Best Car Cover (Review & Buying Guide) in 2018

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

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.

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

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.