 22nd February 2013, 17:07 | #17 |
| Distinguished - BHPian
Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 10,841 Thanked: 25,296 Times | Re: The Importance of a Car Cover in India "I won't cover the car, I'm going out again tomorrow..." And whenever I say that, tomorrow turns into a week or more, and, yet again, the poor car has become invisible under the dust. Even with a Tyvek cover, some of the finest dust gets through, but it is only 1%. The car has a car port, so it is open to the dust-carrying wind, but not to the rains. There is no reason not to cover it, unless it is actually wet on returning home, and in this city, that is just very few times. At least it does not "sandpapered." I'd rather have it dirty than have the paint ground down with a damp rag. The cover is good. The cover is necessary. The only thing I do not do is cover the very front and radiator grill when the engine is still hot. Another point of safety would be to avoid hot exhaust pipes. Quote: How about the effect of hot and humid climate like Mumbai on covered car? Are there any downsides of using car cover specially if parked whole day under sun. I don't think so. In fact it should cut down that paint-fading UV radiation. An ideal car cover would be seriously UV-resistant and Dupont claim that Tyvek actually does cut out 99.8% UV. Before we built our car port I found that the Tyvek made a big difference to the amount of heat build up inside the car. That is seriously good for the interiors, as well as our comfort when we get in. If I sound like a Tyvek salesman ...I'm not! Last edited by Thad E Ginathom : 22nd February 2013 at 17:13. |
 | (5)Thanks |
Just a happy user!| 24th February 2013, 14:16 | #18 |
| BHPian
| Re: The Importance of a Car Cover in India Quote: Originally Posted by Swanand Inamdar Excellent thread Sirji! Loved reading through it! My car is 'out in the open' while in office, cause the brilliant architect who designed the SEZ forgot to make covered parking for all the cars coming in. So, whatever the weather, my car is left in the open while in office. But its a relatively dust free area, so no dust at the end of the day. At home though, its a different story. The car has a dedicated covered parking. So, do the other cars in the house. Plus, a guy who washes the car daily. I also give it a, once a month professional washing treatment (twice a month in monsoons). In my case, its totally the opposite! |
| |
| 2nd March 2013, 19:10 | #19 |
| Senior - BHPian
| Re: The Importance of a Car Cover in India What timing, Got a cover for my Civic last week for 1050 from milan subway.I had noticed a scratch on the headlight and the bumper most possibly made by a bicycle.Decided to cover the car.I got a Indian make rather than 'imported' one. The quality is ok but when i was inside the car and the cover was still on i could see a few gaps where water could seep in.So i guess it's not going to be water proof.But i hope at-least it's bicycle proof. |
| |
| 2nd March 2013, 19:32 | #20 |
| Senior - BHPian
Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,271 Thanked: 229 Times | Nice thread! A cover is absolutely required here! I use 4 covers on my car and when it's parked on the roadside, a thick long Styrofoam piece to cushion the blows!(as a cover will protect the car from scratches, but not dents) Polco makes good Tyvek covers! |
| |
| 2nd March 2013, 20:05 | #21 |
| BHPian
Join Date: May 2006 Location: mumbai Posts: 674 Thanked: 894 Times | Re: The Importance of a Car Cover in India The biggest problem with Car covers are they are not designed properly to attach rigidly with the car. Either the car covers have sort of plastic hooks (low quality) which break after some time and cannot hold a mild breeze flowing over the car. Some better car covers have two Underbody belts which hold the car cover to the car body. Its troublesome throwing the belt hooks below the entire width of the car and then collecting it on the other side and attach them to the female belt hook. One more problem is where you need to park your car very close to a wall, because then you cant throw these belt hooks below the car through the entire width of the car as one needs to get between the wall and the car and bend down and either throw the belt or collect the belt if the belt has already been thrown below the underbody from the other side. These underbody belts hold only the part of the car cover which fits over the cabin space but then the cover fly's over either the bonnet or dickey side. |
| |
| 2nd March 2013, 20:28 | #22 |
| BANNED Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delhi Posts: 154 Thanked: 113 Times | Re: The Importance of a Car Cover in India My car is parked outside, next to a tree, hostage to all the situations Mikon mentioned. I cover my car no matter how tired I am after a drive. It hardly takes 2 mins and is worth the effort. My experience with covers - 1) The Parachute material - local make - Easy to put on and take off, fairly dust repallant. |
| | (1)Thanks |
.| 2nd March 2013, 21:33 | #23 |
| BHPian
Join Date: May 2006 Location: mumbai Posts: 674 Thanked: 894 Times | Re: The Importance of a Car Cover in India Where to get Tyvek covers from in Pune/or anything available online for my Vista? How much do they cost and are they really so good? |
| |
| 3rd March 2013, 12:22 | #24 |
| BHPian
Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Thane Posts: 153 Thanked: 91 Times | I am leaving for my hometown and my 5 month old duster would remain un utilized for 15 days. I have a proper covered parking in my society. Is it OK if I do not cover the car in this period. My neighbour can ensure that the car is cleaned once in 2- 3 days by the regular cleaning boy. |
| |
| 3rd March 2013, 13:07 | #25 |
| Senior - BHPian
Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,271 Thanked: 229 Times | Personally, I'd suggest a Tyvek cover! Just ask neighbors to watch that the cover doesn't blow off or anything(or secure the cover to the underside of the chassis with cloth line clips) |
