Every driver wants to protect their car, yet the humble car cover is an oft-overlooked piece of kit. You might think that covers are designed to protect a car’s paintwork and stop the windshield from freezing when winter rolls around, but they actually have a lot more to offer. A good quality car cover can protect your vehicle from myriad problems – from rust to UV rays – as well as acting as a simple yet effective deterrent for would-be thieves.
With all these benefits, it’s unsurprising that the market abounds with a whole host of car covers. With so much variety, there’s bound to be one out there that meets your needs, but having so many options at your fingertips can make selecting one a challenging task. That’s where Car Bibles steps in: we’ve taken the liberty of compiling a list of the best-rated car covers available right now, so you can make an informed decision. We’ve also addressed some of the most common questions drivers have about these products, to help you choose the right option for you and your vehicle.
The Best Car Cover
1
Leader Accessories Car Cover
The first auto cover to grab a spot on our list is Leader Accessories’ cover with built-in UV protection. Its breathable fabric actively repels water, keeping your vehicle safe and dry whilst also standing up to dust, dirt, pollen, and bird droppings.
The fabric is biodegradable too, so you won’t have to worry if it gets blown away – although this is unlikely due to its windproof straps! The cover’s snug fit and UV filtering technology make it ideal come rain or shine. It even comes with its own storage bag, so you can throw it in the trunk and keep your car protected wherever you roam.
Suitable for all sedans up to 200”
Fabric provides UV protection
Actively repels water
Wind-proof straps prevent the cover from being blown away
Environmentally friendly thanks to its biodegradable cover
Resistant to dust, pollen, pollutants, and bird droppings
Suitable for outdoor and indoor use
Comes with its own storage bag
- BrandLeader Accessories
- Model10301003
- Weight2.5 lbs
2
Audew Car Cover
Audew’s waterproof car cover is a simple and cost-effective way to keep your vehicle safe from the tiny assailants it encounters each day. Its heavy-duty cotton blend fabric offers protection in all weathers, making it perfect for use in any season. The tough fabric is also waterproof, avoiding any nasty leaks, and will protect your car from dirt, dust, and droppings, as well as scratched and door dings.
Its windproof design ensures that the cover won’t blow away when left alone on blustery days, whilst its reflective surface blocks harmful UV rays as well as preventing the vehicle from overheating. All this protection is easy to come by too – Audew has designed their cover so it’s able to be fitted and removed with ease. Overall, Audew’s offering offers great, affordable protection for your vehicle.
Suitable for most vehicles up to 200”
Protects vehicle against damaging UV radiation
Windproof
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Protects cars from dust, dirt, droppings, and pollen
Easy to fit and remove
Prevents scratches and door dings
Waterproof fabric
Great for all weathers
- BrandAudew
- ModelAUDEWMotorgirl2628
- Weight3.31 lbs
3
Titan Lightweight Car Cover
Titan’s tough car cover is the perfect solution for keeping your vehicle out of harm’s way. Its waterproof fabric, which also protects against harmful UV rays and scratches. The cover also holds its own against dust, dirt and bird droppings, offering complete protection.
Best of all, the cover is incredibly light-weight, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. The six-foot loop-end cable and lock system also ensures that the cover stays put even in windy weather. Customers report that even in winds of over 50mph, Titan’s cover won’t budge!
Fits most saloons including Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and many more
200 inch length
Durable waterproof fabric
Protects against dust, dirt, and bird droppings
Protects vehicles against scratches
Protects against UV rays
Lightweight design
Loop system secures cover in place during high winds
Easy to fit, thanks to quick-close straps
- BrandTitan Performance Products
- ModelA-1
- Weight2.84 lbs
4
Budge Lite Car Cover
Thanks to its durable, waterproof design, Budge’s offering has earned its spot on our list of the best car covers. The fabric is held together with tough double stitching and fits snugly around your car because of its elasticated hem. Leaves, dirt, and bird droppings are no match for this surprisingly budget-friendly car cover.
The cover is breathable, too, ensuring that mold and mildew don’t build up, even if your car has to stay put for long stretches of time. Budge’s cover is designed mainly for indoor use, but can also protect your car from the weather outside for shorter periods. This lightweight cover even comes with its own bag, so you can easily store it in the trunk and keep your vehicle safe on the go.
