 including anchors.

Edited by Jonny TVR on Thursday 4th February 09:15

[Jonny TVR]

BertBert said:

Oddly there seems to be mixed reports of the carcoon. Both on grounds of quality but also problems with damp.

If it were me, I'd just leave it outside open to the elements.

Bert

I have four indoor veloce's and love them. I wouldn't get an outdoor one or a one without a frame (veloce). Quality is good 3+ years in

[LennyM1984]

markh1 said:

Should I just not bother with a cover?

I wouldn't bother. I have used full covers and half covers in the past and they do more damage than good (microblisters, scratches, moisture under the paint which create cloudy spots etc). Just keep the car clean and waxed and it'll be absolutely fine.

The places you need to worry about on a 996 aren't going ot be helped by a cover anyway.

[BertBert]

Jonny TVR said:

Depending on size £400 to £500 including anchors.

What make is it?

[Jonny TVR]

Clarke from Machine Mart

[markda]

If you don't go for that 'pop-up garage' I would say loose the car cover, I have always been warned off them.

[malcolm-coqci]

Have used an external frameless carcoon for the last 7 winters but....
Inspite of what it says on the tin they’re not good if used completely outside. If it gets windy or snowy the cover will collapse to a degree and it can cause abrasions on the paintwork.
Equally they are great for keeping the dust off and the rodents out but they don’t dehumidify the area inside.
My car now sits inside the garage, inside the cartoon with a dehumidifier inside that
Works really well along with a trickle charger, a full tank of petrol and the tyres inflated to about 50psi

If no cover available outside I would make sure the paint was protected with a good quality polish and sealant and put pouches with desiccant therein into the interior.

[markh1]

Thanks for the feedback guys, think in that case I will lose the cover until the warmer months when it might be more useful to protect against UV.

I dont really have space for one of those framed tent covers and the carcoon looks a right faff for when ever I want to use the car.

I did even investigate professional storage but the closest place to me wants £200 a month

[braddo]

How often do you drive the car, OP?

[markh1]

at the moment the last time I drove it was a few weeks before christmas just for the sake of driving it. It's our third car and even car number one is only getting used once a week at the moment. It's purely for fun, not a useful mode of transport.

[Jonny TVR]

I don't know where you are but many years ago I used to rent a garage for 20 pounds a week. There must still be people who rent their garages out who own flats.