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Why Need a Car Cover?

Our cars take a lot of abuses day in and day out. The most affected part in the car would be the car paint to begin with and than the other parts of the car. So, it's very important to cover up your car to protect it. Even when the car is parked at the garage, it is necessary to drape it with a car cover.

Car covers offer great protection to your car's exterior and keeps the car looking good as new. They are a boon for car owners who are constantly taken aback to see a scratch here and a chip there on their dream machine. Getting a car cover is not difficult. Markets are abounding with wide array of car covers that come in a variety of breathable, water-resistant and waterproof materials. Whether it's a small car like the Nano or Maruti 800, a SUV, a hatchback like the Hyundai i10 or the Grande Punto, a high end car like the Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla that you own, car covers are available for them all in universal sizes and custom-fit sizes.

Investing on a car cover is a great way to protect your car from hazardous elements and keep your prized possession looking factory fresh. Choose the right type, material and the size that best suits your car make and model and the cover will take care of the rest!

Here are some tips for you to choose the right car cover for your car

Types of Car Covers and their Use

There are three basic types of car covers - Indoor Covers, Outdoor Covers and Indoor/Outdoor Covers. An indoor car cover assures protection to a car that is garaged most of the time. Indoor car covers are made from lightweight materials, so they are gentle on your car's finish. They give protection against dings, scratches and scrapes that are common during interior storage.

But if your car is parked in the open air and is covered with outdoor cover, it can repel water and allow airflow through the cover fabric. Outdoor car covers are designed to reflect the sun's rays away from your car. UV rays and heat can damage the paint on the car. Car colour tends to fade unevenly and trapped heat can weaken the rubber, plastic and leather upholstery inside the car.

If you want a cover that can be used both indoors and outdoors, then an indoor/outdoor cover is the one you should select. These covers are versatile as they combine the features of both indoor and outdoor car covers. They are breathable and water-resistant and so are ideal for any climate condition. These are also non-abrasive making them suitable for indoor use.

Special Feature

Car covers are available in breathable and water-resistant materials. To keep rust at bay, car covers with breathable material should be picked up as this material allows ventilation and absorbs excess moisture, keeping your car corrosion-free. Water is a foe of your car's exterior. Covers made of water-resistant material are great for outdoor as well as indoor use. Water resistant and waterproof covers can keep water out of your car even during the rainy season.

How to Choose the Right Car Cover?

Depending on where you park your car, the climatic condition and your budget, choose one car cover that suits your needs. The pointers below may help you select the right car cover.

Fit is very important, as a snugly fitted car cover gives your car better protection than a poorly fitted one. A poorly fitted cover lets in moisture, which can lead to rust over time. Car covers are available both in universal as well as custom fit sizes. Universal covers are designed to fit most car models. But to obtain the best fit, choose a cover that is custom designed for the make and model of your car.

Choose a cover depending on where you park your car and how often you use your car. Even keep the weather in the area in your mind when picking up the car cover. Indoor car covers are best when your car is garaged for a long time as these are gentle on your car's colour coat. If your car is out in the open air most of the time, then an outdoor car cover equipped with air vents is the one you must go for. You can opt for a cover that can be used both indoors and outdoors if you want the best of both worlds. But remember an outdoor car cover may be used indoors, but an indoor car cover is not designed for outdoor use.

If you live in a rainy region, go for a water resistant car cover. For a warmer zone, choose a cover with extra UV and photo degradation protection. When it comes to colours, it is always wiser to choose a lighter coloured cover as it deflects the sun's rays.

Security

Most car covers come with tie down points, which can be secured using a cable or rope to help keep the cover intact even during windy days. Securing your cover with a cable and a lock can also keep car prowlers at bay.

Put On/Take Off A Car Cover With Ease!

Putting on and taking off a car cover is so easy even a child can do it! Here is how you can put on and remove a car cover without causing any scratches to your car.

Start by covering the mirrors of your car with the pockets on the car cover. Next, cover the roof and windows of your car followed by the front and the rear ends. Always cover the front and rear bumpers as the last step to get that snug, secure fit. Lastly, secure the cover with a cable lock or with ropes.

For removing the car cover, start by folding each side of the car cover up onto the roof. Then refold it as necessary. Next, beginning at the front of the car, fold the car cover towards the back. This way you will not drag the cover over the car's surface and minimize any chance of scratches.

Care for Your Car Covers

Caring for your car cover takes very little time and effort. Car covers can be washed in a washing machine with a mild detergent. The car cover has to be dried thoroughly before putting it on the car as the excess moisture can cause rust formation. Keep the car cover away from hot exhaust pipes as it can melt under high temperature. And lastly read the manufacturer's directions carefully on how to clean and maintain the car cover.