16 replies to this topic

[wadders]

Hi All,

 

What are people's opinions of car covers? I've heard mixed reviews.

 

I have to park the mini outside most of the year (it is my everyday car too), and due to the awful weather recently I've been considering a cover. I want to protect the paint work and there is also the odd little drip of water coming in, but I don't like the idea of it not airing out and retaining any moisture.

 

Thanks,

Sam

 

 

[richw911]

If you have to store the car outside thay can be worth it just make sure you buy a  good one that fits properly and is breathable.

 

Its a good idea to take it off in good weather to let the air at it. Used properly it is better to use a cover over just leaving out in all weathers IMO.

[Sean C]

If its your everyday car then forget about the cover as you can't put it on if the car is wet. Find and fix where its leaking from and try to wash the dirt/ salt off the car as regular as possible and also a good coat of wax or polish should help the paint work

[toyboy396]

I used a coverzone one last winter,  When I took it off the inside of the motor was damp n mouldy, was gutted.

Not used it this year and its nice n snug in there.. Was in there today 

[robminibcy]

i had a tailored cover from a series spares for Christmas. It is well worth it for protecting paint and it doesn't seem to get damp inside. Normally after ive left it without a cover it will be all steamed up but with the cover its always clear. My car doesn't seem to have any leaks though.

[MaxAndPaddy]

If in use daily I would cover it overnight ....every little helps and you're warming her through each day

 

Any half decent car cover would be ok for this

 

She needs a comfort blanket 

[Lennyliverpool]

Use my storm cover when ever possible

Had no issues even if i cover it when a little wet - its breathable so no issues

 

Lenny

[CCX]

Been using my Stormforce cover for a year now, all year round (using it in summer helps protect the paint from other damage, such as bird excrement - yes I'm paranoid  ) and I can't fault it. Apart from the fact that our cats have clawed holes in it, it's been the perfect solution to not having a garage. According to the manual that came with it, you can even cover it when wet as it's breathable. Just make sure the car's clean - any dirt WILL scratch the paint. Highly recommend one though.

[OllieTheWelder]

Also recommend stormforce covers. Had mine on for almost 2 years now and although moisture still manages to creep in I think that's more due to condensation than anything else. It fits well and has a strap to keep it fitted tight in wind and elastic around the front/back.

[HarrysMini]

I would personally never use a car cover. As long as you car is painted and protected properly, there's no reason it should rust. Mine sits on the drive in all weathers and it's never leaked or rusted. 

[Spaceibiza]

I have used a storm force cover on mine for a about a year that I was without a garage. I think they are a good bit of kit and definitely worth it if your keeping your car outside!

[Em_the_Ghostie]

I've also got a Stormforce cover for mine as its outside all of the time.  It comes off regularly to make sure the car is OK and the instructions do recommend this.  I wouldn't put it on and leave it for the whole of the winter as you'd never know if it was causing any problems with the paint etc. Had no problems with dampness inside the car apart from when the cover wasn't on and it bounced down - I've found the back doors and windscreen both leak!!  Can't really blame the cover for that though!  

 

If you're using the car daily it may be a proper pain taking it off and putting it on every day although its not a difficult job.  Mines not a daily but I do intend to use it over the winter so the cover comes off regularly for use and to air the car.  It says you can put the car under wet but I'm not so sure I'd want to.  Much rather clean it off, dry it off and then put it back under the cover.  The Stormforce is a great fit for the Mini, I know there are others out there for less but I've not tried them to comment as to whether they are any good.

[Stevie W]

Try a tray of cat litter on the floor when using waterproof covers!
My Mini is kept under a carport but I also have a storm force waterproof cover over her to stop rain blown under the carport from getting her wet.
There was always a little sign of condensation damp inside when opened up but the cat litter stops this!

Cheers, Steve.

Edited by Stevie W, 05 January 2014 - 08:47 PM.

[megamini_jb]

I too use a stormforce and I love it. I'm using the mini all year round too, and every evening I put the cover on.

[wadders]

Brilliant. Thanks guys. Definitely a useful thing to have by the sounds of it! I have a tiny drip coming in from around the bulkhead on the driver's side. Can't quite find it. Hardly anything comes in when washing the car, but over time it has built up a little in the footwell.