If you want to keep your car, truck, or SUV clean and looking its best, proper storage is the only way to go. A durable vehicle cover is essential, whether you're keeping your car in a garage, carport, or driveway. They serve as a key barrier against dirt, debris, scratches, rain, sunlight, and snow. But finding the right cover to fit your needs can be tricky. This car cover buying guide will explain all the need-to-know details to shop for a vehicle cover with confidence.
When it comes to choosing where to store your car, it's easy to see why indoor storage is the safest option. With that being said, your garage-kept vehicle is still exposed to potential damage from everyday items you may have never even considered!
Family garages that store more than one vehicle have an even greater risk of damage. There's an endless list of possible ways to scratch or dent your car from accidental door dings, contact with metal on clothing, and even toys. Indoor covers give you the peace of mind to know that your vehicle has the additional protection you need.
Though most indoor car covers can be used both inside and outside, they cannot withstand extended outdoor storage. Outdoor-kept vehicles will need a specifically designed heavy-duty cover that can take the constant punishment from all weather conditions without deteriorating. One of the most salient features to keep in mind is water resistance. Since the level of resistance tends to fluctuate depending on quality, make sure to be on the lookout for the features of the cover material.
Wind can be an issue when it comes to outdoor storage. Not only can your cover get blow off your vehicle, but it can also cause paint damage due to the friction on the cover moving rapidly. Be sure to make sure your cover has tie-downs, buckle straps, or Velcro to keep it in place.
If you're not sure whether you should pick an indoor or an outdoor car cover, your best bet is to go for one rated for outdoor use. You then have the flexibility to store your car safely wherever you want.
To best preserve your vehicle, we recommend using your car cover whenever your car isn't in use. This is equally applicable for everyday use vehicles and more vintage collector's pieces. The cliche "better safe than sorry" applies here! It may not be the end of the world if you forget to put your cover on, but you never know what might happen. An excellent tip for everyday use vehicles is getting a lightweight cover, so it is easy to put on and take off.
For the best protection, dust or wash your car before covering it again. This prevents grime from being trapped under the cover and resting on your paint. If there is a layer of dirt between the cover and your vehicle, it will act like sandpaper when the cover is moved, potentially causing paint scratches. Also, make sure your car is dry before covering to avoid trapped moisture and the formation of rust.
Contour-fit covers are less expensive than custom-fit car covers and often perform just as well. However, if you have a vintage or special edition vehicle, you may want to consider investing in a custom cover to get the exact fit.
The biggest difference between custom and contour covers is the availability of specific features and the price. Unlike contour-fit covers, ustom car covers typically include mirror and antenna pockets. Though custom covers provide a tighter fit, it comes at a cost and a longer delivery time of 2-4 weeks. Custom covers also lack a flexible return policy, which can be unfortunate if you accidentally order the wrong size.
With contour-fit covers, you get a universal fit that provides the same amount of protection for a fraction of the price. Contour covers are also readily available and ship within 1-2 business days so your vehicle can get the protection it needs when it needs it.
Why choose a breathable or "water-resistant" cover as opposed to a "waterproof" cover? A completely waterproof cover doesn't allow any moisture to pass through the cover. That may sound great, but it also traps moisture inside that can lead to corrosion, mold, and mildew formation. These are perhaps the most powerful silent threats that can ruin your car's paint job.
In contrast, breathable car covers allow condensation to evaporate quickly. This shortens the amount of time your vehicle is exposed to moisture, which prevents corrosion or mildew.
Learn more about the importance of breathable car covers.
Rain running off of a water-resistant, breathable cover.
The harsh sun can not only damage the clear exterior coat of your paint but also your dashboard, upholstery, and more. All covers offer some protection from the sun but not all protection is created equal. Look for covers rated for high sun and fade resistance. These vehicle covers are typically made of reflective material and help keep your car cooler on the inside while also protecting your car from harsh UV rays.
A heat-reflective car cover is also a great option to have during the summer. These covers are typically lightweight, making them ideal for everyday use. Store the cover in your trunk and easily pull it over your car while you're in the office or taking a day-long shopping trip to keep your car cool until you're back.
Keeping dirt, dust, and debris off of your vehicle is a primary function of any cover, indoor or outdoor. While these particles may seem harmless, their build-up can act like sandpaper. They leave micro-scratches on your car paint that become more pronounced and visible over time.
With that being said, it's also essential to keep the interior of your cover clean. Dirt from inside your cover can transfer to your vehicle and continue to be a threat to your expensive paint.
A little care goes a long way. Learn how to clean your vehicle cover. Your cover should also be folded and stored in a cover storage bag while not in use for optimal protection.
More likely than not, your car, truck, or SUV isn't going to stay covered 24/7. Keeping your cover away from harsh chemicals or sharp objects will promote longevity and extend the use of your cover. Our car cover storage bags are practical options that let you store your cover in any easy-to-reach nook or cranny in your garage.
Putting on and taking off your vehicle cover can be challenging, especially if you have a large truck or SUV. Grab a friend and learn how to install and remove your vehicle cover.
If you regularly face high winds, you may want to invest in additional security measures. Always choose a cover that includes elastic hems and a buckle strap. This will offer protection against light to moderate winds, provided the cover fits your car correctly.
You should also invest in Vehicle Cover Clamps. You may not need these for your everyday car cover use, but it's good to have them on hand if a storm is in the forecast.
