It’s human nature to become attached to our personal belongings. We all try our best to protect whatever adds value to our lives, including regular items, like a 60” flat screen TV and more essential items, like a home. One of the most practical, yet expensive assets to own is a car. Keeping ones car in good condition avoids pricey maintenance and repairs down the line. In this article, we’ll explain the pros and cons of car covers.
Car washes
Car covers keep your car clean. If you live somewhere that has changing seasons, especially winter, your car will be exposed to plenty of salt and debris over the course of a year. Keeping your car clean prevents particles from etching the paint, reducing rust over time.
Most people opt to hand-wash their cars to save money however this is time consuming and difficult to do in the winter. Car washes can be an attractive option, yet costly. Some people spend 20$ a month, that’s 240$ a year!
A car cover can keep your car clean, saving you money on car washes over time. Instead of washing your car each month, you’ll be able to keep it just as clean, washing it every couple of months. You can save up to 1000$ over a decade. This may not seem like a whole lot however when you take into account the many expenses involved in owning a car, it’s significant.
Minor damages
If you have a car cover on hand, you’ll worry much less about where you have to park your car. Car covers can come in handy for weekend trips to the country, stopovers in polluted cities, and busy neighborhoods with kids playing in the street. When you use the cover, your car will be safe from dings, scratches, pollen, insects, and bird droppings. This will save you time and money, and lessen the number of car washes, paint touch-ups, and polishes, needed to preserve your car.
Moisture and UV protection
Car covers shield your vehicle from moisture and UV sunlight. When your car is exposed to moisture, it’s more likely to rust, since iron and water undergo an oxidation reaction. If you live by the sea, you should consider using a car cover on a regular basis, since its moisture wicking, keeping your car nice and dry. Car covers protect against UV sunlight. If you park your car in full sun often, the UV rays can cause the molecular bonds in your car paint to break. A car cover can reduce fading over time. Car waxes can also protect against UV damage however you won’t need as many if you use a car cover.
Resale value
Let’s face it. Many car owners experience a brief honey moon period, lasting several years, before wishing to ditch their ‘old’ ride for a newer model. Not all can afford to do so, however it’s much easier to afford when you’ve maintained your car. A car cover is a cost-effective way to preserve your car’s resale value. Especially, since it protects your vehicle for the many hours it’s not in use.
Long-term storage
Anyone who owns a classic car needs a cover. Classic cars are made of older materials that are more vulnerable to elements, like water and oxygen, causing rust. They’re also more likely to sit in storage, exposed to debris, which can settle and harm the car’s exterior. A car cover will protect the car.
What can go wrong?
As you can see, there are many pros to owning a car cover however some car covers can do more harm than good. Here are a couple of things for you to look out for when picking your next car cover.
Watch out for car covers that advertise 100% water proof plastic layering. Plastic may keep moisture from getting in however it also doesn’t allow it to get out. You’ll want a cover that’s made of fabrics that are moisture-wicking, that are permeable enough to allow moisture to escape.
Some car covers can scratch your car. You’ll want to purchase a fitted cover that comes with buckle straps to secure it into place. Otherwise, your cover could rub against your car, especially in windy areas, causing damage to the paint. A fitted cover is also more likely to accommodate the details of your vehicle, like the antenna. If your car has an antenna that’s not retractable, a fitted car cover will have grommet for your antenna to poke through whereas a regular cover won’t.
So, do the pros outweigh the cons?
Yes.
When you buy a good quality car cover that’s fitted and made of high quality materials, it’s better than having no car cover at all. It’ll protect your car, aka one of your most significant assets, over time and save you money. When you use a car cover on a regular basis, your car will be safe from debris, dings, scratches, pollen, insects, bird droppings, moisture, and UV sunlight. You’ll also save on general maintenance, or otherwise major repairs.
