Car Cover

[bartgardy]

Greetings,
i just purchased a new '08 Subaru Outback. Living in NYC I park it in an outdoor lot and drive it on weekends only. I purchased a cover thru Subaru and found that it created a lot dirt when it was removed.

I was wondering what others' opinions are about car covers and whether I should use it or not.... thanks.

[Murr1525]

Re: Car Cover

I have a Covercraft one... seems pretty top of the line, but fits a bit small, even though it is the proper one for the car.

Only use it when on vacation for extended periods.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Car Cover

If you park in a dusty area they're kind of a double edged sword.

First, you need to make sure the paint is free of dust and other contaminants or you can scratch the paint putting the cover on and off - this will accumulate over time. Second, if the cover is on and a stiff wind blows there will be some flapping of the cover against the body panels (regardless of how snug the elastic holds it around the bottom of the car) and this might compound the issue.

Second, most instructions I've seen for how to remove and install a cover end up allowing part of the inner portion to contact the outer portion, which will just transfer dirt from the outside to the inside. What I used to do was fold the cover from the front bumper up to the top of the windshield, then from the back bumper up to the top of the windshield. Then I'd repeat this process, and finally fold the thing in half. This way the inner portion would never contact the outer portion, thereby reducing contamination.

When the elastic wears out a bit (and with repeated outdoor use, it will, even on the most expensive covers on the market) and a stiff wind blows up it can damage the paint along the lower body panels. I have first hand experience with this, unfortunately. But, if the car was nice and clean before I covered it and we got a good rain, once everything dried I could pull the cover off and the paint was still virtually spotless.

Bottom line though, I think they're a double edged sword and can be a lot of work to use properly outside all the time. As a dust cover in a garage they're a different story.

[angeloabbattista]

Re: Car Cover

Agree 100% with Mike. I mentioned in another thread what I also do to try and help limit the dust and dirt transfer is lay flannelette sheets on first then put the cover on. Also how Mike suggests folding the cover is a MUST. This dramatically eliminates the possabitily for dust and dirt transfer from the cover to your paint. It is much easier to wash the flannelette sheets than it is to was a cover.

[Bunky]

Re: Car Cover

I have used a covercraft cover on my Dodge Dakota Club Cab 4x4 and it is pain to put on and off. It takes two people plus climbing in the bed. The covercraft covers fit snuggly (too snuggly in my opionion) so I am seeing scratches (it is black) on the curved areas. I use a cover since it parked outside so there is always going to be dust on it. It is not a daily driver but I like to drive it at least once a week to just keep the engine oil circulating, etc.