Car Covers - any thoughts

[vincematthews]

Any thoughts on a resonable outside car cover that won't scratch paint or cost a fortune?

 

[stevie d]

There's a current thread about this over on TIPEC site http://forums.tipec.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=11097&p=68289&hilit=car+cover#p68289

 

[jdpef356]

ORIGINAL: vincematthews

Any thoughts on a resonable outside car cover that won't scratch paint or cost a fortune?

Sorry to say Vince but I think the best ones are called Garages.

My recommendation would be dont bother with a cover - leave it in the open - plenty of TLC and polish your car once a month []

 

[CarreraRSR]

I said my bit in the TIPEC thread regarding expectations of the cover you buy/use.

I believe a cover used as required to keep the worst of the elements off it between use and cleaning will help the car keep its lustre. I will be finding a garage for it once the Autumn/Winter arrive.

 

[graham.webb]

For several years I've used a tailored/breathable cover from Specialised Car Covers (01943 864646). and I've been very pleased with it....no downside that I can see. Because it's a tight fit when it's strapped down, I've not had any chafing of the paintwork (mind you the car's white, so it wouldn't be so noticeable)

It's probably not better than a garage, but here's two things to consider: 1) The going rate around here when I checked was £17 p.w; that's £884 a year! 2) A garage remote from your house is a possible risk...if it's in a garage court somewhere else there's always the danger of vandalism. A friend lost his Alfa Duetto that way in fire...

The cover cost just under £200, and they usually do a discount deal at the NEC show.

 

[Robbiemeister]

While were at it.....

Any thoughts on an indoor cover?

Car kept in a communal garage, well ventilated but concrete floor so very dusty. So the main purppose is to keep the dust off. Car is black!

Cheers

Robbie

 

[Frenchy]

I have a fitted indoor cover from Specialised Carcovers, fits very well with a posh Porsche badge on the bonnet, does what it says on the tin,they were having a sale recently not sure if this included 944 covers.

 

[vincematthews]

Thanks guys - never realised I had to worry about so many things!

I wasn't intending long term storage but was lazy and didn't want to have to clean birds and leaves off before every drive . . .

 

[Chrishazle]

I used a Covercraft Technathlon 3 cover for a good few years on my 944 and 944S, open stored in a village/country location. It worked very well and did not damage the paintwork. I think they're about £200 now, I wish I had not sold mine as I could use it right now!

 

[Joss Walker]

I have some (allegedly) super advanced outdoor cover that is made of fabric with a weave so tight that there is only one mill in all of the world that can produce it (can you believe this stuff?)

I have been really happy with the fit, the non marking of the paintwork and the way that it keeps bird mess and general muck off the car but it really can't deal with the condensation that forms on the car body during cold weather. Although it is fully breathable the car can stay damp under the cover for longer than I would wish. As far as I can see the only solution to this is an external car bubble that is in the region of 500 quid (there is one company that makes these where club members get a 10% discount, its in the Porsche Post little handbook thingy)

 

[dpoynton]

Joss

There is a very simple solution to the condensation problem you are encountering; drive it more often!

D

 

[CarreraRSR]

Joss, read my post on TIPEC regarding breathability and condensation. Nothing can be done apart from regular airing of car and cover.

By the way that tight weave factory BS. It's bollocks.

 

[Joss Walker]

ORIGINAL: CarreraRSR
By the way that tight weave factory BS. It's bollocks.

You know I knew this, but a little part of me really hoped it might be true! - to be fair the rain does bead and run off the cover but when it sits on the fabric it seems to soak through

Thanks for your experience on this in the TIPEC thread - But I am intrigued as to whether the outdoor bubble would work, their logic is that it is insulated to reduce the temperature change between car and the outside world, the second USP is that the little fans keep air (normal air, not de-humidified) flowing over the car and therefore dry the condensation moisture from the car without drying out the leather/rubber etc. I think that this second part might make sense. Your expert opinion would be welcomed! What do you think?

 

[CarreraRSR]

I have no information on the car bubbles but as they are not touching the car and have air circulating then its an alternative to a garage. The car cover is an alternative to having a a wet through, bird pooh'd and dirty car. If used with care and caution the car cover will keep the car from deteriorating prematurely

 

[vincematthews]

Well this is what I got


It seems to be made of a material very similar to that breathable roofing felt stuff.
Fit is not bad even though it doesn't claim to be specifically for a 944.
£60 inc from B&R Components in Glasgow aka motor_licious on e-bay - good efficient service.

For some reason birds don't mess on it . . . they seem to wait till its removed!!