Ways to protect my car outside from kids - outdoor cover?
Discussion
Hi,
I've recently bought a mint Z4 M Roadster which unfortunately I have to keep outside. I live in a cul-de-sac so it has no through traffic but it does have a lot of children that like to play in the street. They often cycle round on little bikes or trikes but usually play football. It's not uncommon for the footballs to hit our cars. They even cracked my next door neighbours windscreen the other day!!
So, I'm a little nervous about leaving the M outside in the road. It's not used for work, so it's most at risk when I leave it during the day and the children come home from school at 15:00 and play football in the road without me being able to keep an eye on it.
So, any bright ideas for me? I'm considering a car cover, but will it scratch the car if it blows in the wind? I'm looking at these: http://www.coveryourcar.co.uk/stormforce.htm
Next time I see the children I do plan on having a polite word, but I don't hold up much hope for that idea! I don't think their parents like us too much!
Cheers,
Dan
I've recently bought a mint Z4 M Roadster which unfortunately I have to keep outside. I live in a cul-de-sac so it has no through traffic but it does have a lot of children that like to play in the street. They often cycle round on little bikes or trikes but usually play football. It's not uncommon for the footballs to hit our cars. They even cracked my next door neighbours windscreen the other day!!
So, I'm a little nervous about leaving the M outside in the road. It's not used for work, so it's most at risk when I leave it during the day and the children come home from school at 15:00 and play football in the road without me being able to keep an eye on it.
So, any bright ideas for me? I'm considering a car cover, but will it scratch the car if it blows in the wind? I'm looking at these: http://www.coveryourcar.co.uk/stormforce.htm
Next time I see the children I do plan on having a polite word, but I don't hold up much hope for that idea! I don't think their parents like us too much!
Cheers,
Dan
Robb F said:
or rent a garage.
Yes, I'm looking everyday but there's nothing available. Did find one in the local rag the other day but it was let within a day!! 
Definitely don't want to move it to the next street, lesser desirable neighbourhood! At least I know all my neighbours and I get on with (most) of them really well. They all look out for my car. I wouldn't want to leave it somewhere where no one knew it or was looking out for it.
I do plan on asking a couple of elderly neighbours that live a little further up the road that have a good size driveways if I could rent a space. Their driveways are fenced off. Not sure on the best way of going about it though. Send a letter or ask in person? I don't want to scare them or put them on the spot if I turn up on their doorstep and ask!
danyeates said:
I do plan on asking a couple of elderly neighbours that live a little further up the road that have a good size driveways if I could rent a space. Their driveways are fenced off. Not sure on the best way of going about it though. Send a letter or ask in person? I don't want to scare them or put them on the spot if I turn up on their doorstep and ask!
If I was you (and I didn't look like a troglodyte) I'd go round and do it face to face. You'd get to sound them out, and them you. If they can see you are a reasonable person, who is then personally known to them, you might get a more positive response than if they were to recieve a note through the door from someone who they don't know 
On a side note.....if you do manage to do this then you may need to notify insurance regarding where vehicle is kept overnight.
renting garages / drives off old people is great.
they like the cash, and often the family likes the fact that someone is often turning up etc as it gives them peace of mind etc
i rent a nice garage from an old lady, i see her maybe once a month to say hello to and the money (50 per month, includes power) is paid via a standing order once a month - so its no hassle what so ever for either of us
she is currently on holiday thanks to the money the garage has 'earnt' her this year - so is well happy!
they like the cash, and often the family likes the fact that someone is often turning up etc as it gives them peace of mind etc
i rent a nice garage from an old lady, i see her maybe once a month to say hello to and the money (50 per month, includes power) is paid via a standing order once a month - so its no hassle what so ever for either of us
she is currently on holiday thanks to the money the garage has 'earnt' her this year - so is well happy!
If I was the elderly person and you came to see me, some things I'd want to clarify first would be:
1, How often would you want to be going in and out of my drive? and at what times of the day or night? Would it just be you, or others as well (Oldies like their privacy)
2, If I got on with my neighbours, how would they feel about it?
3, Insurance....whilst I may agree to letting you use my drive, I wouldn't want to be liable for it in any shape or form. How could I ensure I've covered my own back? (I.e. What insurance do you have in place?)
4, If for some reason I initially let you do it, then felt it wasn't worthwhile to me to continue then how could I ensure I get my drive back with the minimum of hassle? (Perhaps you may suggest trying on a month's temporary use?)
5, Can I take it for a hoon first? I'd want to know the car is worthy enough to be allowed on my drive
1, How often would you want to be going in and out of my drive? and at what times of the day or night? Would it just be you, or others as well (Oldies like their privacy)
2, If I got on with my neighbours, how would they feel about it?
3, Insurance....whilst I may agree to letting you use my drive, I wouldn't want to be liable for it in any shape or form. How could I ensure I've covered my own back? (I.e. What insurance do you have in place?)
4, If for some reason I initially let you do it, then felt it wasn't worthwhile to me to continue then how could I ensure I get my drive back with the minimum of hassle? (Perhaps you may suggest trying on a month's temporary use?)
5, Can I take it for a hoon first? I'd want to know the car is worthy enough to be allowed on my drive
danyeates said:
Thanks for the advice. May well do that. Just don't want to intimidate them!
What would be a reasonable amount to offer them each week/month for a driveway space? That garage I missed was £75pcm.
Perhaps when you ask say you understand they will want a bit of time to think and talk about it and is it ok to come back in a few days when they've done this? Or something along those lines depending how it goes (perhaps they'll jump at the chance!).What would be a reasonable amount to offer them each week/month for a driveway space? That garage I missed was £75pcm.
RemainAllHoof said:
Thanks. There's one not far from my house for £30p/m. Amused2death said:
If I was the elderly person and you came to see me, some things I'd want to clarify first would be:
1, How often would you want to be going in and out of my drive? and at what times of the day or night? Would it just be you, or others as well (Oldies like their privacy)
2, If I got on with my neighbours, how would they feel about it?
3, Insurance....whilst I may agree to letting you use my drive, I wouldn't want to be liable for it in any shape or form. How could I ensure I've covered my own back? (I.e. What insurance do you have in place?)
4, If for some reason I initially let you do it, then felt it wasn't worthwhile to me to continue then how could I ensure I get my drive back with the minimum of hassle? (Perhaps you may suggest trying on a month's temporary use?)
5, Can I take it for a hoon first? I'd want to know the car is worthy enough to be allowed on my drive
Good points. We're a young professional couple so work the usual 8:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday. Rarely use it during the evenings in the week so it's almost only weekend use. I suppose I could leave it outside my house if I get home late and move it in the morning! It's not that loud if you turn off Sport mode though. 1, How often would you want to be going in and out of my drive? and at what times of the day or night? Would it just be you, or others as well (Oldies like their privacy)
2, If I got on with my neighbours, how would they feel about it?
3, Insurance....whilst I may agree to letting you use my drive, I wouldn't want to be liable for it in any shape or form. How could I ensure I've covered my own back? (I.e. What insurance do you have in place?)
4, If for some reason I initially let you do it, then felt it wasn't worthwhile to me to continue then how could I ensure I get my drive back with the minimum of hassle? (Perhaps you may suggest trying on a month's temporary use?)
5, Can I take it for a hoon first? I'd want to know the car is worthy enough to be allowed on my drive
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff