Should My Car Cover Be Waterproof?
Even when your car is parked in the garage, it will be exposed to dirt, dust, and other external elements that can potentially be damaging. In the long term, it can affect the paint of your car (article) and make it look unattractive. A good car cover can prevent this from happening.
A car cover should be breathable to allow moisture under the car cover to escape to help prevent corrosion. True waterproof car covers can be harmful to your car. Car covers should be:
- Lined with soft material
- Breathable
- Provide Sun Protection (Against UV Rays)
- Stop dirt
- Protect from scratches
- Be Secure On Your Vehicle ion
Car covers are helpful because they protect the paint, and the glass, in the interior from the harsh rays of the sun. They stop animal droppings, dirt, and tree sap. They also keep your car’s interior away from the prying eyes of thieves. Before getting a car cover you should consider what options best meet your needs.
Waterproof or Breathable Car Cover
Some car covers state they are waterproof and breathable. This usually means they resist water well and will not allow water to penetrate until the water pressure is too great or if the water touches the fabric for long periods, such as pooling water or a long rainstorm.
If the car cover is made from oxford material it should be somewhat breathable. If it is made with PE or Peva then it will probably be completely waterproof.
A breathable car cover is better at preventing moisture from getting trapped under the cover. The most important thing to protect is your car’s paint and the interior. A breathable car cover will work well to do this.
A waterproof, non-breathable car cover, traps moisture and may cause rust and other problems such as mold if the cover is on too long. This type of cover could be fine in dryer locations with low humidity, but not where it rains a lot or has high humidity.
For waterproof car covers, it comes down to how often you take the cover off and let the car breathe. If you plan on leaving your car covered for long periods a breathable car cover is best.
Choosing A Car Cover
Before we discuss some of the top options for a car cover, below are some of the factors that will help you to narrow down the possibilities.
1. Size
This is one of the first things that you need to consider. Different covers have different specifications. The manufacturer will clearly state the compatibility of their covers with different models. If it is too small or too big, it won’t be able to achieve the intended purpose and will not be able to deliver the anticipated benefits.
In most cases, a single model for a car cover is available in various sizes-small, medium, or large. Some manufacturers will also offer sizes based on vehicle categories, such as sedans or SUVs. Check out the size first so that your money will not go to waste.
2. Breathability
Make sure that the cover is made from a material that is thin and lightweight, which will help to improve air circulation. If it is breathable, there will be a lesser likelihood that there will be moisture. This also prevents condensation. A car cover that is made from multi-layer polyester or satin can be good when it comes to breathability.
3. Durability
If you want to be provided with the best bang for the buck, (article) make sure to choose a product that is made from high-quality materials that will be able to withstand wear and tear. Pay attention to the construction of the helm as well. Regardless of whether the car cover is used indoors or outdoors, it must be long-lasting.
Look for car covers (store) that are made from several layers of materials. This means that they will be thicker and will be resistant to damage.
4. Resistance to External Element
Speaking of materials, see to it that it has the ability to resist external conditions. Especially if your car will be parked outside, it should offer UV resistance (article) to protect the paint from the harsh heat of the sun. It should also be waterproof.
Also, because of the possibility of condensation, see to it that the cover will be able to resist mold and mildew. This will be essential in making it more durable. Aluminized polyurethane-acrylic is one of the best materials that can aid in the resistance of mold and mildew.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
Car covers provide protection for your vehicle (article). These covers also need protection from dirt and other external elements that could speed up their wear and tear. With this, pick one that will be easy to clean and maintain, providing you with the guarantee that it will be able to deliver long-term functionality.
6. Storage Bag
Having a storage bag can be a big plus for a product. What if you are not using the car cover? Will you just leave it anywhere? With a storage bag, it will be protected from dirt and dust, making the car cover last longer.
7. Warranty
In the case of most car covers, the standard warranty is one year. There are some that can be covered for up to three years. Choose a longer warranty coverage, which should provide you with peace of mind.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that not all problems will be covered by the warranty. If the problem is due to your negligence, the warranty will be voided. With this, pay attention to the terms and conditions specified by the manufacturer to be sure that you will be covered.
8. Reviews
Still, having a hard time figuring out which one is the best product in the market? Do not rely on guesswork. Instead, to make a more intelligent decision, you should consider what other people are saying. Ask your friends who have purchased a car cover before. Or better yet, go online and read reviews from other users. Their experiences will be helpful in narrowing down your options.
9. Price
For sure, a lot of you will decide on the basis of price. You may be tempted to choose one product only because it is the cheapest, but this is never a wise thing to do. Price and quality are two products that go hand in hand. There is nothing wrong with choosing a product with a cheap price, but make sure that its quality will not be compromised.
