Car Cover Question

**YT1300** · 02-10-2009 09:32 AM

Q. Who here is using a car cover? If so, what kind? And Where did you buy it? Any cons (from personal experiences/not here say) about the car covers?

I've seen a few online, and I'm trying to narrow down the one I'm gonna buy. I'm also looking for any cons (from personal experiences/not here say) about the car covers. I just got my car back from the body shop and I'm no longer parking it in the street (I live in the city / No Garage). I was able to secure a spot from a neighbor down the block in an enclosed driveway (free of charge). My car was involved in a hit and run 'bout 2 months ago, and I'm making sure that it doesn't happen again. Tons of drunk drivers in my neighborhood on weekends. Live near clubs. SO now just want to protect the finish of the vehicle, and my neighbor suggested I get a car cover to protect the car from the elements. Any suggestions???

TIA,

**80CID** · 02-10-2009 09:58 AM

Car covers on a daily driver is not a good idea, unless you clean the car every time before you put the cover on. I use to run a detail shop way back when and we had customers that thought they were doing a great thing by putting a cover on their car at work in the parking lot. But in reality they were scratching the hell out of the paint, even a lite covering of dust will do damage to the paint. So I say car covers for “play/weekend cars” and just park your daily driver in the best location possible. And even saying that if you park your “play/weekend car in the garage, why put a cover on it?

I’m not a fan of covers.

**evola4** · 02-10-2009 11:41 AM

^^^+1 Car covers on a daily driver can do more harm than good

**thebikedoctor33** · 02-10-2009 12:00 PM

i actually was thinking about starting a thread regarding covers. I'm going to be shipping out for the navy in a couple months and don't have a garage to store my avant. But i was thinking, two months of fabric rubbing on the paint should cause issues. what is the best option for me? one of those temporary car shelters? i'm thinking this route... what do you guys think?

**AudiA4Turbo22** · 02-10-2009 12:02 PM

get a california duster and dust ur car before u put on the cover takes like 30sec, then put the cover on and u'll be fine, make sure it is breathable, and soft, i use a Lexus cover from 1990

**80CID** · 02-10-2009 01:20 PM

That’s all fine and dandy if it hasn't rained since you last washed it. Then you have road grime stuck to the car and a duster will not take that off. Also I don’t like dusters for d.d. cars. They are good for weekend cars…..take for a drive on a nice clear day dust it off put it back in the garage. But you will never catch me using one.

**evola4** · 02-10-2009 08:07 PM

You should get one of these car bubbles

http://www.autosportcatalog.com/inde.../3962/sc/15049

it looks like a snow globe for your car!!!

**lookaught** · 02-11-2009 05:35 AM

I have a Covercraft Weathershield cover. Fits extremely well on my avant and is waterproof/breathable, etc. IIRC it was about $330.

you definitely need to be careful with dirt if you use it often... If you really plan to use it everyday it helps an awful lot to park in a spot that doesnt get much wind and to use a car duster, or even a MF towel with quick detailer if there is something stuck to the paint. Just be careful and if the car is pretty dirty then don't use it. I don't use mine anymore because I have a garage, but next year that could change again. They work wonders if you live where there are a lot of birds pooping all over the car.

**3.0L AUDI A4** · 02-11-2009 06:28 AM

I have the OEM cover. I love it. I have not had a single problem with the OEM cover other than it doesn't fit well over my Oettinger body kit. I use it for indoor purposes only. The inside is soft so it doesn't scratch the paint and the outside is weather proof so if water is poured on it, it will run off and not let leak through. Water will get into any cover regardless of make because it splashes up and when it evaporates it will rise and sandwich between the paint and the cover so if you are using a cover outside, make sure you take it off and clean the car before covering it again (when the ground is dry).

The OEM cover has two security areas where you could buy a lock to padlock the cover on the car to protect thieves. This is a great idea for covering your car outdoors.

I have seen and worked with a 1990's Lexus car cover and they are the softest I have ever seen. They are meant for indoor purposes but they do the job well.

IMHO- Don't use a cover outside because it is just too much work. If I could do it over again because I only cover my car inside and I don't really need a weatherproof OEM cover, I would buy a dust cover just because I know I don't need protection other than dust. (Hopefully there isn't falling debris and typhoons in my garage)

Hence this being said, PM me for pictures of my OEM cover, it is now for sale...

**thebikedoctor33** · 02-11-2009 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by 3.0L AUDI A4

I have the OEM cover. I love it. I have not had a single problem with the OEM cover other than it doesn't fit well over my Oettinger body kit. I use it for indoor purposes only. The inside is soft so it doesn't scratch the paint and the outside is weather proof so if water is poured on it, it will run off and not let leak through. Water will get into any cover regardless of make because it splashes up and when it evaporates it will rise and sandwich between the paint and the cover so if you are using a cover outside, make sure you take it off and clean the car before covering it again (when the ground is dry).

The OEM cover has two security areas where you could buy a lock to padlock the cover on the car to protect thieves. This is a great idea for covering your car outdoors.

I have seen and worked with a 1990's Lexus car cover and they are the softest I have ever seen. They are meant for indoor purposes but they do the job well.

IMHO- Don't use a cover outside because it is just too much work. If I could do it over again because I only cover my car inside and I don't really need a weatherproof OEM cover, I would buy a dust cover just because I know I don't need protection other than dust. (Hopefully there isn't falling debris and typhoons in my garage)

Hence this being said, PM me for pictures of my OEM cover, it is now for sale...

What would you recommend for longer term storage. Like I posted above, shipping out for the navy, so the car will be totally untouched for 2 months minimum. I dont have a garage, I was thinking either car cover or temporary car shelter, like the shed type deals. Opinions?