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Monday, September 13, 2010

Car Covers: A Critical Auto Accessory

By Jim Martin

A car cover is a great auto accessory when it comes to protecting the exterior finish of a car. It is a fundamental item that every car owner must have as it helps protect against bird droppings, tree sap, falling branches, dust and other elements that can damage the exterior finish. Today, there are different options available in the market including custom covers that will even fit perfectly over a minivan, truck or SUV!

Essentially, there are two basic types of car covers: indoor and outdoor. Each of these covers has a different role and offer great protection to your car under various conditions. Many people think that a garage is a safe place for your car, but even in there it may be subject to minor bumps and scratches. The indoor covers help to protect your car from these damages and also shield the paint finish from the dust that takes their toll on the shine of your car. On the other hand, if you are going to park your car outside in the open, an outdoor cover will come in handy to protect your car from the harsh weather, falling branches, bird droppings and harmful UV rays.

Car owners must choose the right kind of car cover depending upon where they intend to use them. Buying an indoor cover for outdoor use, or vice-versa, is not going to provide the proper protection for a vehicle. This is because the materials used in the manufacture of each of these covers are extremely different.

So, what type of materials should you look for in an indoor car cover? When covering a car stored indoors, it is best to use a cover made of heavy flannel material. This fabric is mainly used for show cars as it offers protection against dents, dings and dust. Cheaper varieties of car covers made of polyester and cotton can also provide basic indoor protection. In addition, car covers made from polycotton are also great when used indoors, as this material is breathable and prevents condensation that leads to rusting.

So, what is the best outdoor cover material? Though relatively expensive, outdoor covers made with acrylic fibers offer superior protection. This fabric is especially suitable for intense sunlight areas such as in Arizona. The acrylic fiber car covers are durable, long-lasting, fade-resistant and waterproof.

Buying a car cover is often given very little research before purchase. Some even buy cheaper quality covers and expect great results. The value of a good cover can often times only be appreciated by someone whose car wasn't damaged because they used the right type of cover - or by someone who regrets buying a cheap car cover because their vehicle did get damaged!

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