Car Cover Longevity

[Dibbons]

My California Car Cover for the '72 Satellite (Noah edition) received its first tear about the five year mark. I continued to use it for another two years as it continued to fall apart little by little. Vehicle is stored in a double garage without a front doors (more like a carport I guess). The first "defect" I noticed was quite some time (years?) before the very first tear when I noticed there were small fuzz balls all over it like it was shedding or something (details of current unusable condition see photos #1-#3). I replaced it about two years ago, paying California Car Cover another $280.00 plus shipping (see photo #4)

On the '65 Barracuda Formula S (rotisserie restoration) I spent about $50.00 at Autozone for a made in china "three layer" cover. It is just now beginning to tear at the seams. Its been a year or two since I purchased it (see photo #5) (not sure but a previous one of the same quality began to deteriorate after a year or so, although the box advertised a life "up to ten years").

 

[ruffcut]

I have two covers. One is 20 years and the other is 30 years old. Use them every winter and I put a poly tarp over them. Still in good shape. They might even outlive me!

 

[Dennis H]

More trouble than they are worth. Shelf life and cost is an issue.

 

[themechanic]

I bought a Covercraft Dustop indoor cover several years ago when they were cheaper. It fits the Coronet very well. But it stays in the trunk most of the time. They are about $600 now.

If I buy another indoor cover for dust and scratches, I would just buy an El Cheapo for $50 every year.

 

[Black_Sheep]

Mine are both 6 years old, the only holes are from my own stupidity. They are rated for indoor/outdoor use but they have only been used indoors and not in direct sunlight.

 

[themechanic]

I just watched paint detailed videos and they said it's better to just clean the car frequently than use a cover.

Leno never uses car covers in his fleet.

 

[33 IMP]

I have been really pleased with the motor trend covers that I have gotten from Walmart. Around $60 on line. (At least that's what I paid a while back). Pretty durable outside in california weather.

Outside in Arizona, NOTHING is any good. Wind and 115° kills em quick.
So, cheap covers, with a Sam's club tarp over em, windows open a bit, tarp to keep the occasional rain out. And multiple extra tiedowns on both.