Unless you are keeping your car in a garage on a regular basis, a car cover is the best protection you can invest in and the good news is that they are one of the cheapest car accessories available. Driving around in a great looking car is something we all appreciate and especially when the gleaming paint job attracts admiring looks!
Prevention is far better than cure and while regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure the look and running of your vehicle are kept in good shape, much of what you have to do can be avoided if the elements and environment cannot impact on the vehicle in the first instance.
A good quality car cover will provide excellent protection from the rain and snow; water is a major hazard for your car as the paint job can become affected by acidic elements in the water which will cause unsightly blotches and patches on the pain work and of course, there is the perennial problem of rust affecting the entire vehicle. A car cover should have a low degree of permeability but not be entirely waterproof - permeability is measure of how well air and water will pass through the cover.
You still need air to circulate under the cover because this will ensure that moisture in stale air is unable to accumulate which in turn will result in mold and mildew affecting the interior as well as rust patches. At the same time, rain and snow melt will have disappeared before it has a chance to pass through the car cover and get to the underside.
The harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun are also a significant hazard for automobiles; just as you and I become sun burned as a result of exposure, your car's paint job is just as susceptible and especially red paintwork. Whether you are keeping your car in the exposed sun or in the shade, the sun's harmful rays will have an impact on your paint job so make sure your car cover has a high UV protection factor and avoid faded paintwork.
A well-fitted car cover will automatically act as a deterrent to thieves and vandals. Car thieves are typically opportunists and if your vehicle is protected by a car cover, this means they have to spend more time getting the cover off before they can steal belongings from the car, or even the vehicle itself.
If you are using the car regularly, then consider a lightweight cover so it is easy to fit and stow away again; also make sure it does not take up too much room when you store it as it is likely you will be keeping it in the trunk of your car. A heavy duty car cover is more appropriate when you are storing the vehicle for significant periods of time; a heavy duty cover will also provide better physical protection from dings and bumps caused by playing children, pets and wildlife as well as falling tree branches and debris.
Jack Labens works for Empire Covers, a leading provider of car covers, truck covers, motorcycle covers, and other vehicle covers and accessories. Empire Covers can be found online at: EmpireCovers.com or at their blog EmpireCovers-Blog.com .
