Updated Apr. 02, 2024
Have a car you want to protect from the elements, but don't have a garage? A good car cover can help. Here are some of the best available.
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One important part of vehicle maintenance often overlooked is protection from the elements.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I need a car cover?” just look closely at any vehicle stored exclusively outdoors for more than a couple of years. Dirt, gravel, UV rays, rain, snow and hail all wear down the paint over time.
“Car covers help maintain your car’s value,” says Andy Medearis, travel expert, bargain hunter, and founder of Deals Points. “Keeping that factory-fresh look means you can potentially command a higher selling price down the road versus a car with wear and fade issues. Also, with a quality, easy-on cover, you’re protected with minimal effort. Much better than having to scrub your car weekly.”
The first layer to fail is the clear coat, which gives new cars that shiny, pristine look. Once that’s worn through, the paint itself starts breaking down. That’s when your car starts looking duller and shabbier. Even vehicles stored indoors are susceptible to dust, dirt and possibly rodent droppings (yuck!).
Thankfully, there’s a simple solution: car covers. Here are seven of the best you can buy.
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When I bought a car cover, I didn’t want to mess around with anything but the best. So after some research, I bought a Platinum Shield cover from carcovers.com.
Once on the website, input your vehicle year, make and model to access the different car cover options. With just a few clicks, I viewed and chose from several covers tailored specifically for my vehicle.
I chose the Platinum Shield because it was the highest-rated for outdoor use and came with a full lifetime warranty. Five years later, I’m no closer to collecting on that warranty than when the cover was new.
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If you’re looking for an economical way to protect your vehicle from the elements, consider this one from iCarCover. It comes in many lengths to accommodate most sedans.
Fully weatherproof, it features a strap and buckle to securely hold it in place. Best of all, this high-quality cover is reasonably priced at around $100 for the largest version, and considerably less for smaller versions.
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At just $77, it’s hard to beat the value of this pickup-specific car cover. It offers six layers of material, from waterproof polymers to aluminum-infused fabric for UV protection, plus a soft cotton undercoat.
Unlike many standard car covers, this one comes with straps and built-in elastic to ensure the best possible fit and prevent flyaways. To top it off, it comes with a one-year warranty.
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This heavy-duty cover takes longer to install than a standard cover. But once it’s on your vehicle, you’re protected from hail or other severe weather events.
I’ve seen and tried other covers that claim to protect from hail, but always wondered if they’d work against the hail larger than a pea. This cover, with constant electrically generated airflow creating a dense cushion of protection, specifically protects against hailstorms.
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Looking for some short-term protection without breaking the bank? This disposable plastic car cover has you (and your vehicle) covered.
At only $25, it’s only meant to last a short time. But for that time, it provides fast and convenient protection. I used one of these for a few days while staying at a friend’s camp, with my vehicle parked under some spruce trees. Neither the weekend’s rain nor the clumps of falling spruce needles ever touched my car.
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As an SUV owner, I’ve noticed it’s difficult to find covers to fit vehicles shaped like mine. Even many covers claiming to be for SUVs often fit poorly, leading to frustration and poor cover performance.
This wide selection of SUV-shaped covers from Autsop changes all that. Thanks to their graduated sizing system, these covers fit most SUVs well; they even come with side mirror pockets. It also ships with wind straps and an 18-month warranty.
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If you store your car indoors and simply want to keep dust and bugs off it, consider this breathable indoor cover. It’s made of soft, breathable fleece, so your paint won’t get scratched and your car can breathe.
It’s lightweight and stretchable, too, so putting it on and taking it off is easy — as it should be. The variety of sizes means most car owners will find something to fit, and the elasticized hem holds the cover on just firmly enough to avoid trouble.
When picking out a vehicle cover, think about whether you need it for indoor or outdoor use, depending on what you want to protect your car from. Make sure it fits your car perfectly by searching for measurements online. Choose materials like polyester or polypropylene for outdoor storage and soft cotton for indoor use. Consider things like hail and wind in your area and pick a cover with features that suit your needs. And don’t forget about ease of use—look for options with ties or elastic hems to make putting it on and taking it off a breeze. Vehicle covers come in all shapes, sizes and quality levels. There are several important considerations to make while choosing one:
I’m a seasoned DIY enthusiast with a knack for fixing things up. From woodworking to vehicle repairs, I’ve been hands-on since childhood. Contributing regularly to Family Handyman since 2020, I bring practical insights to various DIY topics, including automotive repair and accessories. In addition to my know-how, I also consulted travel expert Andy Medearis, the founder of Deals Points.
To find the best car covers, we first rounded up the best offerings from the most trusted retailers. Then, we researched them as thoroughly as possible, evaluating them on criteria like quality of materials, versatility and ease-of-use. We also considered hundreds of real-world customer reviews, which gave us a sense of how these car covers held up in different climates and conditions.
Car covers provide protection but can cause abrasion if not secured well or if debris gets trapped. Non-breathable covers may lead to mold or mildew from trapped moisture. Improperly fitted covers might flap in the wind, causing scratches. Regular use without cleaning can worsen scratches due to dirt buildup.
Originally Published: February 09, 2023
