Car covers?

[Vagabond]

So I'm predictably anxious about parking my brand new Golf Gti in a shared garage. I live in an apartment block and whilst the garage is secure access (with only 16 apartments having access), its in a relatively shady end of town and if you bend over from the sidewalk you can see into the garage.

Thankfully my car is on the far end but I was still thinking about buying a car cover to:

A) Draw some some attention away from onlookers

B) Protect it from dust etc. Mon-Fri whilst its sitting there.

A friend tried to do me a favour and buy me something but its far too small and has a cheap plasticy feel too it - I'm actually afraid it'll scratch the paint with consistent use.

I was wondering if anybody had any tips or suggestions? At the very least looking for a plain-colored car cover made from a material that will not scratch or harm the bodywork with long-term use.

Cheers!

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Found this...

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SHOW-CAR-COVER-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-MK5-MK6-SOFTLINE-/350329942835?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51914ab333

Though unsure about the quality ...

[Hail22]

The problem with all car covers as long as there is a small amount of polland, dust, contaminants on the car once you slide that cover on it pushes them as well thus creating fine cuts/swirls plus there is always the problem that some car covers pick up dust etc from your car and stay within the fibres of the cover to cause headaches.

This was personal experience after i bought an Italian bees knees thermal cover (dispurses hot air from the vehicles engine and stops condensation) thank goodness i had it when i had my ****ty Nissan xD

However don't let my words deter you from your research! i'm sure there are plenty good experiences!

[Transporter]

Well, that's a good point that needs to be taken into the consideration.

But, when you don't use your car daily and the car cover stops other bad things from happening to the car, then it is well worth to consider. I bought one while ago (it’s still in the box) just in case the car is parked in the driveway when the bad weather with hails is coming.

The car cover will also protect from the bird droppings, pollen from the trees and so on. I would happily polish out the minor swirls that the paint will not void anyway.

[carcareproducts]

Hi Vagabond,

Car Covers are a tough one - and we sell them!

I have used them personally in a similar situation to you when I had a Black Car that was in a communal secure car park but got covered in dust within 30 minutes and the neighbour's cat took a likely to sleeping on the roof! But I would always take the car home after going out at the weekend - wash and dry it and then put the cover on carefully.

Like the guys have said above, the first thing is that the car needs to be clean and dry, there really cannot be dust or dirt on the paint surface as this is abrasive and can easily harm the paint. You then need a good quality cover that fits well and does not 'flap' around and against the paintwork - like you say any cheap plasticy cover is not good.

We actually sell the cover you linked to above (and our shipping is cheaper and probably faster) and they are good quality if your car is kept in the garage and it is not overly dusty, they are not very discrete though in the colours and style. If you need a little more protection then something like this Car Care Products / Car Care Products / Car Accessories / Car Covers / Prestige Car Cover might be a better option.

If you are Sydney you are more than welcome to come in and have a look at the material the covers are made from and discuss options - we are here: Car Care Products / Car Care, Car Wax, Car Polish, Car Covers, Car Detailing Products & more ...

Cheers