So recently I started parking outside and using a cover to keep all the dirt/sap off the car. I have been doing this for a few weeks and when I finally got around to washing the car, I noticed some light scratches along the hood of the car. I dont know how they got there but I am thinking they were caused by the cover? Perhaps dust and other stuff accumulated under the cover as I took it off and put it on and caused the light scratches? Any others who are constantly taking off and putting on car covers have this happen to them?

 

Is your cover cloth or that paper looking material?

I had one of those cheap paper looking covers and yes it does scratch the car. I switched to cloth and its much better.

 

I bought a cheap car cover for my Jetta (plastic cover from Target) a few years back and it felt abrasive to the touch. I used it for a few weeks and believe some light scratches were the result. Luckily, I noticed this early enough and was able to buff them out. For my S2000, I got the Honda cover and have used every night (I cover it in my garage to keep my cats from scratching it, getting paw prints on it, etc.) for the past 2.5 months with no problems. BTW: I've not yet cleaned the cover yet but plan to do so in the next couple of weeks.

You might be more prone to scratching if your car is covered outside where side to side movement as a result of wind is applicable...garage=no wind=no movement.

Also, one of my cats treats my soft top like a hammock...laying between the supports. Imagine the sag the roof would develop! Therefore, each night I cover the car and place empty cardboard boxes on the roof to deter lounging. It seems to be working!!!

 

I have an oem car cover and have also noticed small hairline scratches. I'm not sure if its worse to just leave the car uncovered in the elements or continue causing more scratches

 

It not only depends on the cover, but how you take it off. Are you sliding the cover towards you as you roll it up, or are you walking down the length of the car as you roll the cover.

I noticed some wear very early in my car cover experience, and adjusted my technique.
Try to avoid pulling the cover across the paint as little as possible.

Also, get a duster thingy from the car cover stores. Give the car a quick swipe before you cover it. That will help to eliminate any sanding of the finish as the cover shifts in the wind.

I've covered my ride outside for almost 2 years now, with no problems from the cover.

Enjoy

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DancingFool Therefore, each night I cover the car and place empty cardboard boxes on the roof to deter lounging.

 

IMO Covers do create minor scratches on clear coat.

How can you test this, get a cd -rom that you can disgard.

Place the side of the cd-r that gets written to , under the cover, and rub on the underneath of the car cover, if you see minor scratches or swirls on the cd, then that what is going to be reflective on your clearcoat

just my $.02

s2ksimon

 

also depends on how dirty your car is...
my car is coverd almost daily with the honda cover, but the car is also kept clean, as is the cover.
have no effects from covering (except that the car stays clean and has no dings!)

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Are there any recommendations for good covers other than the OEM one? The cover I have is made out of cheap feeling material so I guess its time for a new one.

 

Cleaning your car before you cover it helps alot. Even more if it is waxed.