Parking outside with an outdoor cover??

[bcadou]

Hi

I'd like to get your thoughts on that:

I am considering other possibilites, but I might park my tuscan outside, on the street. If I chose that solution, I would purchase an outdoor cover (like this one maybe? http://www.coveryourcar.co.uk/store/product.php?pr... ). Neighbourhood is rather safe, I am more concerned about the effect on the car itself, being "outside".

Does it make any sense? Any thoughts? Has anyone from you guys done that already? Is it just silly?

Thanks a lot

[Whitey]

yes but only use it when the car is clean, as if the car is dirty, the cover will rub against the dirt and scratch the paint. Even when putting on when clean, dust will build up under the cover over time and have the same effect.

[bcadou]

thanks for the answer. In other word you think this might damage the fragile tuscan car paint?

(I plan to use the car on every week ends)

[Robertjp]

Used to cover the cerby whilst on the drive, it was OK when clean but after a time dust gets in the cover and it will scratch the car no matter how careful you are. I stopped using it....would rather clean the car more often than have it scratched...

[Robertjp]

Used to cover the cerby whilst on the drive, it was OK when clean but after a time dust gets in the cover and it will scratch the car no matter how careful you are. I stopped using it....would rather clean the car more often than have it scratched...

[bcadou]

mmm, that definitelly not ideal then. And... what about ... parking in the street with no cover? :S

[johncaul]

i do it. Clearly i'd rather keep the car in a garage, but having left the car uncovered i believe having it covered is the best compromise. Leaving it uncovered exposes the car to bird crap, animals jumping on it, sun damage, and residue from rain fall.

[bcadou]

thank you.

May I ask: why did you choose to park it in the street? Cost? no parking near your house?

Cheapest I found near mine is 200gbp/month: welcome to london.

[Tuscan Wil]

If you do have to use a cover, make sure you uncover the car as often as possible to air the car to aviod condensation. Even though the out door cover should be "breathable", I still found there were lots of moisture on my bike when I used to leave my bike outside.

[Whitey]

if you do park on the street in London and use the cover, try a couple of lengths on polystyrene under the cover at each end of the car, to stop people scratching it while nudging it while parking. That was my biggest hassle when I used to park the Chim on the street and what made me get a garage for the Tuscan.

[Tuscan Wil]

I have to say, I moved from a flat in London to a house because of a garage so I can get my P&J, so you could argue that it is the most expensive car I every bought.

[bcadou]

thanks a lot. I might go for a garage then :S, 200ppm, might be worth it actually.

[johncaul]

i park outside but off street because i live in London!

[stillgrinning]

Mine has lived on the street for nearly 5 years with little consequence. I have a cover which I put on if the car is clean and the weather looks wet. Mine has always had plenty of wax/polish on it so if it does get "damaged" it's only the wax and it polishes straight out the next time it's cleaned.

[m3coupe]

Mine is kept outside, don't have a garage so only option other than storage somewhere.

Use a cover I got from Halfords of all places. It works great apart from when it's really windy and either breaks the straps or once on the previous car, scratched the sideskirts.

Still think it's a better option than leaving it out in the elements.

[RM75]

I got one of the covers you mention in your first post - the Monsoon one I think - cost about £130. Haven't had it long so can't comment on any possible long term problems, but I'm very pleased with it.

It's completely waterproof and (as it has air vents) even after several days the car is dry with no or very little condensation.

[Curdster]

I also live in London and have tried to convince the wife that getting a garage is a good idea. I try and park with only the rear being susceptible to damage as with para-parking the bonnet is not easily visible as I found out when a Chelsea Tractor reversed over it.
I have a waterproof cover which is OK, but considering getting an internal soft cover to go between the car and the waterproof cover to prevent the potential scratching. I know it's more expensive but less than a house move.
If you do go for the cover make sure it has tie downs rather than just elastic as the wind tends to remove it without them. The wind can also use the cover as a sail and rock the car setting off the alarm. I think there is a topic covering locking but no alarming.

[Mustang Baz]

Lots of historical threads on this, but from over 4 yrs of experience parking mine outside in London, on the street, I would not be without a cover. I paid £300 for my first - an excellent covercraft weathershield which lasted 3 yrs until time and weather wore it down. Have now gone for a make called specialist car covers if memory serves - again, excellent quality, app £220 all in, and this achieves the benefit of not blowing off at front and back whenever winds got moderate.

All in all - don't regret a cover at all. For the protection it gives from prying eyes, from rain (esp if your Tuscan leaks even a little), from UV, from pollutants, from vandalism and from bird crap etc, it is worth the occasional small scratch. Ultimately, the way around that issue is a regular deep polish/seal/wax either done personally or professionally. All light scratches soon come out and my paintwork remains largely unaffected after all of this time.

[bcadou]

Thanks a lot for all these feedback guys.

I guess in that case you have to stick the resident permit badge on the cover, right? It never was stolen/lost?

thanks again

[BDM]

Just bought a lightweight breathable cover from classic additions which was £90 but £10 if your a member of the TVR Car Club so £80 including P&P... Cant complain...