Car covers are a great idea but there are so many to chose from. In this article I will help you decide which is best for your vehicle. Weather, where you park and your budget will be determining factors.
Some may ask why they need to cover their vehicle in the first place. Protecting your investment is need enough in my mind. Protecting it's value for resale and trade in. If your car,truck,SUV,van etc looks bad, it will be harder to sell and you won't get as much for it. The suns UV rays, stormy weather, bird droppings, tree sap and dust can all cause damage to the finish which will take away from the overall appearance of your vehicle. Your interior can also take a beating from the sun. Summer storms can cause damage with blowing debris, tree limbs etc. Hail can be a nightmare.
Another good reason to cover your vehicle is convenience. After spending time and or money to clean your car, covering will make it last longer. Dust and rain can mean all that hard work was in vain. If you use a car cover, that new washed shine will remain. Winter storms can leave snow and ice and a headache in the morning before work. If covered, just take it off and shake it off and you are ready to roll.
As far as which cover is best for your situation or geographical location, here is what I would recommend:
Indoor storage is fairly simple, all you really need is a dust cover to keep the surfaces free from dirt and dust. It is also a helpful protection against children and folks leaning up against the vehicle, trash cans etc. This one layer cover type is also cost effective and o.k. for light outdoor use.
If you live in the Southwest the sun can be really intense, the UV factor is much greater. For this region I would use a Tyvek cover. This material made by Dupont is the ultimate in UV protection. It is white and also offers water resistance making it an excellent choice where the sun is intense and rain is infrequent. This material is also used for HAZMAT suits to protect people from harmful situations where the immediate environment can be a problem.
If you live in the South in areas like Florida and Georgia for example a waterproof cover is a must. A two or three layer cover with waterproof treatment is best. This type of cover is also great for four season environments like those found in the Northern parts of of the us and Canada. These covers are breathable allowing condensation that can develop to wick away and evaporate, a great feature for areas of high humidity.
Then there is the ultimate in protection with the four layer fleece lined waterproof breathable cover. This cover is the best choice for areas with severe winters but works great regardless of where you live or store your vehicle. The fleece lining is best for protecting clear coat. It may be the most costly but does provide the best protection available today. Regardless of which cover you choose for your particular situation, the return is priceless. Protecting your investment is important, especially in today's economy.
Purchasing on the Internet is the most convenient and offers the best selection and competitive pricing. Be sure to shop around as some sites offer free shipping and some do not. You will also want to ensure that you are ordering the correct size the first time around as most sites will not cover return shipping if you order an incorrect size, an error that will effect your bottom line cost. Follow the sizing instructions carefully and you should not have any issues.
Purchasing the right cover for your vehicle is a wise choice in today's economy, one you will be glad you made. The protection it provides will ensure your vehicle looks great for years.
