How to Choose the Right Cover for Your Car

 Knowing how to choose the right cover for your car is important. Your vehicle is a valuable investment and protecting it from the harsh Australian climate is essential. A high-quality car cover can safeguard your car from hail damage, sun damage, dust, rain and snow. We also have customers who wish to protect their vehicles from tree debris, possums, bats, cats and other birds and animals. There are a wide range of car cover options available, selecting the best one may seem simple but it is easy to make a mistake. This comprehensive guide by Car Covers and Shelter will assist you in making an informed decision. We will explore the key differences between indoor and outdoor covers, using the best-protection car bubble, as well as standard and custom-made options. We will look at various materials, and essential features to consider when choosing the perfect car cover for your needs.

Understanding Your Needs: Indoor vs. Outdoor Covers

First, it's important to identify where you'll be storing your car, as different environments require different levels of protection.

Indoor Car Covers

Indoor car covers are ideal for garages, some carports, or enclosed spaces. They provide protection against dust, minor scratches, and low-impact bumps. They are not waterproof or water resistant so it must be a secure carport if you wish to use one in a carport.

 Indoor car covers are available for sedans and hatchbacks, single cab Utes, SUV’s and GT’s and prestige cars.

Outdoor Car Covers

Car covers are designed to endure harsh weather conditions. They are made from durable, weather-resistant materials such as waterproof polyester or UV-treated polypropylene. These covers provide varying levels of protection, from basic sun and rain protection to heavy-duty options for extreme weather conditions like hail or snow. Features to look for include heat-welded seams, Anti condensation air breathers or a breathable fabric, and double stitching for added durability. If a cover is not breathable or does not have anti-condensation breathers, then don’t buy it! It can be worst for your vehicle than no car cover at all. The best general purpose all-weather car covers can be found in the Stormguard range. The link takes you to sedan and hatchback covers but you will find SUV, Ute, Wagon and van covers in this range also.

Hail Cover for Vehicles

These padded covers are made for Australian conditions. There are three ranges of car hail covers: – 

1. Standard Hail Blanket range,
2.      Premium Hail Cover range and
3.      Ultimate Hail cover range.

All hair covers are speciality covers to protect against hail and are not intended for everyday use. See the Stormguard range above for everyday use covers.

The Hail Armour Cover

The Hail Armour cover is only available in Australia and obviously designed for Australian conditions. It is an inflatable cover where the pump works from your 12V plug in your 

View the selection of hail protection covers here.

Car Car Cover for storage in a Carport

It is unusual for a carport to be completely waterproof as rain can often enter through the open sides. You should use a lightweight indoor/outdoor cover with a soft lining. You can be find the perfect cover for a carport in the Evolution range. These are extremely good value for their low price.

Car Bubbles and Car Bubble Tents for the Best Protection for your Prestige or Classic Car

Car Bubbles or Bubble Tents can be bought for indoor or outdoor use. You can find Bubbles that fit many sizes, or have them custom made to your preferred size. A Bubble keeps your car in an environmentally controlled atmosphere where filtered air is constantly changing. They increase the life of a vehicle. Please note that the outdoor car bubbles will not withstand strong winds so must be placed in a sheltered area. Motorcycle Bubbles are popular with weekend ‘bikies.

Standard vs. Custom Car Covers: Choosing the Right Fit

When deciding on your car covers, it's important to consider the fit:

Standard or Generic Car Covers

Standard car covers come in various pre-determined sizes to accommodate a range of car makes and models. Mass-produced items are generally more budget-friendly. You secure a generic cover that is maybe slightly larger than your vehicle with the elastic edges and tie-down straps for the front and back of the vehicle. They may not offer a perfect fit for vehicles with unique features such as spoilers or roof racks and they will give the protection you want.

Custom Car Covers, How to Choose the Right Cover for Your Car

Tailored to the exact specifications of your car they ensure a snug and secure fit. Generally a custom-made cover is more expensive but they:-

1. Provide superior protection against wind, dust, and debris.
2. Ideal for valuable classic cars, modified vehicles, or those with unique features.
3. Typically come at a higher cost due to customisation. 
4. You can add a logo to any part of the vehicle cover.

Material Matters: Exploring Car Cover Fabrics

The material of your car cover is crucial for its functionality and durability. Here's an overview of popular options: 

1. Knitted polyester: Breathable and soft, ideal for indoor dust protection.  
2. Non-Woven Waterproof Polyester: A popular choice for outdoor covers, offering water resistance and UV protection.
3. Fleece-lined Materials: Offer additional scratch protection for delicate finishes, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Beyond the Basics: Key Features to Consider

While the primary function of a car cover is protection, additional features can enhance its functionality and user experience: 

1. Heat-Welded Seams: Provide superior water resistance compared to stitched seams. Alternatively, look for double stitching. 
2. Tie-Down Straps: Secure the cover to your car, especially important for outdoor use in windy conditions.
3. Security strap (for outdoor covers) like the Stormguard range, provide an extra layer of security against theft Breathable materials or anti-condensation breathers are Important to prevent moisture between the cover and the car.

Summary, How to Choose the Right Cover for Your Car

Invest in a high-quality car cover from Car Covers and Shelter or at least an Australian business producing for the Australian market. Stay away from the large foreign advertisers like Australia Car Covers, Temu and Amazon if you want long-lasting protection and peace of mind. Explore the extensive selection of indoor and outdoor car covers available through Car Covers and Shelter.

We hope this guide has been helpful! Share it with your fellow car enthusiasts to help them choose the right car cover for their prized possessions.