When it comes to choosing the right car cover, it can be difficult to know what’s best. Buying the wrong type and style of cover can be a costly mistake and end up causing more problems than it solves.
The handy guide below should help you understand what the cover is designed to do and how the environment can effect your choice.
Car Cover Guide
For so many of us, a car is not just something that we use to get from A to B, it is something we love, something we treasure and something we are proud of. Whether we park it proudly outside of our home or neatly tucked away in a garage, our cars deserve to be protected and kept as clean as possible. The always reliable wet and gloomy English weather can cause damage to cars if left outside unprotected. Water damage, rust and scratches will not only drastically lower any resale value but could also cause damage to the engine and gearbox, which would not be cheap to repair. The other reason to keep your pride and joy protected is just that, it’s your pride and joy. By keeping it as pristine as possible can fill you with a real sense of satisfaction and joy.
The best way of keeping your car safe and protected against severe weather or potential hazards is by simply owning a car cover. However, there are many things to consider when choosing a car cover to ensure your car is properly protected. We have put together a guide on how to choose the right car cover for you. If you follow our simple guide below then you are sure to find the perfect one for you.
Let’s talk about the weather
One of the first things to consider when looking at purchasing a car cover is what the weather is like in your area as car cover materials vary in how they handle weather conditions and climate. Although England may not be the sunniest place in the world, some parts of the country are sunnier than others and some are wetter, for example, places like Cumbria and Pembrokeshire have larger annual rainfall than others. If you live in a place like this then you will need a fully waterproof and breathable UK car cover.
However, if you are lucky enough to live in an area where the climate is warmer and dryer then you would need a car cover that is ultraviolet resistant and suitable for hotter temperatures.
Where do you park?
Depending on where you park your car will determine what type of car cover you need as some are designed with materials that suit indoor environments better than outdoor. If you are able to leave your car in a garage then you would need an indoor car cover that is fitted to the shape and size of your car providing protection against dirt, dust and scuffs.
If you park your car outside on your drive or on the street then you need a car cover that is fully water resistant, strong, durable. You would also need to consider if it’s suitable for all seasons as some might be designed for winter and others for summer.
How often do you use your car?
This might be one of the less obvious things to consider when looking at getting a car cover but it’s a really important one. If you are frequently using your car everyday to go back and forth between home and work then it would make sense for you to get a lightweight cover. Easily put on your car and just as easily taken off, a lightweight car cover will make this daily activity simple and effortless.
However, if the car that you wish to protect is rarely used, such as for a hobby or antique car and stored under shelter, then you would need a more heavy duty, robust type of car cover. Designed with more padding, these thicker car covers are able to keep away dust and dirt more effectively than other outdoor covers.
Colour of the car cover
This is something that you might not have thought about at all, but the colour of your car cover can actually have an effect on the type of protection it offers. Choosing a colour for your car cover shouldn’t just be about personal preference, but actually more about how it will perform with your car. If you park your car in a sunny and warm environment then you might want to consider a light coloured fabric for your car cover. This way it will help to keep your car cooler on the inside by reflecting back the UV light. A silver car cover would be the best choice for this.
This guide was kindly provided by Storm Car Covers.
Club Discount – Hamilton Classic. If you are a club member then don’t forget that you are eligible for a 10% discount off all their car cover products. You can browse what’s available at the club shop – www.jec.org.uk/shop under car accessories.