To use the cover clamps, attach the clips to the cover behind the front wheels and in front of the back wheels. Secure the bungee cord to one of the clips, stretch it under your vehicle, and then attach it to the clip on the opposite side. View more detailed instructions on using vehicle cover clamps.
Knowing how to pick the right car cover can be challenging. Hopefully, this guide provided you with some useful tips on making the correct choice for you. Protecting your vehicle from rain, snow, bird droppings, scratches, and everything else thrown your way is important - and so is your car cover decision!
For more information, please visit Tehu.
When shopping for your cover, pay attention to these five items:
At Coverstore, finding the correct vehicle cover could not be simpler. Instead of you doing the searching, we do the search for you based on your vehicle's year, make, model, and submodel. Whether you have a AMC Gremlin or a Cadillac Escalade, we have a cover for you.
We pride ourselves on honesty, innovation, and quality. We strive to provide the best quality product to our customers by listening to your feedback and suggestions. We know there will never be a perfect product, but we hope to bring our customers the next closest thing with our continued research and development.
We have a wide selection of vehicle covers for nearly every make model and year of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Our years of experience have taught us how to design vehicle covers expertly for unparalleled quality. Plus, we stand behind each of their products with a manufacturer warranty that ranges from 2-7 years.
Learn more about our vehicle cover collections by viewing our Car Cover Material Comparison Chart. You'll see our materials rated on the key attributes we identified above to help you pick the right material for both short and long-term storage.
When shopping for premium vehicle protection, many car owners search for "California Car Cover." While they have been around for decades, there’s now a better alternative: CarCover.com. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about California Car Cover and explain why more drivers are switching to CarCover.com for better value, better service, and superior protection.
California Car Cover is a long-standing brand founded in , specializing in custom-fit and specialty vehicle covers. They focus mainly on classic cars, muscle cars, and collector vehicles. However, their narrow focus, higher pricing, and limited availability have left many everyday drivers looking for better options.
While they have heritage, modern drivers need a solution that is faster, broader, and offers better value — and that’s exactly where CarCover.com shines.
CarCover.com is a leading provider of premium car covers with the largest online inventory, offering protection for virtually every make and model on the road — from sedans to trucks to exotic cars. Plus, we offer:
Our covers use advanced multi-layer materials with waterproof, UV-resistant, and breathable technology to offer all-weather protection — better and stronger than outdated options from older brands.
Each cover is tailored for your exact vehicle dimensions, ensuring a snug, secure fit that beats most "universal" or limited-fit designs.
Unlike many competitors, CarCover.com stands behind its products for life. No extra fees, no small print — full lifetime coverage included.
California Car Cover customers often complain about shipping delays. At CarCover.com, we ship orders placed before 1 PM the same day — and always offer free shipping!
Thousands of customers have made the switch from California Car Cover to CarCover.com because of better product options, lower prices, better warranties, and faster service. With a 30-day money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty included, shopping at CarCover.com is 100% risk-free.
While California Car Cover had its time, today's smart car owners know there's a better choice. CarCover.com offers better prices, faster shipping, superior fit, and lifetime protection. Don’t overpay for an outdated brand — choose CarCover.com and get the best cover for your car, guaranteed.
Shop Now at CarCover.com and protect your vehicle with the industry's best covers today!
Absolutely. CarCover.com offers better prices, lifetime warranty, free shipping, and covers for every vehicle — not just limited classic models.
Absolutely! CarCover.com specializes in the best custom-fit car covers designed to perfectly match the curves and features of your specific vehicle. Whether you drive a compact car, SUV, truck, or sports car, we have a precise fit ready for you. We proudly offer custom-fit covers for top sellers like the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Tesla Cybertruck, Chevrolet Corvette, Jeep Gladiator, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Mini Cooper, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and many more. Plus, we are continuously adding new models to our lineup to ensure every driver can get premium protection. To understand why custom-fit covers offer superior protection compared to semi-custom or universal options, click here.
CarCover.com offers a full lifetime warranty on our top-of-the-line covers — including the Supreme Shield, Gold Shield, and Black Satin series — with no hidden fees or fine print. For complete details on what’s covered and how it works, click here to view our warranty policy.
Orders placed before 1 PM EST ship the same day, and shipping is always free across the U.S. and Canada. We also offer express and overnight shipping options at no additional cost to ensure you get your cover exactly when you need it. To learn more about our fast and free shipping options, click here.
Our covers are crafted from premium multi-layer materials designed for maximum protection. Each cover is waterproof to shield against rain and snow, UV-resistant to block harmful sun rays, and breathable to prevent moisture buildup underneath. Whether you need indoor, outdoor, or all-weather protection, we have materials engineered for every environment. For a full guide on material options and which one is best for your needs, click here to learn more.
Yes, CarCover.com offers hassle-free returns and exchanges within 30 days for any reason.
Yes, we offer custom-fit covers for modern vehicles, classics, collectibles, and exotics — thousands of patterns available!
We operate online without middlemen and keep margins low to offer better value directly to you. We also manufacture and ship our covers ourselves, meaning when you buy from CarCover.com, you are buying directly from the manufacturer — ensuring better prices, better quality control, and faster service.
Yes! We sell gust straps, cable locks, cleaning accessories, and more to complement your car cover purchase.
Want more information on Transport Car Covers? Feel free to contact us.