Available in a variety of sizes to fit any vehicle
Tough fabric is held firmly together with double stitching
Elasticated for a snug fit
Protects against leaves, dust, dirt, and droppings
Excellent value for money
Breathable to prevent the build-up of mold and mildew
Suitable for mainly indoor, and occasionally outdoor use
- BrandBudge
- ModelB-3
- Weight3 lbs
5
Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPro Car Cover
With its soft yet durable fabric, this car cover offers excellent protection without rubbing away the vehicle’s paint job.
Each corner of the cover is elasticated, for an easy fitting and removal experience, whilst its water-repellent design protects the car from the assault of rust and other water-related issues. Although droplets can’t worm their way in, the fabric is breathable, so you can rest assured that it’s protected against mold and mildew. The PolyPro cover protects against the sun as well as rain, thanks to its built-in UV resistance, which protects cars against sun damage.
Each PolyPro car cover also comes with a two-year guarantee, ensuring your car gets the quality protection it needs from debris, weather, and scratches.
Available in a variety of sizes suitable for most vehicles
Made from non-abrasive yet durable fabric
Waterproof
Protects against the sun’s UV rays
Each cover comes with a two year guarantee
Breathable fabric protects against mold and mildew
Comes with a two year guarantee to ensure quality
Easy to fit and remove thanks to elasticated corners
Suitable for both storage and moderate weather
- BrandClassic Accessories
- Model10-010-051001-00
- Weight5 lbs
6
Kayme Four Layers Waterproof All Weather Car Covers
With four layers of fabric protection, Kayme’s car cover offers excellent defence against whatever indoor storage and the elements can throw at your vehicle. The cover’s aluminum layer stops the sun’s harmful UV rays from reaching your car, whilst an additional cotton layer protects your paintwork against abrasion. Finally, the PE coating keeps water out.
The front and rear straps also prevent the cover from being blown away by the wind, making the cover a great option for stormy weather. This cover is also equipped with reflective stripes to make sure your vehicle can be seen at night, preventing accidental knocks.
Available in a variety of sizes to fit almost any vehicle
Four layers of protection
Waterproof
UV resistant
Soft cotton interior prevents scratches
Front and rear straps prevent the cover from being blown away
Reflective stripes make the vehicle easier to see at night
Zipper around driver’s door makes for easy access to items inside
- BrandKayme
- ModelCC-YGLM-3XL-001
- Weight5.7 lbs
7
OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover
OxGord’s executive cover offers quality protection to your vehicle. Its five layer system, composed of three waterproof polypropylene layers, and one each of a breathable porous film and a soft fleece. The latter prevents the cover from scratching your paint.
The reinforced seams and elasticated hems mean the cover will stay put even during high winds, whilst drawstrings allow for a snug fit which prevents debris from reaching your car. Each OxGord cover also comes with its own antenna patch, and a storage bag for easy portability.
Available in two sizes, fitting vehicles up to 204 inches in length
Fabric consists of five layer protection system
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Waterproof
Breathable to prevent the formation of mold and mildew
Drawstring fit keeps cover in place during windy weather
Soft fleece inner layer prevents paint from scratching
Comes with its own storage bag and antenna patch
- BrandOxGord
- ModelSKU-745-XL
- Weight9 lbs
8
Motor Trend OV-642 Trueshield Waterproof SUV and Van Cover
Available to fit vehicles up to 225 inches in length, this cover is the perfect option for larger cars. If you’re looking for a cover that can withstand the harshest weather conditions, this could be the perfect option for you.
Motor Trend’s SUV car cover is approved for protection against tough outdoor conditions, from snow to rain, to wind. It’s also resistant against UV rays, keeping your car safe from the damage that the sun can cause. With straps at its front and rear make for a snug fit, keeping out debris and preventing it from becoming dislodged. It comes with its own security cable lock too – made from hardened steel coated in plastic to prevent scratches, this cable helps secure the cover and deter thieves. It’s doubtlessly one of the best outdoor car covers on the market right now.
Available in two large sizes – perfect for SUVs
A great option for harsh weather conditions
Stands up to rain, hail, and snow
Won’t blow away in windy conditions thanks to built-in straps
Snug fit keeps out harmful debris
Comes with its own security cable to keep the cover secure and help prevent theft
- BrandMotor Trend
- ModelOV-642
- Weight12.65 lbs
9
XCAR Brand New Breathable Dust Prevention Car Cover
XCAR’s cover fits vehicles up to 200 inches and offers great protection at an affordable price. The fabric is water repellent but breathable, so your car won’t develop mold, rust, and mildew. It’s the perfect option for long-term storage indoors, but it can also be used for occasional outdoor use.
