Car Cover Question: Ok for finish?

crxFITcivicBOY · May 23, 2019

Hi everyone,

Maybe a stupid question but I saw a car with one on today and it got me thinking.

I’ve never used a car cover before, so I have no experience with them. Are they safe to keep on the car for long periods of time: and I mean from a paint finish, issues with heat and moisture under the cover, etc. I would’ve only thought to use it for a sitting car in storage.

I have crazy trees around my house and above my driveway, and the wife gets the garage... so I get tree crap and bird crap every other day. Also I’m parked at work outside all day and come back to my freshly detailed car with “dust” or maybe pollen layer all over it.

Silly or bad idea to cover it daily???

Thanks!!

hobby-man · May 23, 2019

Long term storage only, bad idea to use it daily. If the car isn't spotless when you put the cover on, it will pick up all the little dirt and grit inside the cover and grind it into your paint.

saz468 · May 23, 2019

I agree long term storage.i bought a very expensive car cover years ago for a previous car used it every day and noticed scuff marks in the paint and I used to rinse and dry before I put the cover on

racer · May 23, 2019

As mentioned, the issue is that the cover will scratch the paint if the paint isn't kept clean. Also, even if clean, if it gets windy the cover will move. When it rains, unless weatherproof, moisture will get under it.. Add rain, then sun, and you get all kinds of paint issues.

Given the relatively "thin" paint Honda applies, I think applying a quality wax quarterly and doing your best to keep tar/bird crap off is still your best defense.

crxFITcivicBOY · May 23, 2019

Thanks everyone for the feedback!!! I figured it wasn’t a good idea, but I thought I’d ask to make sure. Guess I’ll be just stuck doing weekly washes and regular details... and quickly cleaning up poop and tar.

I did pick up a sealant and wax that I’m waiting to put on once I get a free weekend, to help for longer term protection. Gonna try the PowerLock Plus and Collinite combo.

Fit2Hatch · May 24, 2019

I have been using the same Storm Proof car cover on my C6 Corvette for over 10 years inside my garage. I don't clean the car off every time after drive before cover is put back. I have no problem with paint work on my 14 years old vette.

I normally roll/unroll section at a time while putting cover on or off, never drag across. Also, kept cover taunt over car to keep cover from moving. Also there is no wind to buffet and cause cover movement that can induce scratch/swell.

OEM paint on Corvette's first 13 years was protected with traditional sealant and only last July, I applied ceramic for enhance maintenance ease.

I like car cover for many reasons. It all depends on conditions where car cover is used, as in my case.

saz468 · May 24, 2019

Fit2Hatch said:
I have been using the same Storm Proof car cover on my C6 Corvette for over 10 years inside my garage. I don't clean the car off every time after drive before cover is put back. I have no problem with paint work on my 14 years old vette.

I normally roll/unroll section at a time while putting cover on or off, never drag across. Also, kept cover taunt over car to keep cover from moving. Also there is no wind to buffet and cause cover movement that can induce scratch/swell.

OEM paint on Corvette's first 13 years was protected with traditional sealant and only last July, I applied ceramic for enhance maintenance ease.

I like car cover for many reasons. It all depends on conditions where car cover is used, as in my case.

That’s fine for the garage my brother has a cover on his garage queen mustang but using a cover every day outside doesn’t pay off it does more damage than good. Car covers are good for the garage and long term storage

HarlowQuinn · Oct 31, 2019

Definitely want to make sure the car is clean even after a short drive, personally I use a fantastic product called Prima Hydro which can be used on a dry or wet car and wiped gently off with a sofy microfiber cloth. the good thing about this stuff is that it is safe on all surfaces including trim and glass (leaves glass unbelievably streak free).

Car Cover Question: Ok for finish?

crxFITcivicBOY

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hobby-man

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saz468

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racer

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crxFITcivicBOY

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Fit2Hatch

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saz468

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HarlowQuinn

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