Car cover in garage

[Fez887]

Hi, just reading a few older discussions around car covers (specifically outdoors), however just curious on thoughts around while dry storing in a dry garage, plenty of space, would you still put a light weight cover on? Or is it best to just leave if with no coverage?

Some scary previous chat about full covers leading to issues with paintwork. I personally have a lightweight full cover for the summer months on drive, (no issues), but plan to relocate the car to a dry garage for the winter. To cover or not to cover, that is the question?

[swisstoni]

No cover.

[Transit08]

I would say no cover,I have heard reports of cars being covered inside and suffering with paint issues then you hear people using them for years with no issues,it seems to me it could be different from car to car,I personally wouldn’t take the risk as I believe the only cure is a total respray which would run into mid four figures,just my opinion of course,I know the owners of two cars that live outside all year in the winter they have have half covers on the hood and a good coating of a quality wax and they both look immaculate.

[scottliv]

I use a stretchy light cover in the garage . It is more of a dust shield than anything. Never seen any ill effects.

[Fez887]

It’s the dust/scratch factor that keeps the cover on for me in the garage…….but may reconsider

[rigga]

Two big cotton sheets works for me.

[Sir Paolo]

I have a tailored TVR Chimaera cover, which I used to use all the time in the garage.
That was until I found out that it’s neither light proof, or water proof (when I had to leave the car outside).

Now I just cover the top of the car in a thick blackout material, as my garage lets in a lot of light, and don’t want the roof sun- bleached.

[jj.]

Over the past 21 years of ownership, mine has always been 'put away' (when clean!) with a cover. One of the cotton versions, with zip openers to access the doors (should you want). No issue's at all.

The only issue I did have, was when I stored the car in another, v.cold garage with no cover, & without being washed for over a year. When the car emerged the paint work had gone rough to the touch, with white scales all over him. Had to have a paint correction done to remove all this.

Always use a cover when inside, why wouldn't you...?
jj

[Squirrelofwoe]

I fully intend to use a soft cover when we've moved and finally have a garage for the TVR.

Just to add another dimension to this- would an indoor type-cover be suitable for a car living under a carport? Pretty much enclosed on 2 sides, and roof coverage is extended such that no chance of rain etc landing on car.

Purely as an anti-dust measure.

Are there any temperature / wind considerations that would make this a no-go vs using one in a fully enclosed garage?

[Zener]

Fabric only I'm afraid water-proof covers can trap moisture/condensation and micro-blister paint permanently witnessed it and also been a victim years back when car lived outside

Edited by Zener on Wednesday 22 September 13:02

[lancepar]

I presently use a cheap Lidl indoor cover, it's a bit big because It was first used on another car. Works for me no problem.

[DrasticplastiC]

I used to have a cover on indoors until a TVR dealer I know told me to take it off as I risked having paint issues. I no longer use a cover as a result, I do as he said, I keep the car clean and dry garaged.

Another down side of using a cover is that the dark interior becomes a perfect breeding ground for moths as I unfortunately experienced as they ate my carpets so I had to remove them (nasty job!!)

[Italian450]

Hi

I used to use a cover like Lancepar above with no issues.
In order to avoid any minor possibility of scratching moved to a tailored indoor cover.



Still no issues with paint so I'm a happy man :-)

[dogbucket]

I use some old bath towels laid over the bonnet, roof and boot. Keeps the dust off and in case anything falls on or against the car provides some protection. This is in an attached garage, so no damp or temperature swings.

Tried a light weight elastic cover (cheapo) and you could see it marking the top coat so binned that off.

[eddietiv1]

I left my cover on for the winter in a damp garage resulting in severe paint osmosis, never an issue since without one on other than a coating of dust, in my opinion just not worth it unless its a damp free environment.

[gavgavgav]

I have used one of these for years, it is so soft I can't see how it could ever mark the paint. It is in a good garage, so no damp to worry about.

https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/indoor-car-...

For the post above about using an indoor cover outdoors in a car port, its probably down to the material used - I can imagine these would act like a moisture wick which would not be a good idea

[BIG DUNC]

I used to use old sheets / blankets, but when I had the opportunity to buy a very good quality second hand cover for peanuts, I did so. It is very soft and I cannot imagine it ever marking the paint.
Keep in mind that the garage is dehumidified and therefore very dry. I wouldn't use a cover in a damp garage / environment.
For me, the main advantage of the cover is protection from damage, say if the kids push a bike a bit close, or something gets dropped on it etc.

[Colin RedGriff]

I use a quality cover in my garage to keep dust and dirt off it when I am working in the garage.

I always let the car cool down and dry off before putting the cover on though

[Fez887]

In summary it sounds like if you have a dry, well insulated garage then a cover is good for keeping off the dust and unwanted knocks and bangs from garage visitors, however a damp old garage can develop problems whether covered or not…… I have tucked up my Chim this week into a well insulated bone dry garage with double glazing and en suite , so going to risk the lightweight cover. Thanks for all the feedback guys.

[Pinx]

Hi, i bought one of these for my Chim, it fits a treat, is nice and soft, i've been using it since 2019 with no effect to the paint.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233018348736?hash=item3...



Pinx

Edited by Pinx on Wednesday 3rd November 19:00