Forgive me for asking about a topic that probably has been discussed before but the search function is offline.

First of all, it seems as if car covers have an inherent problem. After a long cruise, it is not convenient to wash the car, unless you take it to a car wash . If you want to protect the car, you are forced to put the cover on over dirt. Then the dirt adheres to the inside of the car cover and as you remove the cover, the clear coat is scratched.

Are car covers difficult to clean or are they easily washable?

Finally, are there car covers available that can protect against minor dings? If there are, then the piece of mind might make it worth dealing with the other problems. I want take some longer over night trips and am to park the car in a Holiday Inn lot.

Thanks to all in advance for your advice.

 

You can always use the California Car Duster on your car before you put the cover on. Just remember, only use the duster or the car cover if your car is slightly dirty. If you haven't washed it in a while, don't put he cover on.

Car covers are pretty easy to wash. The best way is to take the cover to a laundromat and use one of the big industrial washers. Use a mild soap that is designed for the cover. I use Fantastik. It's not the same stuff that's in the supermarket. Here's a place you can buy it.

http://www.pointshop.com/Mall/Catalog/Prod...1000015744.html

 

agree completely with mark...
to answer your other question, the honda cover (not waterproof) has a nice soft interior which helps a bit in protecting against dings-
but, the best protection against dings is being careful where and how you park (look for the right end spot if possible and park as close to the side as possible)-
had to park in a holiday inn type place not long ago- dusted off the car and covered it- parked in a good spot... no problems. after two years, still no dings.

 

MarkS2K - Thanks for the link, etc. Is the CA Duster available through one of our sponsors?

wanabe - Thanks for the info. I saw the Honda car cover on the HandA site and thought it was kind of expensive. Can you recommend a waterproof cover that has enough padding to protect against minor dings? Guess I would spend up to $150. Maybe you have to to get something that will hold up. Just wondered if one could pick something up at Auto Zone or Target and get something of decent quality.

 

Littleton,

I use Covercrafters' Weather Shield cover...I have to, since I don't have a garage. Rain drops just slide off,and it's ultra-light -- folds up nice in the trunk, and you can wash and dry it at home. It also doesn't grind in dirt and dust.

I got it for $225 including cable and lock from Blue Ribbon Auto in San Diego; they're at www.autoanything.com

 

littleton,

Just buy the CA car duster at Walmart or Costco. That's where most of us got ours. I don't hink any of our sponsors carry something like that.

 

MarkS2K - Thanks.

Helios - Thanks for the link.

 

Is this Covercrafters car cover good for winter? I do not have a garage either and am looking for a quality cover before winter.

 

I've used car covers for years and have never scratched any car I've used them on. The easiest way to wash a cover is put it on your car inside out and wash it. If you own a leaf blower you can dry it in a few minutes.