car covers

[kalvin928]

hi
never really considered these before... car is going to be parked up outside as always... anyway with the cold snap now impending, I would like to invest in out door cover... any suggestions? I gather car needs to be clean as possible scratches from dirt on body 'rubbing' against cover? saw one on ebay;
Mercedes E Class (W211) 03-09 Waterproof & Breathable Protection Car Cover - XL | eBay

I know its universal but seems ok?

 

[GP801]

I use a Covercraft weathershield HP for the 124. It stands up to 3 months at a time in Italy and this has proved excellent. No problems with paint damage, microblisters etc. It is custom made so fits perfectly. A neighbour uses one of theses generic covers and its really not that good. Does not fit well and blows off in the mildest breeze.

 

[kalvin928]

thanks... yes just looked again on ebay and seen it at £156.... appears good quality... thanks for recommending

 

[John Jones Jr]

Yes, must agree cheap generic covers are not great - been there done that. I'd opt for a leading brand that actually states it's 100% water proof and is tailored for the specific car - last one I used (about £150'ish) lasted for four years in all weathers.

 

[GP801]

Rather than 100% waterproof go for one thats breathable. There will inevitably be some condensation under the cover and it needs to be able to get away.

 

[John Jones Jr]

Rather than 100% waterproof go for one thats breathable. There will inevitably be some condensation under the cover and it needs to be able to get away.

A good point but if I recall correctly some are both breathable & 100% waterproof or have I got my wires crossed?

 

[GP801]

I think you are correct. The Weathershield is not waterproof but I have never seen any water get through the fabric.

 

[BernardB]

There's some good advice about covers on the HamiltonClassic website (Car Covers General Technical Information, Good Free Advise)

In particular they advise against fully-tailored covers and give what seem pretty good reasons.

I bought an outdoor cover from them about a year ago and am pleased with it. Even though it's "only" semi-tailored it does a good job and anchors well. Not cheap though.

 

[kalvin928]

that's a great link.... very good detailed explanation on the types of covers and do's & dont's

 

[Scott_F]

If you can't garage your car then leave it out in the open (but not under a tree). Run it up to temperature once a week if you can and move it a few feet to prevent flat spots developing in the tyres.

As long as it has no leaks, water will run off it whereas covering it for months will encourage damp, condensation and mildew and will prevent you running and moving it periodically.

 

[jasons]

I am using a coverzone storm force cover on my w202 it is a custom fit and breathable it fits really well.

 

[BTB 500]

I used a Covercraft Noah on the SL before it was garaged - expensive, but an excellent fit (which is the key to avoiding paint scuffing when the wind blows).

 

[rk100]

I recently got an outdoor carcoon - they are expensive but I have to say it is excellent but probably more aimed at longer term winter storage. I will be leaving my car in it all winter.

http://www.carcoon.com/carcoon-double-skin-outdoor#intro

 

[kalvin928]

I recently got an outdoor carcoon - they are expensive but I have to say it is excellent but probably more aimed at longer term winter storage. I will be leaving my car in it all winter.

Outdoor Carcoon

that's really great..... bit out of price range...presume you will have a trickle charger on it? if not intending to use car at all

 

[mabz]

i just bought an ebay cheapie just to tide me over until my car sell's.put it on saturday and its already blown off and got covered in grit.back to square one now the car is naked and the cover is in the blue bin. ah well we all know the good old saying "you buy cheap,you buy twice"

 

[kalvin928]

lol... shouldn't laugh but got to

 

[rk100]

that's really great..... bit out of price range...presume you will have a trickle charger on it? if not intending to use car at all

Yep, the carcoon comes with a trickle charger which you hook up and is also linked to the fans of the carcoon. If the main power is cut for any reason the battery runs the fans until mains power is put back on.

I know they are expensive but I took the plunge and just got it after lots if looking about!