Car Covers Pros and Cons | Carcovers.com (2024)

Written By John Linden

When people make large purchases, it is natural to try and protect those purchases. This is true whether it is an expensive entertainment device, a cutting-edge television, or a home. To many people, their car is the most prized possession they have. Cars also deserve to be protected, and thankfully, there are many ways to preserve their quality and looks. Car covers are a popular way to protect vehicles. In this article, we will weigh the pros and cons of car covers.

Let’s first look at the pros of using car covers to protect your car.

Pro #1: Cleanliness

Car covers are an effective way to keep your car clean and looking newer.

The elements – rain and hail, for example – can seriously erode the surface of your car. Salty air and flying debris carried in the wind also does significant damage. Rust is a major enemy of your car and will occur much faster if your car is exposed.

Making sure your car is clean can significantly slow down the effects of the weather and environment.

If you take your cars into the car wash regularly, your vehicle looks good longer. The problem is that car washes are expensive. While they may not seem that costly each time you go (around $20), those washes can add up over time.

An alternative to taking your car into the car wash is to wash your car yourself. This can save quite a bit of money over the long haul. However, this is hard to keep up with in the winter months.

A car cover alleviates most of these issues. A cover will keep your car clean throughout the entire year. It will eliminate the threat of airborne particles and will greatly slow down rusting. While you will still have to wash your car, it will cut down on the number of washes per year.

Figure out that savings over the lifetime of your car.

Pro #2: Protection From Minor Damages

Streets are full of potential ways to damage your car. Kids playing on the streets, debris kicked up from passing cars and bad drivers are all possible causes of harm.

Car covers can protect your vehicle from these minor damages. They will also keep insects, bird droppings, pollen, sap and scratches off of your car. You won’t have to complete small repair jobs. You also will not have to touch up your paint nearly as frequently. Car covers will save you lots of money in the long run.

Pro #3: Escape the Elements

Moisture in the air dramatically damages your car over time. It leads to oxidation, otherwise known as rust. Rust not only looks ugly; it also breaks down the quality of a car finish severely. If you live anywhere near the ocean, a car cover is pretty much mandatory if you wish to preserve your vehicle. The moist, salty air can really do a number on your car.

A good car cover will be a moisture-wicking material. Your car will stay dry and the rusting process slows down dramatically.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are also extremely damaging to cars. A car cover will block UV rays, and protect the paint from fading. While car waxes do contain some UV blocking chemicals, you will need to apply them frequently. This will cost a lot more over time.

Pro #4: Ease of Maintenance

Making sure that your car is in outstanding condition, even many years after purchase, is essential. Car covers are a low-maintenance way to protect your car. Your vehicle will have maximum resale value because it is still in excellent condition. Car covers are an easy way to help retain your investment.

Pro #5: Longer Storage Times

If you own a classic car, it will go downhill quicker than newer models. This is because the paint and materials are of a lower quality than we have today. A car cover protects your classic car from those damaging elements.

Cons of Car Covers

There are many pros to owning a car cover and very few cons. However, if you buy the wrong car cover, your car will not see all of these benefits.

You will need to make sure that your car cover is not 100% waterproof plastic. While that material is great for keeping water and moisture off the car, it also stops it from escaping.

Non-fitted car covers, without buckles, can scratch your vehicle. You’ll want a fitted car cover to make sure that the cover doesn’t slip, causing scratches on the car.

Are Cover Covers Worth It?

Yes. If you buy a high-quality fitted car cover, it will protect your car much better than having no cover. Minor damages, bird droppings, and rust will be avoided. It will also save you money in the long term.

When you shop with CarCovers.com, you receive a guaranteed fit, designed to protect your make and model. We offer a complete selection and prices that are reasonable. Your vehicle deserves the best protection you can give it.

Featured image Credit: geralt / Pixabay

Car Covers Pros and Cons | Carcovers.com (2024)

FAQs

What are the downsides of car covers? ›

Cons of Car Covers

While that material is great for keeping water and moisture off the car, it also stops it from escaping. Non-fitted car covers, without buckles, can scratch your vehicle. You'll want a fitted car cover to make sure that the cover doesn't slip, causing scratches on the car.

