Car protection outdoors
Discussion
This will be an evolving thread as I spend my hard earned and learn. I've been looking at how to protect a car that, unfortunately can't get to the garage (entrance beside the house too narrow). Trying to read forums has been a quagmire of opinion, hearsay and guessing. So I've started trying things. I'll try to log my results here in other to make it simpler for others to find information in the future. This may take some time as I'm spending my own money on this, but I'm going it will be useful.
Situation. The car is on a driveway, on a hill exposed on one side (east facing) to an open field and therefore direct strong winds. Car is used on weekends.
First step: ceramic coated
Results: Great for keeping the paint nice... Unfortunately mechanicals are still exposed, you still need to clean of bird poo etc. there is also a tree which is throwing pine needles over the car from quite a distance, these are *very* annoying to get rid of.
Worth it?: Yes, but obviously limited in what it can do
Second step: outdoor car cover from specialised covers https://www.specialisedcovers.com/p/outdoor-plus/
Results: Seemed good to begin with. Keeps the car looking shiny, keeps everything off the paint. Not entirely waterproof. You need to take it off occasionally to let it dry off. Even with straps pulled tight it moves around, especially over the roof area on my car YMMV. Where there was movement, micro scratches started to appear. The scratches were too much for me so it's not going back on. They seemed to centre around 4 points where the cover has seams that protude into the inside of the cover, these seams are not as soft as the rest of the inside. It might be different per car, but not great.
Worth it? Not for me. May be better in a sheltered spot, but with the wind, better to be uncovered.
Where am I going next with this? Still figuring that out. Next financial step would be a carcoon but I'm worried that with the wind it's just going to rub against the car again. Alternatively, I'll make the jump to an 'in the garage' style full inflating garage. I'll keep you posted! Any thoughts welcome on next attempt.
Situation. The car is on a driveway, on a hill exposed on one side (east facing) to an open field and therefore direct strong winds. Car is used on weekends.
First step: ceramic coated
Results: Great for keeping the paint nice... Unfortunately mechanicals are still exposed, you still need to clean of bird poo etc. there is also a tree which is throwing pine needles over the car from quite a distance, these are *very* annoying to get rid of.
Worth it?: Yes, but obviously limited in what it can do
Second step: outdoor car cover from specialised covers https://www.specialisedcovers.com/p/outdoor-plus/
Results: Seemed good to begin with. Keeps the car looking shiny, keeps everything off the paint. Not entirely waterproof. You need to take it off occasionally to let it dry off. Even with straps pulled tight it moves around, especially over the roof area on my car YMMV. Where there was movement, micro scratches started to appear. The scratches were too much for me so it's not going back on. They seemed to centre around 4 points where the cover has seams that protude into the inside of the cover, these seams are not as soft as the rest of the inside. It might be different per car, but not great.
Worth it? Not for me. May be better in a sheltered spot, but with the wind, better to be uncovered.
Where am I going next with this? Still figuring that out. Next financial step would be a carcoon but I'm worried that with the wind it's just going to rub against the car again. Alternatively, I'll make the jump to an 'in the garage' style full inflating garage. I'll keep you posted! Any thoughts welcome on next attempt.
I'm in a similar situation, open ground to the north so can really catch the weather.
I use a 1/2 cover from classic additions, it works quite well (convertible soft top) protecting top/glass/rubbers.
It ventilates well so no need to take it off, is easy to remove if I want to use the car. If a major storm is forecast I remove it.
I haven't noticed any paint damage, but it's an 18 y/o car anyway.
I use a 1/2 cover from classic additions, it works quite well (convertible soft top) protecting top/glass/rubbers.
It ventilates well so no need to take it off, is easy to remove if I want to use the car. If a major storm is forecast I remove it.
I haven't noticed any paint damage, but it's an 18 y/o car anyway.
GAjon said:
Is it a temporary solution or permanent solution you’re looking for?
If it’s temporary buy a covered car trailer , use it for the time required, then sell it on for almost what you paid for it.
This. Used trailers on eBay are only a few grand and they’d be more protective than a real garage if you fitted a dehumidifier.If it’s temporary buy a covered car trailer , use it for the time required, then sell it on for almost what you paid for it.
Fell behind here as my phone exploded almost directly after posting this. Answers to questions below
Is it a temporary solution or permanent solution you’re looking for?
More permanent. I would need to rebuild the garage at the front of the house which will require planning permission as it would be forward of the frontage. It would also not look that great in the position in relation to the house, so a no go.
Covered car trailer is sort of an interesting idea even as a 'semi permanent' option. I'll have a look.
Why? The car will get damaged more when moving:
Well, being a mid engined car it has lots of holes at the top. Not only does it get pine needles etc. in them but it also corrodes the radiators/venting pipes etc. more quickly as water sits on them after rain. The starter motors on them also go more quickly if they are exposed to the elements constantly. The leather also shrinks if exposed to the sun. Also, it's a Lotus so it's water tight...ish
How about a temporary garage?
Potentially, I have heard that you need to be careful with condensation/damp and blistering on these, hence why carcoons have blowers in them.
On the carcoon front, they seem to say that the 3L would fit my car (Evora) but the stated length of the cover is shorter than my car, which fills me with confidence in their compatibility check!
Is it a temporary solution or permanent solution you’re looking for?
More permanent. I would need to rebuild the garage at the front of the house which will require planning permission as it would be forward of the frontage. It would also not look that great in the position in relation to the house, so a no go.
Covered car trailer is sort of an interesting idea even as a 'semi permanent' option. I'll have a look.
Why? The car will get damaged more when moving:
Well, being a mid engined car it has lots of holes at the top. Not only does it get pine needles etc. in them but it also corrodes the radiators/venting pipes etc. more quickly as water sits on them after rain. The starter motors on them also go more quickly if they are exposed to the elements constantly. The leather also shrinks if exposed to the sun. Also, it's a Lotus so it's water tight...ish
How about a temporary garage?
Potentially, I have heard that you need to be careful with condensation/damp and blistering on these, hence why carcoons have blowers in them.
On the carcoon front, they seem to say that the 3L would fit my car (Evora) but the stated length of the cover is shorter than my car, which fills me with confidence in their compatibility check!
I have a Carcoon outdoor cover. Sounds like your paint is already protected so I would not be as concerned about the cover impacting the paint, and it only touches it when you are putting it on.
Only issue with the Carcoon is that it is a bit of a faff to get the car in and out, but other than that would fully recommend them.
Only issue with the Carcoon is that it is a bit of a faff to get the car in and out, but other than that would fully recommend them.
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