UNIVERSAL VS. CUSTOM
The AGCO Automotive Corporation of Baton Rouge, La., says a cover designed specifically for a car provides better protection than a tarp or blanket. The cover will keep dirt, animal droppings, tree debris, and other materials from damaging the finish while also protecting the paint and upholstery from UV radiation. In addition to covers for outdoor use, some covers have multiple layers designed to protect vehicles stored in the garage from dust and small impacts.
The exterior of a car cover consists of a lightweight fabric or polypropylene layer designed to protect the vehicle from rain, ultraviolet radiation, and other things that might affect the car. The interior surface contains fleece, microfibers, or other material designed to be nonabrasive against the vehicle's finish. An elastic hem helps to keep the layers secured together.
Finding the right kind of cover for your vehicle depends on the conditions the car will be exposed to. If your car is being stored outside, look for something that will provide adequate protection from the weather in your region. You might want to look for something with better UV protection if you're in a sunny area or with better rain protection if you're in an area that gets a lot of precipitation.
You can also choose between a custom car cover and a universal one. Kristin Trout, writing for Car Cover World, says a universal cover, also known as a readyfit cover, will fit a general type of vehicle. Though it may fit your car well, it may also be slightly too large or small; the cover may also not have pockets for the side mirrors or an opening to allow for an antenna.
Custom covers will fit a specific make and model of vehicle. However, the AGCO Automotive Corporation says they will be more expensive and won't last as long as a universal cover. The company says the reason for the reduced lifespan is the mirror pockets, which put the cover's fabric and seams under more stress.
In buying a car cover, you should also be careful about how it offers to protect your car from the rain. Some covers will allow water to get beneath the cover, leading to the growth of mildew and mold.
Though a car cover should be able to keep water off the car's finish, it should not be so waterproof that it doesn't allow any moisture to escape. Trout says that some waterproof covers will also lead to mold and mildew growth since they will trap condensation under the cover. The cover's fabric should be breathable so that condensation and other moisture can evaporate.
In addition to the protection against the elements, car covers can also deter thieves. Since the cover will prevent people from peeking into the interior, they won't be able to see if there are any valuables inside. A thief will also attract more attention by trying to remove the cover.