Investing into a quality car cover will protect your paintwork form the outdoor elements such as bird droppings, acid rain, UV rays and much more. It will also act as an effective deterrent to thieves as they will not be able to see the vehicle or its contents.
The best car cover is the OxGord Executive Cover, which is a fully waterproof and uses 7 layer construction with maximum protection.
Choosing the correct size for car covers can be difficult but it’s essential that the size is correct for all-round protection. If you choose to store the car outside, you must ensure the cover is designed to withstand all weather conditions for outdoor usage.
Table of Contents
Car Covers Comparison
Car Covers | Layer(s) | Length(s) |
---|---|---|
OxGord Executive | 7 | 132 to 229 Inches |
Leader Accessories Platinum | 7 | 185 to 228 Inches |
Budge Lite | 1 | 162 to 228 Inches |
Kayme All Weather | 4 | 173 to 208 Inches |
Hail Protector System | N/A | 175 to 270 Inches |
Duck Covers Double Defender | 3 | 157 to 264 Inches |
Audew All Weather | 6 | 167 to 201 Inches |
XCAR Breathable | 3 | 185 to 228 Inches |
Rain-X 804511 Ultra | 1 | 185 to 228 Inches |
Pumpkin Lockable | 5 | Up to 199 Inches |
Depending upon the location that you will be storing your vehicle will determine whether you buy an indoor or outdoor car cover. Additional padding and layers are found on the outdoor covers for extra protection.
Many car covers also come with locks and cables that make your car more secure. The cover also hides your wheels, interior and other areas of your car which will prevent thieves looking around or inside of your vehicle.
Below is a list of the best car covers that provide complete protection against all weather conditions.
The Best Car Covers
1. OxGord Executive Waterproof Car Cover
The OxGord Executive is a 100% waterproof car cover, which has 7 layers and available in 5 sizes. The layered construction is split into 5 layers of spunbond polypropylene, 1 layer of micro porous film and a final layer of soft cotton.
The outdoor car cover is fully waterproof at the top layer and the soft cotton provides the protection on the paintwork. It has been designed for superior breathability that reduces mildew or mold build up inside of the cover.
Other features of the OxGord Executive include:
- Front and rear elastic hems and draw strings
- Tie down grommets
- Heavy duty car cover bag
- Bottom layer is a soft cotton texture
- Antenna patch
- 5 different sizes
OxGord is a trusted brand with automotive products ranging from windshield covers to these car covers. The Executive cover is one of the best car covers that is suitable for a range of vehicles. The additional tie down grommets allow you to further secure your car and ensure a snug fit for windy conditions.
2. Leader Accessories Super Soft Car Cover
Another popular brand in the car covers industry is Leader Accessories. Their “Super Soft” car cover is similar to the OxGord with 7 layers in total, which is split by 4 layers of spunbond polypropylene, 2 layers of UV coating and 1 layer of soft cotton.
The brand also offer cheaper alternative with just 5 layers for those on a budget. However, spending the extra for an additional 2 layers is worthwhile as it helps prevent scratches upon the paintwork.
Other features of the Leader Accessories Platinum include:
- Elastic hems for a tight fit
- Ultra soft cotton bottom layer
- Windproof via a strap and buckle
- Actively repels water
- Both indoor and outdoor use
- Antenna patch and storage package
Overall, it is a highly rated car cover for outdoor and indoor use with sizes from 185 to 228 inches in length. There are fewer options compared to the OxGord Executive but the strap and buckle ensures that its secure in windy conditions.
3. Budge Lite Indoor Car Cover
Budge Lite is a cheap option that is suited to those that are on a budget. It is designed to fit cars from 162 to 228 inches and is a universal fit for the majority of passenger vehicles. It can also be used both indoor and outdoors but due to the limited layers, we only recommend indoor use.
The single layered construction provides basic protection and may not be able to reduce the impact of the hail. However, for use indoors or under a carport, it’s the best affordable option.
