car covers

[edward113]

Hi

My car is used at the weekends mainly and does not do the daily commute. I don't have a garage and so it has to sit outside. I do wash and wax it regularly and was wondering what people's thoughts on car covers was.

Is a good external waterproof car cover a good idea to help protect it or do they just serve to trap moisture in? This a long term car for me and so I really want to preserve it.

Thanks

Edward

 

[Dream911]

The main issue is putting a cover on a car that isn't 100% clean will cause the paintwork to get scratches. If you can wash the car before putting on the cover then its fine but in reality this is not always practical.

 

[Ducky]

Another thing to watch is the wind, a cover that blows around ends up marring the paintwork where it rubs the edges. Always go for a close fitting one, I think Specialised Covers do an outdoor version that fits the bill.

I have one of their indoor ones and it's very nicely made. :thumb:

 

[loftgroover]

I've got one of these, it's pretty good. It's semi fitted so a bit of breathable space lets water dry.

As others have said though, I don't put it on unless the car is perfectly clean to avoid damage to paintwork.

http://www.hamiltonclassic.co.uk/acatalog/OutdoorCoverCarBreathableSoft.html#aMT

 

[ladenfranz]

If you don't use the car during winter a car cover is fine. For daily use I would not recommend it. Reasons see above.

 

[Volley]

Hi,

I am lucky enough to have a garage for my car but bought a cover for the wife's A1 from:

http://www.coveryourcar.co.uk/

It has a soft lining, is tailored to fit wing mirrors, has air vents and has easy fit securing straps.

Top quality and local to you in the NW, think they are based in St Helens

 

[edward113]

thanks for the advice everyone. Greatly appreciated.

I don't think I will bother as I don't want to risk scratching it.

 

[Seventy Seven]

If you are not parking on the road, then you may want to consider something a friend had - basically a tent like structure, which he pulled over the top of the car. Hence maintaining a gap between the car and cover.

 

[Ocean Blue]

Hi Edward,
I bought the Porsche indoor car cover which is very tight fitting and soft. I then put Halfords one over the top of that. As the respected members say, you do need the car to be spotless and you don't want something that will rub on the body work. :thumb:

 

[michelin]

Another thing to watch is the wind, a cover that blows around ends up marring the paintwork where it rubs the edges. Always go for a close fitting one, I think Specialised Covers do an outdoor version that fits the bill.

I have one of their indoor ones and it's very nicely made. :thumb:

I'm with Ducky on this one, Specalised manufacture superb covers. I have an indoor one too and the inner lining is a fleecy material.
:thumb:

 

[RobboRobbo]

Hi,

Just to add that I've just bought a 997.1 Turbo, had the car detailed and like you with only weekend use thought I'd put a cover on to keep the car clean midweek. The detailer was very very anti a cover, advised that the car wouldn't get that dirty sitting on the drive, and warned that the car would get scratched quickly.

Suffice to say I steered clear in the end!

 

[ladenfranz]

And in the end cars are made for outside.