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Car Covers Pros and Cons

Car Covers Pros and Cons

Protecting something that is expensive is a no brainer. It's a natural reaction to try to keep it nice for as long as possible, because replacing it would be costly. For most people, one of the most expensive things they own is their vehicle. Knowing the best way to protect something is not always easy, especially something that you might leave outside most of the time. Car covers are a popular way to protect vehicles. In this article, we will weigh the pros and cons of car covers. CarCovers.com is the #1 choice when considering protection for one of your most valuable assets. Industry leading warranties and amazing customer service are why more than 500,000 customers have decided our covers were the right choice. Let's take a look at all the pros of using a car cover.

Pro #1: Cleanliness

Car covers are an effective way to keep your car clean and looking newer.

The elements – rain and hail, for example – can seriously erode the surface of your car. Salty air and flying debris carried in the wind also does significant damage. Rust is a major enemy of your car and will occur much faster if your car is exposed.

Making sure your car is clean can significantly slow down the effects of the weather and environment.

If you take your cars into the car wash regularly, your vehicle looks good longer. The problem is that car washes are expensive. While they may not seem that costly each time you go (around $20), those washes can add up over time.

An alternative to taking your car into the car wash is to wash your car yourself. This can save quite a bit of money over the long haul. However, this is hard to keep up with in the winter months.

A car cover alleviates most of these issues. A cover will keep your car clean throughout the entire year. It will eliminate the threat of airborne particles and will greatly slow down rusting. While you will still have to wash your car, it will cut down on the number of washes per year.

Figure out that savings over the lifetime of your car.

Pro #2: Protection From Minor Damages

Streets are full of potential ways to damage your car. Kids playing on the streets, debris kicked up from passing cars and bad drivers are all possible causes of harm.

Car covers can protect your vehicle from these minor damages. They will also keep insects, bird droppings, pollen, sap and scratches off of your car. You won’t have to complete small repair jobs. You also will not have to touch up your paint nearly as frequently. Car covers will save you lots of money in the long run.

Pro #3: Escape the Elements

Moisture in the air dramatically damages your car over time. It leads to oxidation, otherwise known as rust. Rust not only looks ugly; it also breaks down the quality of a car finish severely. If you live anywhere near the ocean, a car cover is pretty much mandatory if you wish to preserve your vehicle. The moist, salty air can really do a number on your car.

A good car cover will be a moisture-wicking material. Your car will stay dry and the rusting process slows down dramatically.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are also extremely damaging to cars. A car cover will block UV rays, and protect the paint from fading. While car waxes do contain some UV blocking chemicals, you will need to apply them frequently. This will cost a lot more over time.

Pro #4: Ease of Maintenance

Making sure that your car is in outstanding condition, even many years after purchase, is essential. Car covers are a low-maintenance way to protect your car. Your vehicle will have maximum resale value because it is still in excellent condition. Car covers are an easy way to help retain your investment.

Pro #5: Longer Storage Times

If you own a classic car, it will go downhill quicker than newer models. This is because the paint and materials are of a lower quality than we have today. A car cover protects your classic car from those damaging elements.

Cons of Car Covers

There are many pros to owning a car cover and very few cons. However, if you buy the wrong car cover, your car will not see all of these benefits.

You will need to make sure that your car cover is not 100% waterproof plastic. While that material is great for keeping water and moisture off the car, it also stops it from escaping.

Non-fitted car covers, without buckles, can scratch your vehicle. You’ll want a fitted car cover to make sure that the cover doesn’t slip, causing scratches on the car.

Are Cover Covers Worth It?

Yes. If you buy a high-quality fitted car cover, it will protect your car much better than having no cover. Minor damages, bird droppings, and rust will be avoided. It will also save you money in the long term.

When you shop with CarCovers.com, you receive a guaranteed fit, designed to protect your make and model. We offer a complete selection and prices that are reasonable. Your vehicle deserves the best protection you can give it.

Weather guide

Where do you park it?

Where a car sleeps decides what wears it down. Tap your spot and we'll name the cover we'd pick, and why.

Every answer links to its condition page for the full reasons.

Our pick for full sun

AllGuard Weatherproof Max

We match it to cars that bake outside: its UV treatment coating helps the fabric hold up through a summer parked out. Read why

  • Water-resistant, UV-treated outer with a microporous film
  • Soft fleece liner against the paint
  • Elastic front and rear hems

From $169.99car sizes; trucks and SUVs vary

Shop Weatherproof Max
  • If we don’t get it right, we’ll make it right.
  • AllGuard™ Protection Warranty included
  • Free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and Canada
  • 30-day returns

Also consider Platinum Shield, from $199.99for snow, storms and damp

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