The tough fabric also prevents scratches and dings from forming on your car, without being abrasive to the paint job. It’s also easy to get on and off thanks to elasticated hems and fits snugly for maximum protection against dirt, dust, pollen, droppings, and other debris. It even comes with its own antenna patch and storage bag, as well as a one year warranty. Customers love the snug which does a great job of keeping debris away from your car.
Fits vehicles up to 200 inches in length
Water repellent
Breathable fabric protects against mold, mildew, and rust
Protects car against scratches and dings
Perfect for indoor storage and occasional outdoor use
Elasticated hems allow for a snug fit
Protects cars against dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris
Comes with an antenna patch, storage bag, and a one year warranty
- BrandXCAR
- ModelFBA_ES101102
- Weight4.45 lbs
10
Patented HAIL PROTECTOR Car Cover System
This patented hail car cover offers ultimate weather protection for your car. It comes in six sizes, perfect for vehicles of all sizes, and, as the name suggests, stands up to storms and hail alike. The cover protects your car against hailstones using a constant airflow system, which you can activate remotely using a mobile app. The app also lets you know when storms are moving into your area, so you’ll know exactly when to activate this unique feature. The cover’s tough and durable fabric protects against damage from sun, rain, dust, dirt, and sand. It can be used as an every-day cover too, thanks to its easy-to-fit, breathable design.
It’s portable too, thanks to having its own storage bag. This cover even comes with a two-year warranty, which goes to show the faith these designers have in their product. Although the cover is the priciest on our list, we think the peace of mind it can provide is well worth the investment.
Comes in a variety of sizes; suitable for all sorts of vehicle
Unique inflatable design offers unbeatable protection against hail stones
Breathable fabric
Can also be used as an every-day cover
Protects against sand, dirt, and dust as well as hail
Connect with a mobile app for advance warning of incoming hail storms
Comes with its own handy storage bag
- BrandHail Protector
- ModelCAR1 HAIL PROTECTOR
- Weight28.8 lbs
Best Car Covers Buying Guide & FAQ
And there you have it – the top ten car covers on the market today. We hope there’s something on this list for every budget and required protection level, but with so many viable options selecting the right one can be something of a challenge. That’s why we’ve taken the time to address some of the most common questions and concerns people have about these products – we hope this helps you make an informed decision.
Things to Consider When Buying a Car Cover
The type of car cover you ultimately choose will depend very much on your own individual circumstances – below are some key factors to bear in mind.
- Size
Basic as it sounds, it bears repeating: car covers work best when you buy them in the correct size for your vehicle. Too large and the cover could flap about in the wind and allow water and debris to enter; too small and it won’t adequately cover the car. Always check your car’s measurements against the manufacturer’s size descriptors to ensure you’re getting the best fit for you.
- Budget
More expensive does not necessarily mean better quality – it’s only worth splashing out on a car cover if it needs to stand up to snow and hail, rather than simply garage storage or the occasional shower. A good quality car cover can be had with any budget, just make sure you’re budgeting enough to meet your protection needs.
- Indoor or Outdoor
Some car covers are designed primarily for indoor use, others for the great outdoors. Where you store your vehicle will dictate which kind of cover you choose, since outdoor car covers tend to offer greater protection from water and wind.
- Portability
If you travel around a lot, you probably don’t want to carry a bulky car cover around with the rest of your luggage! If this sounds like you, it could be worth buying a cover which is light-weight and comes with its own storage bag. Each manufacturer will be able to tell you how easily portable their cover is.
- Weather and Season
A winter car cover will generally offer more protection than one designed for milder climes or indoor use. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s recommendations against your own experience of the local climate before making a final buying decision.
Benefits of Using Car Covers
Using a car cover comes with a number of advantages – below are some of the most important:
- Using a car cover protects vehicles against dust and pollutants whilst they’re in storage
- Certain covers offer excellent protection against adverse weather such as rain, snow, or hail
- Using a car cover is a good deterrent for potential thieves
- Car covers can be cost-effective; protecting your car now saves money on maintenance down the road (pun not intended)
- A good car cover will keep your vehicle looking pristine, by protecting it from scratches and dings
- Good quality car covers are made from breathable fabric, preventing mold, mildew, and rust
Related Post: Tonneau Covers
Types of Car Covers
Some manufacturers will sell covers for specific cars – a corvette car cover, for example – but most car covers belong in one of the flowing categories:
- Indoor Car Covers
Indoor car covers typically offer the lowest level of protection, since they’re designed for cars which are housed in a garage or similar indoor storage facility. These covers protect against dirt, dust, and water, but are not designed to withstand adverse weather.
