Car covers?

[Kiltox]

My 216 convertible is going to live outside under a cover during winter - anyone got any recommendations for a half decent cover that will help protect the roof etc?

[Split_Pin]

I made similar enquires a few weeks ago as my Corsa will be doing the same.

 

The advice I got was use a breathable cover with multiple layers, the innermost being soft fabric.

 

A tarpaulin will ruin the paint as it flaps agains the body in the wind.

 

My budget is about a ton.

[danthecapriman]

I've got this for the Mercury, it won't fit in a normal garage so it's the only option for me.

 

 

It's a custom made Classic Additions ultimate outdoor cover.

The material is very soft and stretchy but it's also 100% breathable and waterproof. Works a treat.

 

In winter I keep all mine under covers but I remove them on dry days to let the car dry off naturally and 'air'. If you leave them on for too long you still get condensation and trapped damp under the cover so it's worth doing.

[Kiltox]

How can a breathable cover be waterproof?

[danthecapriman]

How can a breathable cover be waterproof?

No idea! It's the fabric they use I think, but I've sat in the car with someone hosing down the outside with the cover on and no water comes through. Yet the wind passes through it and apparently if the car is wet the moisture on it will still evaporate and dry through the cover.

 

Edit, mine came from here https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/outdoor-car-covers/ultimate-outdoor-car-cover/prod_10077

There are cheaper covers than these ones though, which I've used before. They are good too but don't last as long and aren't quite as waterproof.

[Kiltox]

Just found one that claims to be tailored fit but it's £140!

 

That's more than half what I paid for the car!

[richardmorris]

How can a breathable cover be waterproof?

The same way waterproof coats are I suppose. I've one for the 2cv that is fine, but has torn quite a bit on one corner. It is weatherproof which means it keeps the worst off.

[Dead_E23]

I bought a Halfords Advanced All Seasons car cover (the silvery-looking type) to help protect my eponymic BMW when it got turfed out of its cosy spot under a carport.

 

I remember paying £80 or so, but I see they're now advertised at £50 which is either gr8 or they've changed.

 

Anyway, it did a good job of protecting the car for the first 5 or so years, but has now perished and developed a rip so it now has a tarp over the top of it.  The car's still in good shape after many years in the open, so I suppose that's a recommendation.   I might even buy a replacement now the price has come down!   

[danthecapriman]

Just found one that claims to be tailored fit but it's £140!

That's more than half what I paid for the car!

Mine was a fair bit more than that. Then again it's bigger than most peoples cars!

Some are custom made like mine, you have to give them a shit load of measurements to make it from but they fit really well.

Others are grouped into sizes for whatever car you have and are a fair bit cheaper.

 

 

It rained here earlier and the cover is bone dry underneath on the car but outside the water has all formed into little beads like when you wax your car then get it wet. If you shake the cover they all just run straight off.

[For Fiats Sake]

plus 1 on the breathable covers.

 

I got mine from NEC resto/classics show 2 years ago on a recommendation and it keeps the y10 dry, very handy as the drivers window is stuck in the down position.

[Split_Pin]

Seems like you get what you pay for. Mind you the Halfords one has a good endorsement above for half what I was going to pay.

[Kiltox]

It might need to be the halfords one for the balance of quality and price - can't justify much more on a cheap car that isn't exactly concours