Other features of the Budge Lite Covers include:
- 1 Durable layer of spunbond polypropylene
- Built in grommets and elastic hem
- Completely breathable
- Protects against dust, dirt, moisture and bird droppings
- Breathable to reduce mold
- Double stitched seems
Overall, it is the best cheap car cover for indoor storage and will do a great job at protecting your car from moisture, dust, debris and other indoor elements. There is also a choice of 9 sizes to suit most cars or SUV’s.
4. Kayme All Weather Car Cover
Kayme is another outdoor car cover that is multi-layered and is designed to withstand all weather conditions. It is suited for vehicles from 173 to 208 inches and comes with a soft cotton inner layer that protects the paintwork.
A unique feature of the Kayme car covers are the reflective stripes and drivers door zippers, which are very desirable for many car owners.
Other features of the Kayme All Weather Cover include:
- 4 layers of protection
- Variety of cover sizes
- 100% waterproof
- Sun protection reflective layer
- Soft cotton bottom layer
- Windproof buckle
Overall, it is the best car cover for the money and compatible with a range of cars with 8 sizes to choose from. If you are storing your car on the road or in a parking lot, the reflective stripes provide extra visibility to other drivers, which is very desirable.
Check it Out5. Hail Protector Car Cover System
For those that want the ultimate protection from all weather conditions, the Hail Protector is a great option. It’s not your stereotypical car cover and it does come with a premium price tag that will put off a lot of potential buyers.
It uses an integrated blower to provide a constant flow of air inside of the cover, which lifts the cover from the paintwork. This allows any hail or light objects to bounce off the cover and not come into contact with the car.
Other features of the Hail Protector include:
- Activated via a smartphone application or remote
- Various sizes starting from 175 to 270 inches in length
- AC, cigarette lighter or battery powered
- Takes around 5 minutes to install
- Storage bag included
- 2 year parts and labor warranty
It is the best car cover for hail and it is able to withstand hail of any size and up to 60 MPH of wind. However, it does come with a premium but if you require hail protection for your car and want to ensure the paintwork remains immaculate, it is a worthwhile investment.
6. Duck Covers Double Defender Car Cover
The Duck Covers option is a popular choice that is designed for indoor and occasional outdoor use. It is made up of three layers that are non-abrasive and fully breathable to allow moisture to escape.
Compared to any of the alternatives, the brand offer the longest warranty of 3 years, which displays the high build quality of this cover.
Other features of the Duck Covers Double Defender include:
- Grey with a blue stripe through the middle
- Elastic bottom hem for a secure fit
- Non-scratch tie down grommets and rope
- Triple layer construction
- 5 different sizes for the best fit
- Ultrasonically welded seams
- UV treated to withstand prolonged exposure
Although the brand state it can be used outdoors, it’s best used whilst inside or under a carport canopy. Compared with other covers, it has an attractive design that will keep your car protected whilst not in use.
Check it Out7. Audew All Weather Car Cover
The Audew car covers are available in sizes suitable for sedans and SUV’s with a universal design. In terms of the construction, it has 6 layers of high-density and breathable materials that are 100% waterproof and dustproof.
To ensure that the cover is windproof, it has adjustable straps and buckles at the bottom to keep the cover securely on your car.
Other features of the Audew All Weather Cover include:
- Premium materials used
- 6 layer construction
- Reflective strips for visibility
- Adjustable straps and buckles
- Universal fit for sedans or SUV’s
- Includes a storage bag
Overall, it is an excellent all-round car cover that has a universal design and can be used in all weather conditions. The durable yet lightweight design is ideal for protecting the car and reducing the chances of scratches to the paintwork.
Check it Out8. XCAR Breathable Car Cover
An affordable option that is available in five different sizes is by the XCAR brand. The sizes range from 185 to 228 inches in length with the choice of a dust prevention or solar shield cover.