- Outdoor Car Covers
Outdoor car covers offer a step up in protection. As their name suggests, they’re designed to cover cars which are stored outdoors, so need to stand up to wind and sun as well as debris. Good quality outdoor car covers are usually equipped with some sort of strap system to prevent the wind from blowing them away, as well as being thicker and more resistant to water. Covers in this category are more likely to have built-in protection against UV rays.
- All-Weather Car Covers
This type includes the mighty hail car cover – they protect against more extreme weather conditions. They’re often thicker and bulkier, allowing them to stay on when the wind picks up, and cushion the blow of driving rain or hailstones. These covers are also well insulated to help minimise freezing when the temperature drops. They’re a great option for drivers who live with severe weather conditions but can be costlier than other covers on the market.
Best Car Covers FAQ:
Q: Will a car cover scratch my car?
A: No. A good quality car cover has a soft lining – often a fleece – which is not abrasive and won’t scratch or chip your paint.
Related Post: How To Fix Chip Paints on Your Car
Q: Can I put a car cover on when the car is wet?
A: As long as the cover is breathable, there’s no reason you shouldn’t. Breathable fabrics allow water to evaporate from your car and escape, without letting in droplets of rain. This feature prevents rust, mold, and mildew from forming.
Q: What is a car cover made out of?
A: Car covers are made from a variety of materials, in varying combinations depending on their type. Below are a few of the most commonly-used materials:
- Polyethylene
This common plastic provides the durable, waterproof outer layer of many car covers. It’s flexible yet tough and keeps water and debris out as well as helping to protect against scratches. This plastic fabric may also be used to make any straps which secure the cover against the wind. Their toughness means that they can hold fast in high winds without tearing.
- Aluminum
Some car covers include a layer of aluminum. The flexible and light metal protects the vehicle from sun damage by reflecting away UV rays. This also helps to prevent the car from overheating in hot weather. Frequent exposure to UV rays from the sun can fade your car’s paint job. It can also cause plastic interiors to disintegrate if enough of the radiation penetrates the windshield.
- Cotton
Cotton is often used for the inner linings of car covers. It’s soft, but durable, and will not be abrasive when it comes into contact with your paintwork. Cotton is also a naturally breathable fabric, so it allows water to escape from your car, stopping mold, rust, and mildew problems in their tracks.
Q: How do I install a car cover?
A: Installing a car cover is usually a simple affair. First of all, unfold the cover and line it up with your vehicle. Most good quality covers will have slots for your wing mirrors, so these parts can help you position it the right way round.
You can either toss the cover over the car, before pulling down the correct end over trunk and bonnet, or hook the bonnet end into place first and work backward. With either method, remember to fit the wing mirror sections carefully, so as not to knock your mirrors out of optimum position.
Some covers have extra straps or drawstrings to keep them in place – consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you’ve attached the cover properly. Taking it off is a simple case of undoing any extra fastenings, and carefully pulling it away from your car, being mindful once again of the wing mirrors.
Q: How often should I wash my cover?
A: How long is a piece of string? When your cover is made dirty by droppings, dust, mud, or other detritus, it’s time to give it a wash. Try not to wash your cover too often, though, as this can damage the waterproofing.
Most car covers can be easily washed by hand with a mild liquid detergent and lukewarm water. Mix the water with the detergent and sponge the cover down before giving it a thorough rinse.
Our Top Pick for Best Car Cover
Overall, we think that Leader Accessories’ car cover is the best of the bunch when it comes to value and effectiveness. This car cover is a good all-rounder, protecting your precious car from many of the most common hazards about. Dust, dirt, droppings, water, UV rays, and even wind are all prevented from harming your vehicle with this handy device. We also love the fact that it’s biodegradable, making it the most eco-friendly option on the list. This, along with its great protection and handy storage bag has won this cover its rightful place in the top spot.
Sources:
- 10 Serious Mistakes in Car Maintenance - HowStuffWorks