car covers and outside storage

[JHZR2]

Since this will be car cover-centric, Im making a new thread as an extension of the one regarding cars that sit in direct afternoon sun.

After my 83 MB was wrecked, I parked it outside with a cover on it, to protect it and make it not look like a wrecked car eyesore. I noted a few interesting things:
-if the car isnt 100% perfectly cleanand maintained this way, a car cover can grind dirt into the paint

-car covers still let water through - they arent waterproof, at east the high end ones from autozone... therefore you can have moisture problems underneath.

-the major contact points can begin to wear and show wear-through layers of paint/coatings if left on in the presence of a constant breeze or conssitent cover movement.


Do better car covers do a better job at protecting against these issues? For a car left outside in the sun, is it a good idea to usea car cover? Or are the risks because of dirt, contact and moisture too risky?

What is a good brand of car cover if I wanted one for a car left outside? I think an impermeable one would be best, so that water does not sit between the cover and the paint.

Any thoughts/suggestions? Just trying to optimize protection against the hot summer sun.

Thanks again!

JMH

 

[duaneb9729]

i will have to ask my buddie who has had car covers on his cars for many years outside and has not had your experiance, i know his covers let water thru but not the dirt, he has his cars outside in the seattle area and some of the cars are over twenty years old, and still in wonderful shape.

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
-if the car isnt 100% perfectly cleanand maintained this way, a car cover can grind dirt into the paint

-car covers still let water through - they arent waterproof, at east the high end ones from autozone... therefore you can have moisture problems underneath.

-the major contact points can begin to wear and show wear-through layers of paint/coatings if left on in the presence of a constant breeze or conssitent cover movement.

For long term storage, even covered, the car will still need some attention now and then. You'll need to hose off the cover from time to time, remove it, shake it out, (best done with two people).
Wash the car and recover.

Never had problems with moisture, the better covers breath and dry quickly. It's also good idea to remove any pools of water after a big rain.

Rubbing can be minimized by getting a cover that fits well and using bungee cords if necessary.

 

[JHZR2]

Ive used the highest-end covers that AZ sold... it was for use on a wrecked car, so I wasnt going to sink $100.

I'd be eager to learn which brands/models are the best. I dont mind sinking a few bucks into something that will be beneficial.

Thanks!!

JMH

 

[daman]

Seems there is no cover that will work,the best thing is to just
leave it uncovered,a cover will wear paint(from the wind wiping
it)and it'll corrode the alum engine from being damp and rust
the under carriage,i know this from experience,it does more
damage then good.