Car cover question

[traveler]

Since the 911 I just got will be a daily driver should I cover it each day at work? Since I live in the midwest, it will be exposed to hot, humid summers, thunderstorms, and some snow in the winter (although I probably won't drive it on days that are threatening snow.) Any suggestions on cover types?

[RickM]

I used to cover my car at work but only to protect from heavy pollen and bird stuff. I used a 100% cotton dry weather cover. Now that I have underground parking it's a non-issue....well if I used my car more.

In any case the reason I wouldn't use a cover in the rain or snow is...think about taking a heavy, soaked cover off of your car in the pouring rain or in a heavy snow....then folding and storing. Seems like a messy hassle which isn't worth it.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I live out in the country and have a barn but no garage, even though we have four cars. So the 911 spends the winter in one of those little Erect-a-Hut tarp sheds and the rest of the year is in the driveway usually under a car cover. One of the main advantages of the car cover is that it keeps the interior if not cool at least not sunbaked, which happens even if I have a windshield blocker in place. Yes, taking off a soaking-wet car cover can be a bit of a pain, but at worst--if I've left the cover on at the airport, say--I just stuff it into a big Jiffy Bag, throw it into the trunk and dry it out back home. You don't have to fold it, just ball the thing up.

As for what kind of cover to get (mine's from Griot's) any good merchandiser will provide you with a list of types of car covers and what purposes they best serve, whether it's as a dust shield inside a garage or, the other extreme, as a breathable all-weather outdoor protecter.

Stephan

[Jdub]

First and foremost, wash and wax your car regularly. A good double-waxing will help prevent scratches from on/off of the cover when the car is covered in abrasive dirt.

Next, a duster for your car's finish. Use this on dry days to remove the aforementioned abrasives.

Go to any tire store and ask for a tire bag. These oversize bags are perfect for storing wet/dirty covers.

Some like to use cotten sheet, then weatherproof cover. This combo prevents scratching but lets you go with a waterproof cover.

Best of luck,
John

[GeorgeM]

I have Tyvek. It's super light weight and, for daily use like at work, it's a good compromise.

They're cheaper than most other types as well.

[RickM]

Is the Tyvek cover waterproof or Water resistant...and does it leave dust?

[Wayne 962]

The cover wizard can help you figure out what material you need based upon your requirements:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/coverking/cover_start.htm

-Wayne

[Lewis Ledyard]

Wayne:

What do you recommend for cars stored in a barn? The hazards would be lotsa dust, some pigeon poop and possibly some water drops.

Thanks

[traveler]

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
The cover wizard can help you figure out what material you need based upon your requirements:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/coverking/cover_start.htm

-Wayne

Thanks, Wayne. I do prefer to patronize establishments that sponsor forums like this one. So, even before you posted this and after reading most of the posts on this thread I found the cover wizard and ordered a Stormshield cover earlier this afternoon.

[GeorgeM]

I wouldn't call Tyvek completely waterproof, but it's close. It certainly won't soak up water like cotton will. It also breathes, so if it does get wet, it will dry out quickly.