AM Ultimate Car Cover not waterproof anymore

[andrewdj]

I inherited it when I bought my DB11 Volante earlier this year and I'm going to assume it's 6 years old now. Anyway, when I take it off the car, there is water over much of the vehicle which clearly sits there.

Is there a way of re-waterproofing these that anyone knows of or should I resign myself to a new one? Car has to sit outside and my concern is mostly with keeping the roof in good condition rather than the car being rained on in general.

EDIT: looking at the online description for this cover, it states that rain will bead and run off. Well, it isn't doing that anymore just soaking in so I guess it needs re-waterproofing. I don't know if this will affect its breathability though, to prevent condensation forming under the cover, and at the least I would assume that the right stuff would need to be applied..

Edited by andrewdj on Friday 19th December 23:31

[M1AGM]

You sure its not condensation?

I have used Rainex in the past for motorcycle gear so it would probably work on a car cover.

[andrewdj]

There was a lot of water for it to be condensation but no, I suppose I'm not. The cover is supposed to be breathable as well to prevent that so my best guess is it's letting rain through.

[Simpo Two]

andrewdj said:

The cover is supposed to be breathable as well to prevent that so my best guess is it's letting rain through.

I've never figured out how 'breathable' can also be waterproof.

Is it made of slightly stretchy grey fabric with an elasticated bottom? If so mine did the same.

[Dungman]

Always had good results with Fabsil if it still exists.

[andrewdj]

Simpo Two said:

I've never figured out how 'breathable' can also be waterproof.

Is it made of slightly stretchy grey fabric with an elasticated bottom? If so mine did the same.

Yes, with a soft red lining. Seems a bit pointless if it lets water in! It will be like technical outdoors clothing that can keep you warm and dry but let out moisture from perspiration. Did you keep yours?

[andrewdj]

Dungman said:

Always had good results with Fabsil if it still exists.

Fabsil still exists. Would you just apply it to the cover or not bother with that and just keep the roof clean?

[Simpo Two]

andrewdj said:

Yes, with a soft red lining. Seems a bit pointless if it lets water in! It will be like technical outdoors clothing that can keep you warm and dry but let out moisture from perspiration. Did you keep yours?

Mine didn't have the lining. It was fine for 2-3 years until the elastic lost its grip and water went through rather than off. I gave it to a friend who isn't as fussy as me!

Now I have a cheapo cover that's completely waterproof and fits equally well. It has elastic straps at each end because it can blow off in a gale (when you find it upside down on next door's drive and full of water and leaves it's really annoying!)

[andrewdj]

Simpo Two said:

Mine didn't have the lining. It was fine for 2-3 years until the elastic lost its grip and water went through rather than off. I gave it to a friend who isn't as fussy as me!

Now I have a cheapo cover that's completely waterproof and fits equally well. It has elastic straps at each end because it can blow off in a gale (when you find it upside down on next door's drive and full of water and leaves it's really annoying!)

It’s a genuine AM cover designed specifically for my car. It fits snug and doesn’t blow around in the wind so I can be grateful for that.

[Simpo Two]

Well, unless you want to buy a new cover you could try this, and a brush: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Renovo-International-RUP1...

No idea what it will do for 'breathability' but I'd say waterproofness is more important.

[BlackTails]

andrewdj said:

I inherited it when I bought my DB11 Volante earlier this year and I'm going to assume it's 6 years old now. Anyway, when I take it off the car, there is water over much of the vehicle which clearly sits there.

Is there a way of re-waterproofing these that anyone knows of or should I resign myself to a new one? Car has to sit outside and my concern is mostly with keeping the roof in good condition rather than the car being rained on in general.

EDIT: looking at the online description for this cover, it states that rain will bead and run off. Well, it isn't doing that anymore just soaking in so I guess it needs re-waterproofing. I don't know if this will affect its breathability though, to prevent condensation forming under the cover, and at the least I would assume that the right stuff would need to be applied..

