Covering a car outside for winter

[DSMFalcon1]

I've been considering covering my car with a tarp this winter as it will be sitting outside. I've heard that you shouldn't cover a car when it's outside. Does anyone have anything to say about this?

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Well, a tarp can scratch the paint when it's blowing in the wind all the time. I would get an actual waterproof cover made for it. Make sure it is strapped down real well too to prevent it from flapping against the paint in the wind too much.

 

[dsmcrzy]

Well a tarp will also trap moisture underneath it.

 

[DSMFalcon1]

You bring up a good point. I would have been so angry if I uncovered it in the spring and found the paint all scratched up in spots. Not like it's in the best shape anyway.

I'm bummed I'm so short on space in the garage. I like it inside and protected. Better to have it dusty then filthy after a winters beating.

Well a tarp will also trap moisture underneath it.

Another good point dsmcrzy. I'll keep it uncovered. I can't afford a real cover for the car at this point.

 

[Abob]

When I had to store my cars outside I just went to Walmart and bought a car cover for the size of my car. Then I would make sure it was secured tight around the vehicle. If I remember right, Walmart was the cheaper place I found for them

 

[TheFallenTSI97]

I work at O'reilly's and we have 3 levels of protection on the covers we offer. The level one which are more for sun, and light moisture, range around $30 before tax. The second stage offer more water resistance and range around $50-$60. And the third offer best protection and if snow/rain is a big issue is the one I recommend and covering my own car range around $80-$90. They all even have a warranty to them. stage 1 offers a 2 year, stage 2 offers a 5 year, and stage 3 offers a limited lifetime. They have a couple different sizes to chooses from so price will vary a little depending on what size you get. They all have the elastic band in them so they already form snugly but if you're really worried about your paint there is straps and other accessories to keep them in place.

 

[98PaprikaAWD]

If you're on a level surface, like concrete or asphalt; try to get the tires off of the ground. It will help prevent tire rot and keep moisture from accumulating underneath the car; and therefore rust protection.

Just make sure it's safely "elevated". I used jack stands 6-8 inches off the ground. Hope that helps.

 

[Insane20]

Personally I really don't think there is a right way to cover a car. A tarp will scratch paint and unless you put your car in a giant zip lock bag, moisture will get under the cover.

 

[91-GS]

Get some PVC pipe and form half-hoops around the car by hammering ends of the pipe into the ground. Then stretch a tarp or car cover over the hoops. That would allow air to move between car and cover, drying up any moisture that gets in there.

A bit more expensive would be to actually build a small 'garage' that looks like half a tube. 3/4 PVC should be strong enough. Fill the pipe with sand to give structure some weight so wind won't affect it as much. Could use lumber (2x3 is cheapest,at least around here) to form the frame as well.

Cheapest thing to do would be to get some styrofoam (ask different stores or body shops, very likely they will give you styrofoam that was packaging material at some point) and cut it up into small 1"x1" or 2"x2" blocks to form spacers for the cover. Then use glue, but not superglue (it eats up styrofoam) to attach those spacers to the inside of the cover before covering the car. That way the cover is not trapping moisture between itself and the car, at least not as much.

 

[DSMFalcon1]

I just left it outside. It has about two feet of snow on it now. Spring time it'll need a full detail anyway.

 

[BLACKCARBON]

Personally I really don't think there is a right way to cover a car. A tarp will scratch paint and unless you put your car in a giant zip lock bag, moisture will get under the cover.

CarJacket, the Original Car Storage Bag - CarBag - Protective Jackets for Storing Your Car or Motorcycle. Made in the USA.

 

[Insane20]

CarJacket, the Original Car Storage Bag - CarBag - Protective Jackets for Storing Your Car or Motorcycle. Made in the USA.

So they do make a zip lock bag for your car!

 

[Pipnorcali]

Dont do it like me..haha

 

[NJBoostedDSM]

i want that car jacket thats sick tho, would that ruin the paint as well if its flapping everywhere?

 

[d1978]

A semi permeable car cover should do the trick, ( breathes one way)