Owning a car will not just require you to fill up its tank and park it safely in your garage. While you can always bring it twice a year for its regular check-up, you shouldn’t forget to do light maintenance to keep your car in its best shape. One small thing that you can do aside from the weekly car wash is to use a car cover.
A car cover is used to protect your car from the elements. You can use it either outdoors or indoors, depending on your needs. However, before scrolling through a list of covers, you should consider the following factors to ensure you buy the right one.
1. Material Used
Not all covers use the same materials, as they serve a different purpose. So, you should check the materials the cover is made of. For instance, you can choose from a breathable or a water-proof cover. Select the one that best suits your needs.
While going for a waterproof material might sound like a great idea since you can keep your car completely dry, this might not always be the best option if you park your vehicle in an area with high humidity. Moreover, a waterproof cover won’t prevent moisture but will trap it in, which might cause molds and mildew.
On the other hand, a breathable cover will protect your car from excess moisture. Because it lets trapped moisture and condensation evaporate fast, it lessens the time your car is wet, keeps the car paint in good condition, and hinders rust formation.
2. UV Protection
Parking your car outside might expose it to the sun’s UV rays. While your vehicle seems likely to bear the heat, too much sun exposure may end up damaging the car paint, as well as your dashboard and upholstery.
To ensure the full safety of your car and avoid expensive repair costs, you should purchase a car cover that offers maximum UV protection, along with fade resistance. The intense heat might affect the color and quality of your cover, so a fade-resistant feature will add another layer of protection for not only your car but also the cover itself.
3. Dirt Resistance
If you’re planning to park your car in a muddy or dirty environment, you should consider getting a car cover that comes with dirt resistance. Even with a waterproof feature, some dirt could still penetrate through the covers and into your car, so a dirt-resistant cover will be useful.
Apart from keeping your car clean, a dirt-resistant car cover will make cleaning, folding, and packing time easier. You won’t have to worry about wiping down the cover to keep it clean. All you must do is take away the cover and fold it back into its bag.
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4. Indoor Vs. Outdoor Covers
You might think that a car cover won’t be necessary if your car is parked indoors. However, in a garage, your car may still get damaged from accidental door dings or scratched by toys or metal on clothing. Therefore, an indoor car cover will come in handy. It’ll guarantee that your car remains in tip-top condition and spotless, especially in an environment that’s dusty or has plenty of bugs.
Furthermore, an indoor car cover is lighter, as its main goal is to protect your car from moisture, dust, and minor scratches. On top of that, it’s breathable, allowing for maximum airflow.
However, if you’re planning to go for an outdoor car cover, you should settle on the heavy-duty kind to keep your vehicle safe from environmental factors.
5. Car Cover Fittings
There are two types of car cover fittings that you can choose — a standard fit or a custom-fit cover. Your choice will depend on your preferences.
A standard-fit cover is affordable and does the same job as a custom-fit one. However, if you want the exact fit for your car, opt for a custom-fit one.
A custom-fit cover will fit your car perfectly, including the side mirrors and antenna pockets. It’ll also go well with a vintage or special edition vehicle. It can even keep the cover in place on a windy day. On the downside, it can be quite expensive since it’s custom-made.
Conclusion
Purchasing a car cover isn’t as simple as it looks. You’ll have to take some factors into account to ensure that you buy the one that suits your car perfectly. Decide first if you need an indoor or an outdoor cover and then make your way from there. This way, you’ll know which features to look for.
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