Look After Your Car With A Car Cover

For most of us, apart from our houses, our car is our biggest single financial investment. It seems to make sense therefore that we should take care of it in the best way possible to keep it as near to showroom perfection as possible. That way we can not only feel proud to drive it, but also protect our investment. One way to take care of our car is with a car cover. However, surprisingly few people take the trouble to inform themselves about the different types of car covers and which is best suited to their car.

When it comes to buying car covers, a little research goes quite a long way. The first thing you need to consider is where your car is parked when not in use, and choose between an indoor and outdoor car cover. There are three main types of car covers: fabric, usually cotton or polyester or cotton mix covers mainly for indoor use; waterproof and the so-called 'breathable' covers which have water resistant exteriors and fabric linings. Once you know what you need your cover to do, choosing the right one will be much easier.

The main reasons for covering cars kept in garages are protection from surrounding dust and from objects brushing against the paintwork, or accidentally falling onto the car. Indoor covers usually have a thick, soft lining which will protect the paintwork against accidental knocks and because the lining is natural, it prevents moisture from accumulating on the paintwork. An outer layer of cotton mix or flannel will add to the protection as well as providing warmth in the winter freeze.

The choice of indoor covers is much easier than outdoor ones, where the range is usually much greater. In the great outdoors our cars may need protection from any number of hazards, natural or man-made. These can range from extreme weather conditions to the vagaries of nature: bird droppings, falling tree sap and tiny creatures with sharp claws or dirty paws. For seaside dwellers, there is also the risk of salt in the air and in windy weather anywhere the problem of damage from airborne objects. With a well-secured car cover, you are also protecting your car from car thieves, who usually prefer to be able to make a quick getaway.

The main factor for outdoor covers is a waterproof or water resistant outer shell; but this alone is not sufficient. If the cover does not have a 'breathable' inner layer, condensation can be trapped beneath the cover which, if left unattended, will cause further damage to chrome and paintwork. A waterproof shell alone may not fit as snugly and could scratch the paintwork if it beats repeatedly against it in the wind.

The fit therefore is important. It is far better to pay a little extra for a tailor-made cover for your car. This will ensure a tighter fit and minimise the risk of lifting and flapping around in the wind which could scratch the paintwork.

We all aspire to maintain that showroom sheen and the benefits of this are more than skin deep. Tiny particles of trapped dust and grit can scratch the paintwork if the cover is battered by high winds, or when pulling it on and off. For this reason, it's important to learn the best way to fit and remove the cover smoothly - not merely to protect the paintwork, but also to save valuable time.

Car covers need proper care. They should be stored correctly, according to manufacturer's directions and cleaned at intervals. Many covers are machine washable, but they need to be dried naturally as tumble-drying will cause them to deteriorate. If you follow the instructions for proper maintenance, your cover will reward you by protecting your beautiful car to its maximum ability.