Car Cover FAQs

 
 
What is the difference between a "Custom" cover and a regular fix like the ones I can get at any auto parts place?
Actually, quite a bit. The most obvious thing is that our custom covers have pockets for the side view mirrors.  Then there is the overall fit. Any off the shelf cover will either be a little too big or a little to small. Either way the fit isn't right. Too big means you'll probably end up with some of it touching the ground. Too small and it will be a real hassle to get on and off - that is if you can get it on at all.
Can a cover help prevent my vehicle from being stolen?
Yes it can.  Think about it. What a thief wants to get into your vehicle, start it, and drive off as quickly as possible.  As soon as a thief starts to make an entry, they are exposed.  A car cover takes a few minutes to remove, so the thief's exposure time is increased.  With so many cars uncovered, why would a thief increase the risk of being caught?  A cover also helps protect the contents of a vehicle.  When radios and other items are out of sight they are less likely to tempt a thief.
How can I prevent my car cover from being stolen?
The lock and cable accessory kit will certainly help.  You should also put your name on the front of the cover.  The name works better than the license number.  
Is there a correct way to install a cover?
In general, always cover the front and rear bumpers as the last step.  For a cover with mirror pockets, place the pockets over the mirrors first.  Instructions are included.
What is the best way to fold a cover when taking it off the vehicle?
The easiest way we've found is to simply fold each side up onto the roof and refold it as necessary so the material ends up about 2 feet wide.  Then, starting at the front of the vehicle, fold the cover towards the back in increments of about 3 feet.  This way you don't drag the cover over the vehicles surface, and it's easy to reverse the process for installation.
Can I put a wet cover on a vehicle?
If your vehicle is clean, it's actually the best way to dry the cover.  If it's a high quality cover, as the temperature warms up, all the moisture will evaporate, since all of our fabrics are breathable.
Any suggestions on how to keep my vehicle cooler when I use a car cover?
Other than parking in the shade, because most of our better fabrics will protect against bird droppings and tree sap, the best thing to do is to lower your side windows about two inches.  Ambient temperature builds inside enclosed spaces, and if you open the windows slightly you'll allow air to circulate, just like it circulates under the cover.  Some of our fabrics offer more heat insulation  than others, simply because they are multi-layered and are more effective at keeping heat away from the vehicle surface, but any cover will help reduce the vehicle temperature on a hot day.
What are UV inhibitors?
Just about everything is degraded by Ultra Violet Rays from the sun especially fabrics.  To slow down the degradation process, chemicals are added during the production of the fabric.  You can't to see them, smell them or feel them but they are there all the same.  The chemicals are expensive so your best bet is to buy a cover from a reputable manufacturer who believes in quality.  To reduce cost, one of the first things a mill will usually cut is the percentage of UV inhibitors being used. That means a cheap car cover won't last very long. Although our covers have these inhibitors, you can always spray them with 303 protectant about every six months as an extra margin of protection.
How often should I wash my cover?
That depends on where you live and how you use the cover.  Don't be afraid to wash a car cover!  Dirt particles can compromise the effectiveness of the water resistance of the fabric.  Be sure to follow the washing instructions for the cover you own. If you think your cover is starting to scratch your paint, it isn't the cover, but dust and dirt in the fabric of the cover. Wash it immediately.
Will treating my car cover with Scotchguard® make it more water resistant?
In almost every instance, a good car cover fabric has been treated with some sort of water repellency treatment during it's manufacturing process.  The effectiveness of such a treatment will also depend on the construction of the fabric.  If you can hold the fabric up to light and see small open areas between the yarns, no treatment will increase the fabrics water resistance.  Adding additional treatments will not help and aren't worth the cost.
 


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