Outdoor Car Cover

[TVRBRZ]

I'll have to park my car outside for the next 6 months. Where I live is on the coast and is inundated with seagulls and the resulting guano.

The manufacturer wants £600 for the branded car cover. For only 6mo I'm loathe to spend so much.

Does anyone have any companies they recommend around the £300 mark? Are there noticeable jumps in quality and protection? If so, what is reasonable to spend...£200, £400...?

Many thanks

[Smint]

I've had two £2/300 covers, believed the spiel about mutli layers, call me unimpressed, they both seeped water in after disappointingly short lives, one of them started breaking up leaving bits on the bodywork.

Halford own cover circa £60 i find every bit as good, more water resilient/repelling than the so called specialist covers, soft lining too.
The only downside is its rather shiny silver colour, but if you can live with that, elasticated and two adjustable straps that go under the car.

[TVRBRZ]

Wow. That is a lot of money for disappointing performance. Was the Halfords cover knly meant for temporary use or was it intended for permanent cover? Thanks for the info

[Belle427]

I am of the opinion covers do more harm than good outside, I would apply a good coat of durable wax such as fusso coat and hose the crap off it when needed.

[TVRBRZ]

I agree, but in this specific case, the seagulls perch on the cars in the car park. Sometimes they will also peck at food on the car roofs too, so there is a scratching risk as well as a chemical risk.

[Dan_The_Man]

Have used large covers for many years on a classic mustang. I found the Classic Editions covers very good but slightly expensive, but surprisingly the Halfords one is amazing value and really works. Watch out for the Stormforce ones as I found mine leaked badly on day one - not impressed.

[TVRBRZ]

Thanks Dan - that's two votes for Halfords!

[f3nns]

What about this? I have my eye on this as think this is best of both worlds surely?

https://www.sealey.co.uk/vehicle-storage-shelter-2...

[some bloke]

I got a full car cover for my Impala from Classic Additions, for £285. I only put it on for 4-6 weeks over the worst of the winter, and it seems waterproof. I use one of their half covers the rest of the year as my car leaked from new, apparently. That might be worth a look. It's probblybetter if you are seeing the car every day as they half cover can be dislodged in strong winds.

[TVRBRZ]

Strong winds will also be an issue, north of Scotland. So I'd worry about the Sealey cover.

Classic Editions looks like an acceptable compromise

[Huzzah]

some bloke said:

I got a full car cover for my Impala from Classic Additions, for £285. I only put it on for 4-6 weeks over the worst of the winter, and it seems waterproof. I use one of their half covers the rest of the year as my car leaked from new, apparently. That might be worth a look. It's probblybetter if you are seeing the car every day as they half cover can be dislodged in strong winds.

I have a 1/2 cover, it works well. But if a major storm is blowing through I remove it.

[Krhuangbin]

I was really hesitant to use an outdoor cover on my Aston, reading about all the pitfalls such as wind causing them to flap and damage paint, scuffing on the taught edges etc etc. Left my car outside for a couple of winters and the frost did a few bits of damage, most annoyingly a cracked windscreen from a frozen chip at the edge that couldn't be repaired/resin filled......

Researched endlessly and bought Classic Addition's "Ultimate Outdoor cover" which it's been under since early Dec.

I lift it every couple of weeks and its completely waterproof, with just a little condensation on cold mornings. I'm really impressed with it. It was around £270 I believe. Has well made/placed hidden strap clips on each corner and in the middle to go under the car, which keeps it tight and neat onto the body. Soft inner lining and is breathable.

It rained massively for about a day after I first put it on, and the thing looked completely sodden/soaked through... but the car was bone dry underneath I'd recommend it, and also to have the car properly clean and waxed before it goes on. Had some windy days where it's billowed a little, there is no damage anywhere on my car. Wish i'd bought it sooner really

[TVRBRZ]

Thanks Krhu, thats two votes for Classic Additions and a nice testimonial. I shall go off and spend some money!

Cheers all

[Polome]

I’ve had two classic edition covers ( two different cars) both used for 3 months over Scottish winters. Due to the extended rainy period this year when I removed the cover the top layer was sodden , it had absorbed lots of moisture . The car was perfectly dry underneath as soaking hadn’t penetrated through all the layers. The weight of the sodden cover surprised me and I had to hang the cover indoors to dry …lots actually drained out and it took over a week to dry completely so it could be folded for storage. I contacted the supplier and was told perfectly normal and it would be best to remove the cover when it’s completely dry…not feasible for a car that’s being used. My last cover , same brand/quality was removed on a dry day with no hassle . I’m still an advocate for these covers , great quality and service for the cost. I will be using it again soon for a longer time period but will try to pick a better time to remove it …i.e. a dry period. Just a heads up ..good luck with choice.

[TVRBRZ]

Useful info Polome, thanks. Scottish specific too!

[Huzzah]

Polome said:

I ve had two classic edition covers ( two different cars) both used for 3 months over Scottish winters. Due to the extended rainy period this year when I removed the cover the top layer was sodden , it had absorbed lots of moisture . The car was perfectly dry underneath as soaking hadn t penetrated through all the layers. The weight of the sodden cover surprised me and I had to hang the cover indoors to dry lots actually drained out and it took over a week to dry completely so it could be folded for storage. I contacted the supplier and was told perfectly normal and it would be best to remove the cover when it s completely dry not feasible for a car that s being used. My last cover , same brand/quality was removed on a dry day with no hassle . I m still an advocate for these covers , great quality and service for the cost. I will be using it again soon for a longer time period but will try to pick a better time to remove it i.e. a dry period. Just a heads up ..good luck with choice.

My experience too albeit a 1/2 cover, I considered reproofing with Fabsil but hardly necessary. The only damp is minor condensation which soon disappears.

I rate the 1/2 covers, great for a soft-top, easier to manage, well priced, and allow ventilation. The only downside is they can become dislodged in major gales.

Edited by Huzzah on Thursday 12th February 08:04

[Dan_The_Man]

Classic editions just emailed - Until Monday, they are offering a valentines 10% off all of our covers and accessories - code is LOVE10

[Blue_star]

I want to warn you that you cannot just lift the cover and drive off if there is bird poo on it.

You need to still clean it, cannot out straight in the boot. Also need to be careful it doesnt get in your eye or on your fingers.

You need cleaning materials in the car and use them on cover

[some bloke]

I just got that Classic Addition email too - normally I buy their Lightweight Waterproof Outdoor Half Car Cover; at £50ish it lasts about 18 months here in Edinburgh. I'm wondering if the Ultimate Outdoor Waterproof Half Car Cover is a better choice at £100ish. I find the lightweight ones tend to tear but if the other one is made from the same material as the full cover it might last longer. It also has ties to stop it flapping which is ideal. I'll keep you posted if I buy one.

[Huzzah]

some bloke said:

I just got that Classic Addition email too - normally I buy their Lightweight Waterproof Outdoor Half Car Cover; at £50ish it lasts about 18 months here in Edinburgh. I'm wondering if the Ultimate Outdoor Waterproof Half Car Cover is a better choice at £100ish. I find the lightweight ones tend to tear but if the other one is made from the same material as the full cover it might last longer. It also has ties to stop it flapping which is ideal. I'll keep you posted if I buy one.

My ultimate is 3 seasons in, the elastic straps have stretched a little, Ive knotted them to restore tension. Otherwise all good, car is left on an exposed site.