Edited by andrewdj on Friday 19th December 23:31

I’ve used outdoor covers from Specialised Covers and found them to be excellent. Their top of the range one (not sure what it is called these days) is waterproof and breathable - the oldest cover I have is now about 8 years old and still going strong. They are fleece lined and tailored, and don’t flap around at all. They have optional straps for under the car if you’re worried about movement though.

In the right/wrong conditions any car left outside will attract condensation. Cold surface plus ambient moisture in the air and water will condense onto the car. If you take the cover off first thing then it is likely you will see moisture on the car. With a good cover if you wait until later in the day (eg until you can see that the condensation has burned off other cars in your road) you should see less on your car when you remove the cover - breathability.

AIUI the biggest issue with a soft top other than discolouration from sunlight over time is moss. The main cause of that is leaving your car parked under trees. Any cover should protect against moss though.

[andrewdj]

BlackTails said:

I ve used outdoor covers from Specialised Covers and found them to be excellent. Their top of the range one (not sure what it is called these days) is waterproof and breathable - the oldest cover I have is now about 8 years old and still going strong. They are fleece lined and tailored, and don t flap around at all. They have optional straps for under the car if you re worried about movement though.

In the right/wrong conditions any car left outside will attract condensation. Cold surface plus ambient moisture in the air and water will condense onto the car. If you take the cover off first thing then it is likely you will see moisture on the car. With a good cover if you wait until later in the day (eg until you can see that the condensation has burned off other cars in your road) you should see less on your car when you remove the cover - breathability.

AIUI the biggest issue with a soft top other than discolouration from sunlight over time is moss. The main cause of that is leaving your car parked under trees. Any cover should protect against moss though.

They certainly are a lot cheaper than the Aston Martin ones. I'm pretty certain it wasn't condensation: I uncovered it about 1:30pm yesterday on a sunny, warm day and my other car had no condensation at that time. There was too much water and thinking about it, the cover is getting soaked rather than beading so I reckon its just lost its waterproofing after 6 years. It's no real loss to me as it was thrown in with the car from the previous owner.

The car isn't parked under any trees and I have to say I'm more worried about birds than moss (maybe incorrectly!!) I'll check out some re-waterproofing products and decide whether to invest in a new cover or go that route. Thanks for the recommendation.

[andrewdj]

Simpo Two said:

Well, unless you want to buy a new cover you could try this, and a brush: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Renovo-International-RUP1...

No idea what it will do for 'breathability' but I'd say waterproofness is more important.

Looks like a good proofer for the soft top. I'd definitely want some breathability from under the cover but I can always check with the manufacturer.

[Blitzuk]

I recommend the outdoor cover from Classic Additions. I've lifted that cover when it's completely drenched just to see, and it was completely dry underneath and definitely no where near as dear as the AM covers. Hopefully you're able to treat your cover as the cheapest option.

[DB9S Paul]

I use Nikwax Techwash, I 've used this on waterproof clothing and car covers for years.

In combination wit TX Direct it will definitely revitalise the waterproofness and beading of the cover, it also keeps it breathable.

https://nikwax.com/en-gb/products/cleaning/clothin...

[andrewdj]

DB9S Paul said:

I use Nikwax Techwash, I 've used this on waterproof clothing and car covers for years.

In combination wit TX Direct it will definitely revitalise the waterproofness and beading of the cover, it also keeps it breathable.

https://nikwax.com/en-gb/products/cleaning/clothin...

I already have some Nikwax for my Paramo jacket and trousers. These go through the washing machine though to apply. Are you able to just paint/spray this stuff directly onto the cover? Any estimate on how much would be needed for a DB11 cover?

[DB9S Paul]

There is a spray on version, or you can put some in a large tub or bucket and wash it that way

[andrewdj]

DB9S Paul said:

There is a spray on version, or you can put some in a large tub or bucket and wash it that way

Thanks, I’ll give that a go.