Although it’s one of the cheapest car covers available, the brand offer a one year warranty for peace of mind
Other features of the XCAR Breathable Cover include:
- Cable lock for maximum security
- Strap and buckles to make it windproof
- Antenna patch and storage bag included
- Construction uses 3 layers
- Breathable and UV resistant
- Subtle gray color
With the choice of five different sizes, you will be able to choose a suitable cover for most passenger vehicles. The XCAR cover is one of the cheapest options that provides great vale for money and will securely and safely cover your car.
Check it Out9. Rain-X 804511 Ultra Car Cover
Rain-X are a reputable brand that produce a range of automotive products. The 804511 Ultra is a luxury car cover that is available in four different sizes to suit a variety of passenger vehicles.
To ensure this cover doesn’t move in the wind, it has a full elastic hem, trunk loop and tie down straps to prevent movement.
Other features of the Rain-X 804511 Ultra include:
- Antenna patch and storage bag included
- Water resistant and breathable
- Protected from harmful UV rays
- Five tie down straps and grommets
- Single layer construction
- Four sizes to choose
Unlike other car covers, the Rain-X construction has front and rear elastic around the edges for a snug fit. Many only have the elastic edges on the trunk area and require bungee cords to keep the rest of the cover secure. Overall, it is a high quality cover for cars with a reputable brand backing the design and construction.
Check it Out10. Pumpkin 5 Layer Locking Car Cover
The Pumpkin car cover is fairly unique compared to the other alternatives and that is because it comes with a lock. Therefore, if you are worried about people removing the car cover, this may be the best car cover option for you.
Other features of the Pumpkin Cover include:
- 5 layer construction
- Gust guard strap
- Double stitched seems
- water repellent
- Antenna reinforcement patch
- 2 year warranty
- Water repellent
The unique selling point of this car cover is primarily the lock, which is great for the additional security. However, it does have other beneficial qualities such as the protective 5 layer construction and it can be used in a range of weather conditions.
Car Cover Buying Guide
Whether your are storing your car indoor or outdoor, you will need a specific car cover to fit your vehicle. They protect your car from the elements and come in a range of types for maximum protection as well as hiding your vehicle against thieves.
Most car covers can be purchased for a small price and can last many years. Most are constructed of polyethylene, which is lightweight and breathable. However, there are many other layers that are included with most car covers.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding car covers.
Layers of Car Covers
Car covers can be constructed with 1 or many layers with the optimal amount being between 5 and 7. The extra layers provide protection for outdoor usage where single layers are usually only for indoor usage.
The multiple layers contain materials such as spunbond polypropylene, micro porous film and soft cotton. The soft cotton is the material that will be touching the paintwork and its vital that this is kept clean and remains soft. The soft texture of the car cover can be seen below:
The prices will increase as the number of layers increase but it is worth the extra paying for the best protection. However, if you are storing your car indoors, a high quality single, 2 or 3 layered construction is more than ideal.
Do Car Covers Cause Scratches?
One of the many reasons that some car owners refuse to use car covers is the assumption that they will cause scratches. Of course, there is a possibility that it could cause scratches when used incorrectly. For example, if you are placing a dirty cover onto your paintwork, the debris from the cover will rub against the paintwork. However, even if there were debris within the cover, you would still need to move the cover around the paintwork to cause scratches.
To further reduce the chance of a car cover causing scratches, if possible, we recommend that you wash your car. This will prevent the car cover picking up dirt from the dirty paintwork and brushing it across the rest of the paintwork. Applying a layer of car wax will also provide additional protection too.
Clean car covers that are installed correctly onto the car will not cause any scratches whatsoever. We strongly recommend that you ignore the myths and protect your vehicle properly with a car cover whilst in storage.
Weather Conditions
Using a waterproof car cover is essential if you are storing your vehicle outdoors. Water and moisture from the rain may seem harmless and this will seep into cracks, small scratches and even the inside of your vehicle. Dampness is not the ideal conditions for a car it can kickstart the process of corrosion.
