10 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Car Cover

By John Funk, August 19, 2025

Covering your car is a quick and practical solution to keep it safe from elements like dust, harmful UV rays, rain showers, and unwanted surprises from birds. However, just like any other protective gear, car covers don’t last forever. Eventually, their condition deteriorates, their ability to protect fades away, and instead of helping, they might actually put your vehicle at risk.

Knowing when to replace your car cover can save your vehicle from unexpected damage and keep it looking its best. Here are the clear signs you should watch for.

Visible Tears, Rips, or Holes

The most obvious sign that your car cover needs replacing is when you notice tears, rips, or holes. These damages can happen from daily use, strong winds, or if the cover has been stretched too tightly.

Tiny holes are enough to allow dust, water, and UV rays to reach your car, making the cover practically useless. If you see any significant tears or holes, it’s time to shop for a new cover to ensure your car stays fully protected.

The Material Feels Thin or Worn Out

Over time, car cover materials naturally wear down, especially if your cover is exposed to sun, rain, and wind every day.

If you notice the fabric feels much thinner than when you first bought it, this is a sign that the protective layers have broken down. A thin cover will not block UV rays effectively or keep out moisture and dirt as it should.

When your cover starts feeling flimsy or worn out, it’s a clear indication that it’s losing its protective qualities.

Fading or Discoloration

Has your car cover lost its original color and started to look faded or discolored? It’s not simply about how it looks on the outside. Fading is a sign that the cover’s UV protection is wearing off.

A faded cover may no longer protect your car from sun damage, which can lead to paint fading and interior cracking over time. If your cover looks washed out and dull, it’s probably time for a replacement.

Water Seeping Through the Cover

A good car cover should keep your car dry during rain. If you start noticing that water is seeping through and your car is damp underneath, the waterproof layer of your cover has worn out. This can happen due to age, exposure to harsh weather, or poor-quality material.

Moisture build-up under the cover can cause mold, rust, and water spots on your car’s paint. If your cover no longer keeps water out, replacing it is a must to protect your vehicle properly.

Mold, Mildew, or Bad Smells

If your car cover has started smelling bad or you notice mold and mildew growing on it, it’s time to replace it.

Mold and mildew build-up happens when moisture is trapped in the fabric and the cover isn’t breathable enough to let it dry out. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also transfer onto your car’s surface, leading to stains or health issues if you are sensitive to mold.

A clean, breathable cover is essential to keep your car safe and smelling fresh.

The Elastic Hems Are Stretched Out

Many car covers have elastic hems at the front and back to keep them secure. Over time, these elastics can stretch out or lose their strength, causing the cover to fit loosely.

A loose cover can flap around in the wind, scratch your car’s paint, or even blow off entirely during storms.

If the elastic hems on your cover no longer hold it tightly around your car, it’s time to invest in a new one that will stay secure and keep your vehicle protected.

The Cover No Longer Fits Properly

Sometimes, even if the material isn’t torn, your car cover may no longer fit as it used to. This could happen if your car accessories have changed, such as adding roof racks or aftermarket spoilers.

It could also happen if the cover has shrunk or stretched out of shape over time.

A poor fit exposes parts of your car to weather, dust, and sun damage. If your cover doesn’t fit snugly anymore, replacing it with the correct size is the best choice.

Difficulty Putting It On or Taking It Off

You shouldn’t have to struggle every time you cover or uncover your car.

If it has become stiff, heavy, or hard to manage due to material breakdown, it’s a sign it’s wearing out.

Covers that are difficult to handle can become frustrating to use daily, and you might end up not using them at all, leaving your car unprotected.

A new cover will be lighter, easier to fold, and more convenient for daily use.

Reduced Protection from Sun and Heat

If your car feels extremely hot under the cover or you notice fading on your paint and dashboard despite using a cover, it’s a sign the UV protection is gone.

Constant sunlight eventually wears away the cover’s protective layers, reducing its ability to shield your car from UV damage. When your cover no longer shields your car from heat and sun damage, it’s time to replace your car cover with a new one that offers strong UV resistance.

You’ve Had It for Several Years

Even if your car cover looks okay, if you’ve been using the same cover daily for many years, it might be time to replace it anyway. Most car covers have a lifespan of 2 to 5 years, depending on material quality and usage. Replacing it proactively before it fails ensures your car remains protected without unexpected surprises like leaks or rips.

Why Choose Seal Skin Car Covers for Your Replacement

If you’ve noticed any of these signs with your current car cover, it’s time to invest in a new one, and Seal Skin car covers are a smart choice for reliable protection.

• Seal Skin covers are designed to fit your car properly, whether you choose their semi-custom or custom-fit options. A well-fitted cover stays in place, even in strong winds, and keeps your vehicle fully protected.
• Made from tough, weather-resistant fabrics, Seal Skin covers guard your car against harsh sun, rain, snow, dust, and bird droppings. They’re built to last longer, giving you better value for your money.
• Their covers allow moisture to escape while keeping water out, preventing mold and mildew build-up that can damage your car’s paint and create bad odors.
• With features like elastic hems, reinforced seams, and built-in straps, Seal Skin covers are easy to put on and take off. They save you time and make protecting your car a hassle-free part of your routine.
• Seal Skin offers high-quality semi-custom-fit car covers at fair prices, giving you superior protection compared to basic universal covers without costing as much as fully custom options.

Day in and day out, your car cover shields your vehicle from harsh weather, grime, and debris. However, it won’t last forever. Knowing when to replace your car cover is important because if you overlook the warning signs that it’s wearing out, you might end up with costly repairs that could have been avoided by simply getting a new cover in time. Watch for rips, thin fabric, fading, water leaks, and bad smells as clear warnings.

Investing in a new, high-quality cover like the Seal Skin brand ensures your car remains clean, protected, and looking great for years to come. If your current cover shows any of these signs, don’t wait too long – your car deserves the best protection you can give it.

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 Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 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.