Car covers are necessary if you want to protect your car from damage, and maintain it’s brand new look. They form a barrier against wind, moisture, sun, and other factors that harm your vehicle’s exteriors.

As there are quite a few options available in the market, it can get confusing to choose between different car covers. The following is a list of factors you need to keep in mind before you go shopping for car covers.

1. Where should I park?
Whether you park indoors or outdoors is a huge factor to consider when purchasing car covers. If you’re more likely to park your vehicle outdoors, you’re going to need to protect it from many things. The car cover you pick must be able to withstand wind, rain, snow, and hail. It should be waterproof and UV protective, so that your car is guarded against rust and color-fading.

It is a common misconception that you do not need a car cover if you park indoors. An indoor car cover need not be as sturdy and well-equipped as an outdoor one. Nonetheless, a cover is necessary to prevent dust from accumulating on the car. It also helps in protecting your ride from stains and scratches from various equipment, boxes, bicycles, etc. stored in your garage.

2. Water-resistance, breathability, and UV protection
When purchasing car covers, find one that is water-resistant and breathable. A water-resistant car cover allows some amount of moisture to pass through, as compared to a completely waterproof one. Such a cover will prevent moisture from getting trapped inside the car, thus reducing the chances of mold or mildew formation.

Even if your car comes with a UV resistant topcoat that prevents color from fading, the rays still affect the inside of the car. The color pigments in the upholstery and dashboard fade and look mismatched, while the heat can cause dryness in materials such as plastic, leather, and vinyl, leading to cracks.

3. Do I need a custom fit car cover?
A custom-fit cover is specially made for your car model, whereas a regular car cover depends on the measurements of the car. If you wish to buy a regular car cover, you need to measure your vehicle from the front bumper to the rear end, the wheel to the topmost part of the car, and from the edge of one mirror to the other.

Or you can opt for custom-made car covers that keep in mind the build of your car. The main difference between the two is that custom car covers have pockets for the side mirrors, grommet for the antenna, etc. Also, custom car covers fit more snugly around the car.

4. How often should I use my car cover?
If you use your car frequently, it is reasonable to invest in a lightweight car cover. You should have no difficulty in removing the cover and putting it back again, though it’s better to consider a sturdier, heavier car cover if your vehicle is in storage for a long time.