Outdoor car covers

[nels]

Anybody have a good recommendation for a reasonably priced outdoor car cover that will last a year or so in the sun, wind and rain. I’m not looking for state of the art but just the most bang for the buck. I’ll probably buy several.

[Dwight FitzSimons]

I buy Budge car covers from WalMart. The larger WalMarts carry several (3 ?) grades of them, at escalating prices. The more expensive Budge covers seem to last a bit longer (and protect better), but I haven't had any last more than a few years.
--Dwight

[nels]

Any idea on cost?

[J_Cole]

Best of luck. My neighbor covered her mom's while she was out of town so she could use the garage. The car was covered for 4-6 months without coming off the entire time. I was curious why she did it but she just said to keep it out of the sun. I told her it wasn't the best idea as it trapped moisture. When she finally took the cover off to move the car, she found the interior was completely covered in mold. I didn't look at it, but it's so bad I'm not sure if it's savable. It's in the carpet and leather seats and likely in the vents and stuff. If you do cover them and it rains, be sure to
Take them off afterwards to let the car breathe and dry out. The car is a newer CTS, 2010-2015 I'd say?

[Ron Dame]

That's why when I use a cover outside, I crack the windows or vent wings, so there is a bit of air flow. So far, so good.

[Silverplate]

Costco used to sell some generic car covers.

edit: still do

https://www.costco.com/coverking-hybrid-car-cover.product.100505096.html

[bensherb]

About 34 years ago I bought one from "California Car Cover Co". It was made to fit my car and fit great. It lasted in perfect condition for around 3-4 years but by seven years it was a done for. I don't think it was their "top of the line" cover , but it was an exterior grade one. It wasn't cheap then, around $75 if I remember correctly. I no longer have the cover but still have the box it came in; I've been using it for a laundry hamper for 34 years! Weather wise, I don't usually get a lot of rain here, but bright sun with temps over 100F are normal six months of the year.

[Dwight FitzSimons]

The Budge covers range from ~$35 to around $80-90.

As far as preventing mold is concerned I keep two buckets (4 lb size) of DampRid in an Olds Aurora I have under a car cover. I put them on the floor (highest level of humidity there). They do the job. These are in the RV/Automotive section of WalMart.

J_Cole is right: one REALLY does not want mold in a car.
--Dwight

[nels]

I like the the DampRid suggestion!! That would be a good idea for any car in the garage.

[Skip Lackie]

I have one that might fit the bill. Short version of long story: neighbor asked me to help him buy one for his new (used) car. I checked what was available, and he settled on a medium-quality one. Supposed to fit medium-sized cars. I ordered it for him and paid about $100 for it. He died, never used it, and his wife gave it back to me. I never got paid for it and it's in my way, still in the box. You can have it for free, brand new. If it fits, send me what it's worth to you -- maybe $40 or so. If it's junk or doesn't fit, give it away.

[nels]

Skip. I am sending you a Pm

[nels]

Skip. I think the length of the car is 192 inches. The length may be on the box.

[Skip Lackie]

I looked and there's really no info on the box. Maybe this thing isn't as "medium quality" as I thought . . . .

[Dwight FitzSimons]

I find on Lark-types that car covers aren't deep enough. I have to get SUV covers for them.
--Dwight

[Dwight FitzSimons]

This is for generic car covers, not custom-made ones.

[Skip Lackie]

Good point. Modern cars aren't as tall as 1960s cars were. Nels -- if it's too small, maybe you'll have a trash can big enough to hold it.

[Bob Andrews]

I know I have contributed this before, and I know many will try to disagree, I will just add to the discussion, based on 50 years’ experience in the automotive industry: never, ever, under any circumstances, put any kind of car cover, from anybody, no matter what claims they make, on any vehicle that is in any kind of decent shape when outdoors. Ever. No matter what type of cover, or what type of climate, there is not a single cover that does not run significant risk of damaging the vehicle. They trap moisture, cause damage from loose areas rubbing on the finish, promote mold, and increase attractiveness to rodents and insects. On balance, any car is- literally- better off uncovered than to have a cover on it. Car covers should only be thought of as an indoor only protection against dust and bird droppings.

The only exception to this is if you have a situation with missing glass and you’re trying to temporarily keep rain/snow out of the upholstery. That’s it.

Yes, I know my comments are strong on the subject. Yes, I know that there are people who will insist otherwise. And although it’s not my intention, I know that there are people who will be mad at my comments because they want to believe otherwise. I’m sorry if that’s the case. But my life is devoted to protecting cars, and though I don’t want to, if it means hurting feelings, so be it. I’m just telling you, I don’t know how many hundreds of car covers I’ve seen tried in the outdoors and I’ve never seen one that wasn’t detrimental to the vehicles.

[Ron Dame]

I mostly use them in the Fall, when the leaves fill the truck bed, or slip into the door cavities, or behind trim and such. After that, not so much

[Dwight FitzSimons]

I take no offense at all, Bob. You are attacking the practice, not the people. There's nothing wrong with that.

Around here car covers on my parts cars keep my neighbors happy, or at least happier. We have a law against junk cars, and it relies on neighbors complaints.

Another thought: One needs to at least cover the upholstery (coverings inside the vehicle) to prevent or at least reduce UV damage.

--Dwight

[Bob Andrews]

Thank you. And, I understand what you’re saying about neighborhood rules. Of course, that doesn’t change the damage potential. You mentioned junk cars; in a case like that, the problems with covers aren’t any big deal. but for cars in good condition, I stand by what I said above. I submit that if one is going to own a collector car that is in good condition, budgeting for a place to properly house same should be part of the deal. Even a carport or one of those temporary garages (example below) can be an alternative. Anything that does not directly touch the vehicle.

Yes, for interior I recommend those reflective window shades, or at the least, a bright colored cover on the dashboard and package shelf. The reflective window shades are cheap.

https://m.vevor.com/carports-c_12018/vevor-carport-heavy-duty-10x20ft-car-canopy-outdoor-garage-shelter-with-removable-sidewalls-roll-up-ventilated-windows-door-uv-resistant-waterproof-all-season-tarp-for-car-truck-boat-darkgray-p_010779951065?adp=gmc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=19634774838&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACq8bLW8T-6J1ODaM6Erq3BfV704I&gclid=CjwKCAiA98WrBhAYEiwA2WvhOtHiKCNoYgrYxYSiazpEij3lIW6imQJwX3412O1hFg6E6hPqk5AJhhoCJp0QAvD_BwE

[8E45E]

I bought one of these a couple of months ago for $400 at Canadian Tire when it was on sale: AutoShelter® 10 ft. x 20 ft. x 8 ft. (shelterlogic.com)

I prefer this over a cover as others have stated, it doesn't trap moisture. Other factors are, if the wind blows a lot, and the cover continually rubs back and forth against the paint finish, it will eventually wear through to the bare metal on the edges and high points.

Craig