Car cover..?

[lawrence.davison]

Very new to Porsche ownership, having just purchased a Cayman (base model) and it will be primarily a daily Driver and will be kept on a private driveway (no garage). I am not a big fan of car covers however I am slightly apprehensive about leaving the car when going on holiday and wondered if anyone can give any insight from their own experiences using a cover? I am probably more interested in whether the covers have ever caused any damage to the paintwork. I am really only looking to use a cover when I go on holiday as a way of just keeping the car less visible.
Thank you
Loz

 

[michael.williams1]

I’m in a similar situation so I’ve been using car covers for a few years. I have a full cover that’s tailored and another half cover. The most import thing to avoid is having any dirt or grit trapped under the cover so I always make sure the car has been given a quick wash down before putting a cover on and I’ve never had any issues. This does take a little time but it’s become a quick process, particularly with the half cover which I use a lot in the summer because it keeps the temperature down in my black car. Make sure the cover fits well and doesn’t flap about in the wind because that can also damage paint.

 

[Twinfan]

I think if you only use the cover when you go away then it may draw more attention to the car rather than less? Like a big flag that says "rob my house"?

Both our cars live outside and they're bright colours, so not exactly subtle. An old-skool Disclock is fitted to both all year round whether we're at home or not.

If you have keyless entry fitted, you should also consider getting a faraday pouch to keep the keys in.

 

[Geoff_P]

Hi Lawrence, congratulation on your Porsche purchase - I am sure you are going to love driving your Cayman.

I use covers on my cars - the critical consideration is whether the cover is breathable, allowing moisture vapour out while preventing rain/damp in. Otherwise the cover can hold moisture against the bodywork.

I use half covers on a 986 Boxster and 997 cabriolet for short periods of time, to protect the soft tops and guarantee water tightness. The covers are great for this but they are not particularly breathable. Therefore, they tend to be on and off when the cars are left outside during summer months, ensuring they not left 'sweating' under the cover for too long

However, the Boxster does live outside under a full cover when not in regular use - this is a waterproof and breathable cover made out of a neoprene-type material. With elasticated hems and straps to hold the cover down, it doesn't blow around too much but as Michael suggests above, the Boxster gets washed before the cover goes on.

I'm afraid exterior quality breathable covers cost more than a regular fleece lined cover, but I believe they are worth it and would always suggest a full car cover is breathable.

 

[lawrence.davison]

Hi Lawrence, congratulation on your Porsche purchase - I am sure you are going to love driving your Cayman.

I use covers on my cars - the critical consideration is whether the cover is breathable, allowing moisture vapour out while preventing rain/damp in. Otherwise the cover can hold moisture against the bodywork.

I use half covers on a 986 Boxster and 997 cabriolet for short periods of time, to protect the soft tops and guarantee water tightness. The covers are great for this but they are not particularly breathable. Therefore, they tend to be on and off when the cars are left outside during summer months, ensuring they not left 'sweating' under the cover for too long

However, the Boxster does live outside under a full cover when not in regular use - this is a waterproof and breathable cover made out of a neoprene-type material. With elasticated hems and straps to hold the cover down, it doesn't blow around too much but as Michael suggests above, the Boxster gets washed before the cover goes on.

I'm afraid exterior quality breathable covers cost more than a regular fleece lined cover, but I believe they are worth it and would always suggest a full car cover is breathable.

Thanks Geoff

 

[lawrence.davison]

I’m in a similar situation so I’ve been using car covers for a few years. I have a full cover that’s tailored and another half cover. The most import thing to avoid is having any dirt or grit trapped under the cover so I always make sure the car has been given a quick wash down before putting a cover on and I’ve never had any issues. This does take a little time but it’s become a quick process, particularly with the half cover which I use a lot in the summer because it keeps the temperature down in my black car. Make sure the cover fits well and doesn’t flap about in the wind because that can also damage paint.

Thank you