Is a car cover a good investment? ›

Investing in a car cover is like buying insurance for your ride's exterior. They'll protect your car, save you money on repairs, and extend its life. Remember, it's not just about cost, it's about value. Your car's worth it, and so are you.

Are car covers hard on paint? ›

Car covers by themselves do not scratch the paint job. In reality, the culprit is the dirt and debris trapped underneath the cover. Whenever you put on and remove your car cover, it creates friction. The same thing happens when it moves because of the wind.

Why don't people use car covers? ›

This means that it will be flapping around in the wind and rubbing against your paint, causing swirls and scratches. Lastly, once a car cover actually does its job and collects dirt and debris, it is very difficult to remove the cover without getting that debris back onto the car.

Is it better to cover a car or leave it uncovered? ›

A car cover can help to keep your car clean, which prevents particles from etching the paint and stops rust over time. Car covers can protect your paintwork from minor damages. When you use the cover, your car will be safe from dings, scratches, pollen, insects, and bird droppings.

Should I cover my car in summer? ›

In conclusion, using a car cover during the summer is a wise decision to protect your vehicle from the damaging effects of UV rays, fading, and paint damage.

Do car covers trap moisture? ›

Breathable car covers are specially engineered to provide optimal protection while allowing air to circulate. Unlike non-breathable covers, which can trap moisture and lead to damaging effects like mold, mildew, and rust formation, breathable car covers offer a superior solution for preserving your vehicle's condition.

Is a tarp better than a car cover? ›

Proper car covers are durable and tend to last longer when compared to cheaper tarps. A custom cover can easily resist the sun's UV rays and give UV protection to your vehicle.

What is the best color for a car cover? ›

Black or dark-colored car covers may provide better UV protection, as they absorb more light. Dust and dirt: If you live in an area with a lot of dust or dirt, you may want to choose a car cover that is a darker color, as lighter-colored covers can show dirt and grime more easily.

What type of cover is best for car insurance? ›

Fully comprehensive car insurance gives you the highest level of cover. If you're looking for peace of mind or have a new or expensive car, this could be the right policy for you. Fully comprehensive insurance typically covers: Damage to someone else's car or property.

Which car cover company is best? ›

List of the best car covers in India
Top-rated Car CoversAmazon Rating
ASCOT Car Cover for Mahindra XUV 7004.4 / 5
ASCOT Car Body Cover for Tata Nexon4.3 / 5
Autofy Waterproof Car Cover for Hyundai Creta (2020 Onwards)4.1 / 5
Autofy TAFO Car Cover for Tata Safari (2021 Onwards)3.9 / 5
5 more rows
Oct 5, 2023

How long do car covers last? ›

Sitting outdoors, your car cover should last at least 4 or 5 years - depending on how much sunlight your car gets. The idea is for the cover to take the brunt of the elements rather than your car.

Should I use a car cover or not? ›

If you want to keep your car, truck, or SUV clean and looking its best, proper storage is the only way to go. A durable vehicle cover is essential, whether you're keeping your car in a garage, carport, or driveway. They serve as a key barrier against dirt, debris, scratches, rain, sunlight, and snow.

Are cheap car covers worth it? ›

If you are just going to buy a cheap PVC or plastic cover, you may be doing your vehicle harm! Sure, they'll give you some protection from the elements but because they are cheap, they'll fall apart quickly.

What are the disadvantages of car seat covers? ›

They fall short on fit, installation, warranty, and wear. We've reviewed some of the top seat cover brands on the market, and even some of those have struggles.

Are engine covers good or bad? ›

With the advanced electronics and sensors used in modern cars today, it's recommended to avoid risks by driving around without an engine cover. Other than accessing the engine or getting a better look at it, there's no reason to remove these covers, as they do not add much weight and serve an important function.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 6391

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.