Car Covers - advice?

Hendrikus · Feb 10, 2011

I am now in a position where I have to park my 911 outside every night. It is secure, but outside nonetheless. The car is coming up to 12 months old.

Should I be buying a cover, to put it under every night? And if so, does anyone have a recommended brand? The Porsche magazines are full of cover companies, but have no idea which is best. On a practical level, I once a cover for a car many years ago and it was such a fag to put on, and was so heavy, that I soon lost the will to use it!

Or am I better to just leave the car outside to the elements, and just pay to get it detailed from time to time?

Any advice welcome - have always garaged my cars, so now really nervous about this! Do many others keep their pride and joy outside?

thanks

pwebb · Feb 10, 2011

My take on it - if you use the car regularly then constantly taking the cover on and off will not only become a pain, as before, but the paint will suffer even more due to dirt being rubbed over the bodywork.
Paint on today's cars are more than capable of coping with the elements.
Inside covers are a different matter, but even then I prefer a bubble, having had both in the past.
A regular professional detail is a better option, here's a recent example blamed on a cover:
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=169327

garyw · Feb 10, 2011

I've got one but never use it..
As pointed out it could cause more light scratches than anything else!!
However bird dropping and tree dew would be kept off the car and I guess it may attract less attention from undesirables.. [&:] possibly...

garyw

azure111s · Feb 11, 2011

I've heard horror stories about outdoor covers. Not just the risk of damage when putting on and removing, but also because they have a tendancy to flap in the wind, however they are secured, and cause damage that way. No personal experience though, I hasten to add.

Indoor covers are indeed a different matter. Had one for my Lotus (from Specialised Car Covers) and it was great. Don't have one for the 997 though as it gets more use (due to the fact that kids can go in it!).