| |
| 3rd March 2013, 13:53 | #26 |
| Senior - BHPian
Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 10,935 Thanked: 20,718 Times Infractions: 0/1 (5) | Quote: Originally Posted by ajmat I stopped letting the daily person "sandpaper my car" since my car is undercover everyday at work. I normally brush the car down and cover it. I personally wash the car thoroughly once a week. If the car is dirty during the rains, or after a long journey. I let the muck accumulate and get it professionally cleaned. One tip about the cover. Avoid "throwing" it and dragging it onto the car. I put it on the roof and fold it out and vice versa. Yes its nice to roll the cover off and roll it one again rather than throw it over... |
| |
| 3rd March 2013, 13:56 | #27 |
| Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Bangalore,Coorg Posts: 1,088 Thanked: 764 Times | Re: The Importance of a Car Cover in India Quote: Originally Posted by engrohit I am leaving for my hometown and my 5 month old duster would remain un utilized for 15 days. I have a proper covered parking in my society. Is it OK if I do not cover the car in this period. My neighbour can ensure that the car is cleaned once in 2- 3 days by the regular cleaning boy. The biggest advantage of a cover is it removes the need for unnecessary cleaning of the car. Definitely invest in a cover and if you want, ask your neighbour to have the car washed a day before you return. The problem with washing is that if you are not careful, it is very easy to wash with dirt and wind up scratching the car (swirls particularly). Why go through that |
| | (1)Thanks |
| 4th March 2013, 00:25 | #28 |
| Newbie Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Mumbai Posts: 3 Thanked: 0 Times | Re: The Importance of a Car Cover in India I would vouch for a car cover 100%! I live in an upscale building and sadly a lot of people here actually toss food out the window. It's just appalling! I got a car cover with my Ertiga and 4 weeks later it literally looks like a buffet meal is being served top side. So if you're parking under such people's windows or a tree with too many birds, go in for one! |
| |
| 6th March 2013, 13:55 | #29 |
| BHPian
| Re: The Importance of a Car Cover in India There is one more issue I faced. |
| |
| 11th March 2013, 00:34 | #30 |
| BHPian
Join Date: May 2006 Location: mumbai Posts: 674 Thanked: 894 Times | Re: The Importance of a Car Cover in India How does your car cover attach itself to the car? For all the three car covers used by me. The recent car cover is made up of canvas type material. It has two straps going under the belly of the car from LHS B pillar to RHS side B pillar. On the front I attach it with the help of nylon strings to the front grille and at the back I once tried to tie it to the exhaust pipe which did not hold long. |
| |
 |
';var NOTWORKINGANYMOREmvItemjs = '
' + t.title + '
';var mvFlexContainer = document.querySelector("#mvFlexContainer");mvFlexContainer.insertAdjacentHTML('beforeend', mvItemjs);});});
As a seasoned automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of car care, I can confidently address the concepts discussed in the Team-BHP forum thread titled "The Importance of a Car Cover in India." The individuals participating in the conversation bring up several key points related to the use and effectiveness of car covers, considering factors like climate, material quality, and attachment methods.
-
Effect of Climate on Car Covers: The forum members discuss the impact of hot and humid climates, particularly in cities like Mumbai. The consensus seems to be that car covers, especially those made of high-quality materials like Tyvek, can provide protection against the harsh effects of UV radiation. Tyvek, for instance, is claimed to cut out 99.8% of UV radiation, reducing paint fading and heat build-up inside the car.
-
Use of Different Car Cover Materials: Members share their experiences with various car cover materials. They mention covers made from Parachute material, thick so-called waterproof covers, and Tyvek covers. Polco and Coverite are recommended brands for Tyvek covers, known for their durability and resistance to external elements.
-
Proper Attachment of Car Covers: A crucial aspect discussed is the proper attachment of car covers. Plastic flexible hooks on the sides, underbody belts, and nylon strings are mentioned as common methods. Some members express concerns about the durability of plastic hooks and the hassle of attaching underbody belts, emphasizing the need for effective and user-friendly designs.
-
Protecting Cars in Open Parking Spaces: Forum participants share their experiences with cars parked in open spaces. The discussion covers issues such as dust accumulation, scratches caused by dust particles, and the need for regular cleaning. The consensus is that using a car cover can significantly reduce the frequency of cleaning and protect the car's exterior.
-
Choosing the Right Car Cover: Recommendations are made for specific types of car covers based on their material and features. Tyvek covers are highlighted for their UV resistance, and Polco is praised for its burn resistance. Members also discuss the importance of choosing a cover that fits well and is easy to put on and take off.
-
Concerns and Solutions: Concerns are raised about the potential drawbacks of car covers, such as scratches caused during the covering and uncovering process. Members share solutions like being careful during the handling of covers and avoiding throwing them onto the car.
-
Individual Experiences and Preferences: Several members share their personal routines and practices regarding car care. Daily washing, monthly professional treatments, and the use of multiple covers for added protection are mentioned.
In conclusion, the forum thread provides a comprehensive and insightful discussion on the importance of car covers in India, addressing various challenges faced by car owners and offering practical solutions based on first-hand experiences.