Car Covers To Look At
To help you make the right decision, below are some of the brands and models that can provide the best value for your money.
1. OxGord Signature Car Cover
If price is an important consideration, this is one option that should be given attention. It comes with an economical price, yet its quality is high. It is made using high-quality materials, which are also 100% waterproof. Whether it is used indoors or outdoors, you can be confident of its ability to provide the protection needed by your car.
Speaking of its materials, it has five layers. Even with the latter, it is lightweight and makes it easy to put on and take off. Because there are five layers, you can be sure that it will be long-lasting. It also offers exceptional UV protection.
The tied-down grommet that is included in this cover is also a good thing. This makes it easy to secure the cover in different car models. However, if you have smaller cars, you might find this cover to be quite big.
Lastly, it is also good that it offers breathability. This means that even if it provides optimal protection, there will be enough air inside, allowing your car to breathe.
Pros:
- Waterproof construction
- Made from high-quality and durable materials
- Reasonable price
- Easy to put on almost any car
- Protection from outdoor elements
2. Budge Rain Barrier SUV Cover
With the waterproof construction of this car cover, you can expect the highest level of protection from external elements, such as the sun, rain, snow, dirt, and dust. This is one of the simplest ways to protect your car and maintain its tip-top condition even through the years.
One of the best things about this product is its overall construction. It is made using three layers of material, which is also micro-porous. The latter is the reason why it can provide the best protection against rain.
From the specifications from the manufacturer, it has been noted that the seams have ultrasonic welds. This is supposed to make it durable and elastic. However, looking at some of the reviews, there are users who noted that it may not be long-lasting. To avoid frustration, follow the instructions for the care and maintenance of the car cover.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to put on and take off
- Has a soft and snugly feel
- Folds neatly
3. Classic Accessories Overdrive Polypro Car Cover
If there is one product that is worthy of your attention, I would say that it would be this car cover. The first thing that you will notice is its affordable price. More than its price, it can deliver superior protection, even if it is not waterproof.
Among others, one thing that I personally like about this product is that it comes with three years of warranty. Within such duration, if it experiences defects or problems in workmanship, the manufacturer has got you covered. Just make sure that the problem is not due to your negligence.
The PolyPro 3 triple-ply fabric is another thing that makes it a notch above many of its competitors. With the latter, it can repel rain and snow, although it lacks 100% waterproofing. This material is also great because it is gentle, which means that it will not cause any scratches on the surface.
It is also a good thing that there is a zippered driver’s side. This makes it easy to get in the car if you need anything. You do not need to completely take off the entire cover.
Lastly, there is also a storage bag that is included. This makes it easy to keep the car cover when it is not used.
Pros:
- The design provides easy access to the interior
- Has a storage bag
- Has three years warranty
- Removes perspiration effectively
- Durable construction
4. Motor Trend Auto Armor All Weather Proof Car Cover
This is another great option if you are on the lookout for a car cover that comes at an affordable price. However, do not expect too much from this product. It can be great for a while, but this is not one of those car covers that will be able to withstand the test of time.
The fabric that is used may not be the thickest and most durable, but if there is one good thing about it, it would be the fact that it is breathable. This makes it prevents corrosion and mildew as it makes sure that there will be sufficient air, even if the car is covered.
Lastly, it also has all-weather protection. Whether it is raining or it is sunny, it will do a great job of protecting your car. However, you need to be wary as too much heat from the sun can speed up the wear and tear of the fabric.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Has a snug fit
- Made using soft materials
5. Leader Accessories Basic Guard 3-layer Car Cover
Of the five products that are mentioned in this post, this is the one that comes with the cheapest price. Sadly, the price is reflective of its quality as well. I would suggest this product only if you are parking your cars indoors. Outdoors, this is not a great choice as it lacks a waterproofing feature.
There are also elastic hems that you can find at the bottom of the cover. This is supposed to make the fit snug on most cars. However, in some cases, the hem itself can be problematic, and hence, will make the fit look sluggish, especially if the car is small.
Lastly, the manufacturer is offering a standard one-year warranty, which is pretty much good enough, especially considering its economical price.
Pros:
- Affordable Price
- Soft and does not cause scratches
- Good quality fabric
Conclusion
In sum, I personally believe that Classic Accessories Overdrive Polypro Car Cover (AD) stands out from the rest of the products that we have mentioned in this post. It may not be 100% waterproof, but it is made from triple-ply fabric that can resist external elements. It is also durable and breathable. As a bonus, it has a 3-year warranty and a storage bag.
