If you store your vehicle outside during the colder months of the year, a good winter car cover can help protect your finish from the abuse that comes with chilly weather.
Why Cover Your Car?
Winter weather can be very abusive to your car's exterior. Hail can cause pitting and dings to the finish of your vehicle. Frequent freezing and thawing can exacerbate rust problems. Ice and snow removal can cause scratches, and even bright sunlight can cause fading problems. For many owners, a car cover is the best available solution.
Car covers are basically slipcovers for your automobile. These items are the shape and size of your vehicle, and you can easily slip them over the car to offer some protection from the elements. While these products will not be as sheltering as a garage or carport, they are better than nothing. Protecting your car's exterior can help preserve its value and extend its lifespan.
Choosing a Winter Car Cover
There are a variety of car cover products on the market today. As you shop, you'll find that covers range in weight, price, and level of customization. Consider your needs and browse all of the offerings before deciding which cover is right for you.
Do You Need a Waterproof Cover?
Car covers can be constructed out of a variety of different fabrics. Some very lightweight covers are ideal for keeping dust off your vehicle when it's stored in a garage or shop. Other lightweight covers are designed to protect your vehicle from sun damage and resist small amounts of moisture. If you live in a cold or snowy area, you'll probably want to choose a cover that is waterproof and possibly insulated or lined with a soft material.
How Much Should You Spend?
Car covers can range in price from under a hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Price is largely dependant on materials used, quality of construction, and whether the cover is custom-made. . If you have a newer car or a classic automobile, you'll probably want to choose the best cover you can afford for your vehicle. If you're just looking for something to keep the snow off an older used car, stick with the budget offerings.
Do You Need a Custom Cover?
It's possible to find generic car covers that are designed to fit over a variety of vehicles. These covers will provide only the most basic protection, since they will not be fitted tightly against the car. They are a good option if you need a budget cover and want to protect your car from the sun. Many companies offer a large selection of covers designed for individual car models. This is a good way to get a cover that perfectly fits your car without the expense of having it custom made. At the extreme end of the price spectrum, you'll find companies that will measure your vehicle and make a custom cover for you. This may be your only option if you have a classic or very rare automobile.
Shopping Resources
The Internet is an excellent place to shop for car covers. You can compare prices and features between retailers, allowing you to get a great deal on a cover that's perfect for your vehicle. The following websites specialize in winter car covers:
Protecting Your Car
Regardless of which cover you choose, it's important to follow proper winter car storage practices. If you'll be driving your vehicle on a regular basis, also make sure you properly maintain the engine. Winter can be hard on cars, but with the right care, your vehicle will be just fine.