Sun is just as harmful as the UV rays can cause dullness in the paintwork or plastics and damage the interior with the likes of cracking the dashboard.
Other winter conditions from snow, sleet or hail do not help either as they will cause minor scratches to appear (i.e. swirl marks). When there is snow or sleet, it usually comes with salt and this is bad for corrosion.
Investing into a high quality car cover will ensure that your paintwork is protected against all these weather conditions. While multi-purpose covers are always a great option, sometimes there is no need to get protection from things that hardly ever happen. If you live in an area without a lot of sun most of the year, than you won’t have to worry too much about the color of your cover.
On the other hand, if you live in an area that doesn’t see much snow or sleet, you’ll want a cover to protect more against the other elements you may be encountering.
Protection From The Elements
Birds are a huge issue when it comes to natural hazards. Birds not only often tend to leave droppings on cars, but they also have a tendency to land hard on or latch onto car parts with their very sharp talons.
Other small animals that may use your car as their playground include squirrels, and most house pets such as cats or dogs. These furry critters run, jump, and climb near or on cars all the time.
Trees are another point of contention for most car owners. If you live or park under a tree, there are a myriad of things that could be dropping onto your car. Pine needles and cones, acorns, sappy mixtures, even animal fur and droppings. Normally these things probably wouldn’t hurt your vehicle, however depending on how high the tree is, and how far the object falls before hitting your car is an enormous factor.
Many car covers come with additional padding that prevents any form of impact damage. Anything from a football hitting the paintwork to an apple falling from a tree. Of course, it will not be able to withstand all the heavy impacts but its definitely something to consider.
Anti Theft
Oddly enough you wouldn’t think of a car cover as being very useful when it comes to matters of theft. However, cars that have covers are actually less likely to be the target of criminal activity. This is because most criminals are opportunists, and time tends to be of the essence in thefts, taking the time to undo a car cover does deter many thieves from stealing or breaking into your car.
It works just as well as locking wheel nuts, as soon as a criminal sees these, they will forget taking the risk. For even more security, you can also attach a keypad, or key lock and cable to the cover as well. This will require that a key is needed to unlock the cover of the car, and therefore needed to get in at all. This would go an even longer way to protecting your vehicle against criminal activity.
Installation
Before you place the car cover onto your car, you will want to figure out the sections of the cover i.e. front and rear. Some covers will even have cut outs for the wing mirrors. Once you have located these areas of the cover, place the cover over the nose of the car and start bringing it to the rear. The cover should hang on to the nose of the vehicle this way and allow you to easily install it.
Make sure that you tuck in all the areas of the cover properly and connect the straps and drawstrings to keep the cover tight against the car.
If your car is wet, if possible, we recommend that you using a car drying towel to wipe it down. However, the majority are car covers are breathable, which will allow the water to evaporate.
Washing The Car Cover
As mentioned earlier, you will want to ensure the cover is kept clean to avoid inducing scratches to your paintwork. Washing the cover can be achieved by using a mild detergent mix and wiping down with the sponge. You should also let it dry outside before placing it on the vehicle.
We recommend that you do not wash the cover too often because the waterproof qualities may become worn out. Simply wash when it comes filled with debris and dirt.
Car Color
The color of your car is something that could have a bearing on what type of cover to choose. Lighter colored cars will be more susceptible to bleaching or lightening through constant UV contact.
Choosing a cover of a lighter color will help reflect most of these harmful rays without the worry of your cover starting to bleed through to your car.
Conclusion
Car covers will not only save your car from dust and other undesirable content floating onto the car, but it will also give you peace of mind. Of course, not all car owners will bother with a cover but those that car about their paintwork will find it an essential piece of equipment when storing their vehicle.
If you are planning to use a battery maintainer to keep the battery topped up, you may need to pierce a small hole through the cover. You will then be setup for long term storage of your vehicle.
All of our recommendations within this article will protect your vehicle in both indoor and outdoor conditions. However, one of the most important things to remember is that you get the correct size cover for your car.