A car cover is a must-have. It’s best to shield your vehicle from the elements or simply if you are looking to protect your vehicle with a cover that will keep your ride looking new.
There are many factors to consider before buying a car cover: including your budget and needs. With these ten must-know factors in mind, be sure to choose wisely so you can take care of your vehicle adequately.
1. Budget
When it comes to car covers, the price can be a significant factor. If you’re not sure what you want to spend on a car cover, start by looking at your budget.
If you have a tight budget but need to buy one anyway, consider a cheaper option that will still serve its purpose for some time (less than $100). If you have more money to spend, make sure you check out the different options available and find one that fits your needs.
2. Purpose
The second thing to consider is the purpose of the car cover. The primary purposes for using a car cover are Indoor/Outdoor Protection, Pollutants, Corrosion, and rust.
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3. Buy Used or New Car Cover
Some people choose to buy used car covers that will tear up easily and leave you with an unprotected vehicle and no warranty as most warranties are not transferable.
New car covers on the other hand will offer optimal protection for your needs and usually come with a reliable warranty that you can take advantage of if your cover is damaged.
4. Durability
One of the most important factors to consider is whether or not the car cover is durable. A car cover that’s too fragile will easily tear and require a replacement. If you’re going to spend the money on a new car cover for your vehicle, it should be made from sturdy material that can withstand wear and tear.
Another aspect is where you live and how much rain your region gets throughout the year. Those who live in areas with high levels of rainfall need something more durable than those living in dry regions do. On the other hand, some people may also decide they don’t need a warranty if they live in an area with more frequent rainfall and can cover their car accordingly.
Additionally consider how long a car cover lasts. Buying one that will last for many years may be more cost-effective than buying a cheaper one that only lasts a few months. Of course, there are other considerations before buying a car cover, but these two should weigh heavily in your decision-making process when choosing which one to buy.
5. Care and Maintenance
Other points to consider when purchasing a car cover are care and maintenance. If you decide to buy a car cover, make sure you’re willing to put in the time and effort needed for upkeep.
Covers can be expensive, and over time, they will likely show wear and tear from regular use. If you don’t take care of your car cover properly, it will begin to lose its effectiveness. You’ll need to replace parts like zippers, elastic straps, or fasteners.
When buying a car cover, make sure it is machine-washable so that you can clean it easily.
6. Size
Consider the size of the cover. A “rule of thumb” is that there should be at least 3-6 inches of play within the cover to accommodate accessories on the outside of the vehicle.
Another important consideration is how much weight your cover can hold. Many covers can hold up to 75 pounds, but for those who want to use their cover less frequently, there are more lightweight options available as well.
If you’re looking for durability and longevity, it’s best to stick with polypropylene or heavy-duty canvas material. However, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind sacrificing some protection for a low price tag, then consider a cheaper fabric such as cotton or polyester.
7. Different Payment Options
People who are on the lookout for a car cover consider their budget as their priority. Some people want an affordable car cover, while others will try to purchase one that is more expensive to get something of higher quality.
Some people will want to pay in cash, whereas some may prefer to pay for the car cover with an installment plan. You’ll also want to think about whether or not you want a car cover that has a warranty. If you have any questions about payment options, it’s best to ask your dealer before purchasing so you know what kind of flexibility you’ll be receiving.
8. Warranty
Many car covers are not guaranteed, so you’ll want to make sure that it’s a quality cover and will last for several years. A warranty can extend the life of your cover by giving you peace of mind.
A warranty is not a guarantee that your cover will never get damaged or broken, but it does protect you from purchasing an expensive cover that gets damaged shortly after purchase. Some warranties may also allow for certain repairs and replacements.
Warranties can also help you save money as some companies provide discounts for covers covered under warranty. These discounts may be up to 50% off the total cost of your cover, which means you could potentially pay less than half the price for a top-of-the-line car cover with this feature.
9. Material
Not all car covers are created equally. Some materials may be more suited for certain climates, and some materials last much longer than others.
There are two different types of car covers: polypropylene and fabric. Polypropylene is a material that offers the best protection from the elements and tends to be flexible while still maintaining a level of strength. It also has a high resistance against moisture, which prevents it from becoming brittle when the weather changes.
Fabric car covers offer the wearer a softer touch but has less durability in comparison to polypropylene covers. Fabric can also become easily damaged by UV rays, so it’s unsuitable for all climates. However, fabric car covers tend to be cheaper than Polypropylene ones.
10. Custom-Fit vs Semi-Custom
Custom-fit or semi-custom car covers are two options for those looking for a car cover. They each have their pros and cons, so it’s best to decide which type of cover works best for your needs. Here are the things to consider when deciding between custom-made or semi-custom car covers.
A custom-fit car cover can cost up to five times as much as a semi-custom one, so choose wisely depending on your budget. If you want a higher quality cover that will last longer, feel free to purchase a custom-made one; otherwise, a semi-custom cover can work just fine in some cases even better as it can fit multiple vehicles.
Another consideration is whether you need a waterproof car cover? The answer is always no. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, such as coastal areas or high humidity regions, be sure to buy an insulated water-resistant car cover that will help keep your vehicle safe from the elements.