How to Buy a Cover for a Car Outside
By Seven Atoms, January 22, 2024
As car enthusiasts and practical owners alike can attest, a vehicle is more than just a means of transportation; it's an investment that deserves protection.
The exterior world can be both a car's greatest ally and its most formidable adversary. While natural beauty surrounds us, so do elements like harsh sunlight, rain, snow, bird droppings, and dust, each capable of leaving a lasting mark on our vehicles.
When it comes to shielding your vehicle from the unpredictable and sometimes unforgiving outdoor elements, an outdoor car cover becomes an invaluable asset.
A cover for a car outside, designed with durability and functionality in mind, offers a great solution to mitigate the impact of these external factors, preserving not only the aesthetics but also the integrity of your investment.
From protecting against UV rays to providing a shield against adverse weather conditions, outdoor car covers stand as a practical and cost-effective measure for those who understand that proactive care is key to keeping their vehicles in pristine condition.
How to Buy a Cover for a Car Outside
You need to take into account these crucial factors before buying a cover for your car parked outdoors.
#1. Understand Your Needs
Before diving into the world of car covers, assess your specific needs. Consider the climate in your area, the frequency and intensity of exposure to inclement weather your car faces, and any particular features that may be essential for your situation.
For example, if you live in a region with intense sunlight, UV protection might be a priority. On the other hand, if your area experiences frequent rain, a waterproof cover could be more suitable.
By understanding your needs, you can tailor your choice to the specific conditions your car will encounter, ensuring effective and appropriate protection.
#2. Choose the Right Material
Car covers come in various materials, and each type offers distinct advantages based on specific needs. Here is a breakdown of common materials:
- Polyester. This material is lightweight and breathable, making it suitable for moderate weather conditions.
- Polypropylene. Known for its resistance to moisture and UV rays, polypropylene is ideal for areas with intense sunlight.
- Nylon. Durable and water-resistant, nylon is often used in all-weather covers.
- Vinyl. Vinyl provides excellent protection against rain and snow, although it may be less breathable compared to other materials.
Choosing the right material depends on your climate, the level of exposure your car faces, and your desired level of protection. A well-informed decision on the material ensures that your car cover effectively guards against the elements while catering to the specific conditions your vehicle encounters when parked outside.
#3. Ensure That the Cover Perfectly Fits Your Vehicle
An ill-fitting cover can compromise its effectiveness in providing optimal protection. Here is why size and fit matter:
- Snug protection. A cover that fits your car snugly ensures complete coverage, shielding every inch of the vehicle from environmental elements like dust, rain, and sunlight.
- Prevention of moisture. A properly fitted cover helps prevent the accumulation of moisture, as loose or oversized covers may allow water to seep through, leading to potential damage, rust, or mold.
- Security in windy conditions. A well-fitted cover is less likely to be blown away by strong winds, providing a secure shield for your vehicle even during adverse weather conditions.
When purchasing a car cover for outdoor use, opt for one specifically designed for your car's make and model. Universal covers might not provide the tailored fit necessary for effective protection, making it essential to prioritize size and fit in your decision-making process.
#4. Choose a Cover that Features Breathable Materials
A breathable cover is crucial for preventing the build-up of condensation underneath the cover, which can lead to issues like mold and mildew. Here is why breathability matters:
- Prevents condensation. In varying weather conditions, particularly when there are temperature changes, moisture can accumulate under a non-breathable cover. A breathable cover allows air to circulate, reducing the risk of condensation and its associated problems.
- Avoids mold and mildew. Moisture trapped under the cover, without proper ventilation, creates an environment conducive to the growth of mold and mildew. A breathable cover helps mitigate this risk, preserving both the exterior and interior of your car.
- Preserves paint and finish. Adequate air circulation prevents the trapping of moisture against your car's paint, thereby helping you maintain the integrity of the exterior finish over time.
When selecting a cover for a car outside, prioritize options that feature breathable materials or include built-in ventilation systems. This ensures that your vehicle remains protected without sacrificing air circulation, contributing to the overall health and longevity of your car.
#5. Ensure that the Cover Is Water Resistant
This feature becomes particularly crucial for vehicles parked outdoors, where exposure to rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation is common.
A water-resistant cover acts as a barrier, preventing rain and snow from directly contacting your vehicle. This protection is vital for avoiding water damage, rust, and other weather-related issues.
Continuous exposure to water, especially in the form of rain, can lead to damage to your car's paint and finish. A water-resistant cover helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle by keeping it dry and protected.
Water can seep through gaps and accumulate inside the car, potentially causing damage to the interior, such as mold, mildew, and deterioration of upholstery. A water-resistant cover helps safeguard the interior components from these risks.
When choosing a cover for a car outside, ensure it explicitly mentions water resistance as one of its features. Additionally, covers with sealed seams and water-resistant coatings provide an extra layer of defense against the elements, enhancing the overall protective capabilities of the cover.
#6. Choose a Cover with User-Friendly Features
This factor is crucial for ensuring that you can protect your vehicle efficiently and without unnecessary hassle.
An easy-to-use cover typically comes with features like elastic hems, tie-down straps, or other mechanisms that facilitate a quick and straightforward application. This is especially important when you need to cover your car promptly, such as during sudden rain showers.
Removing the cover should be a hassle-free process. Look for covers with user-friendly features like zipper access points or quick-release mechanisms that simplify the removal process, allowing you to uncover your car with ease.
An easy-to-use cover is typically designed with considerations for storage and portability. This includes the provision of a storage bag for compact folding and convenient transportation when the cover is not in use.
When purchasing a car cover for outdoor use, prioritize options that align with your preference for a hassle-free experience. A cover that combines protection with user-friendly features ensures that you can consistently and conveniently safeguard your vehicle from the elements.
Why Do Smart Car Owners Choose Our Brand?
Car covers with universal fit come at a more affordable price; nonetheless, they often suffer from being either too small or excessively large. A cover that is too small might cause marks and scratches due to its tight fit. Conversely, an overly large cover may be susceptible to being blown away in strong winds, leaving your vehicle unprotected against harsh outdoor elements.
Custom-fit car covers offer excellent protection for cars, yet their cost may be a limiting factor for some car owners, as they typically come with a higher price tag.
Seal Skin offers an extensive range of semi-custom-fit car covers, delivering nearly equivalent protection to custom covers but at a significantly more budget-friendly price. Our collection features some of the market's top-quality, dependable, and affordable car covers.
Our products are not just reasonably priced, but we will also ship your order right to your doorstep at no additional cost, without any delay. We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty with every purchase.
You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to Midnight EST) and we will help you find the right car cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.
