Cars are expensive, but they are a necessity you can’t do without them. Once you buy a car, you need it to serve you for as long as possible. That can only be possible with proper maintenance. Maintenance goes beyond parking the vehicle safely and refueling it. One way to ensure the car stays in good shape for many years is to buy a car cover. Buying a car cover is simply a giant sheet of material that goes over your vehicle to protect it from the elements. It’s like a big tarp you throw over your car when you’re not using it.
There are a lot of benefits your car can derive from a cover. For example, the cover can protect it from the elements and the harmful UV rays of the sun. It can also protect your car from pollen, dirt, dust, bird poop, cat claws, scratches, and theft.
But before you purchase a car cover, consider the following factors:
Material Used
Car covers factory and similar suppliers make different types of covers that serve various purposes. For best results, you can avoid water-proof materials unless you pack the car in a place where the humidity is high. Water-proof materials tend to trap moisture that can accelerate rusting and cause the growth of mold and mildew. Choosing a breathable fabric that can protect your vehicle while allowing moisture to escape is best. Such material can protect your car against rusting because it doesn’t allow water to stay on the car for long.
UV Protection
UV rays from the sun are destructive to your car. While a vehicle may withstand high temperatures, excessive exposure to UV rays can damage the paintwork, upholstery, and dashboard. That is where a car cover comes in. So, when buying a car cover, ensure it can provide maximum protection against UV. This will help you avoid unnecessary repair costs. Also, ensure the car cover itself doesn’t fade quickly. Note that extended exposure to UV affects the color quality of the car cover. So, a fade-resistant cover adds a layer of protection to your car and the cover itself.
Dirt Resistance
Dirt is another issue that should concern you as a car owner. When you like to park your car in a dirty or muddy environment, it is best to protect it with a dirt-resistant cover. As mentioned, car covers are made of different materials; some are dirt-resistant, while others are not. Apart from ensuring your car is always clean, a dirt-resistant car cover is easy to clean and fold. Besides, protecting your vehicle from dirt makes it easier to clean the car and prevent rusting, which is accelerated by dirt.
Outdoor vs. indoor car covers
Many people think a car cover is optional when a car is always packed indoors, far from it. Even when parked in a garage, the car can be scratched by metal or toys or damaged by door dings. Therefore, a vehicle parked indoors requires a car cover just as much as a car parked outdoors. A car cover ensures the vehicle remains pristine and spotless, even if your garage is dusty. For this reason, choose a suitable material for parking your car indoors. Most car covers used indoors are light and need to be breathable since they will come into contact with moisture. But if you want an outdoor car cover, choose one made from heavy-duty material to protect the car against other environmental factors.
Custom Fit vs. Contour Fit (standard) covers
When choosing car covers, you can select a custom or standard fit. The choice largely depends on your preferences. A custom-fit car cover fits a car perfectly because it is made specifically for your vehicle. It can cover the antenna pockets and side mirrors. It goes well with special editions or vintage cars. The most significant advantage of custom covers is that they can stay on the vehicle even if it is windy. However, these covers are pricey, so you must dig deeper in your pockets to get one.
On the other hand, standard covers are relatively cheaper but may expose some parts of the car. If money is not an issue, choose a custom cover.
Benefits of having a car cover
Some of the benefits of car covers have already been mentioned, but there are more reasons why you need them. Some of these reasons include the following:
- Since a car cover helps protect your car’s paint job from fading due to exposure to the sun, it will ensure the vehicle has a reasonable resale value.
- Keeps your car’s interior in good condition: A car cover can keep your car’s interior from fading and cracking due to sun exposure.
- Protects your vehicle from theft: A car cover can deter thieves by making it more difficult for them to break into your car.
- A car cover can help protect your vehicle from vandalism because it makes it more difficult for vandals to break windows or spray paint your vehicle.
- Provides you with peace of mind – A car cover can give you peace of mind when you’re not using the car. If you’re worried about your car being stolen or vandalized, a car cover can help deter criminals. And if you’re concerned about your car getting damaged by the weather, a car cover can help put your mind at ease.
While you can take your car for a checkup every two months, you have to remember that having a car cover can go a long way in increasing the lifespan of your vehicle.
Conclusion
A car cover is an essential accessory for your vehicle, especially if you like parking it outdoors. A cover will protect your car from the elements, including sun, rain, snow, and hail. It can also help to keep your vehicle clean and free of debris. A car cover protects your paint job from fading or damage. The factors discussed above can help you get the best car cover.
Featured Photo by Jonathan Cooper: https://www.pexels.com
