Waste of Money or Cost-Effective Asset Value Protection?
In this blog I’m going to delve into the question of whether or not to cover up your vehicle for the winter, the pros and cons of doing so, and the other options available for your vehicle.
In an ideal world, our cherished campers and cars would be kept in climate-controlled garages being pampered by people with cone shaped heads in white coats, with a compulsive urge to polish and preserve anything with a flat four in it. We know, however, that this is very rarely the case!
At best you’ve maybe got a garage but its already full of precious things such as bikes too small for your kids, golf clubs, exercise machines and pieces of wood that may come in useful one day!
Hopefully we can explore some other options to help protect your ride that won’t break the bank.
Let’s Talk About Vehicle Covers
Car or van covers are usually made of a multilayer construction that is both breathable and waterproof, with a non-abrading lining of cotton or fleece to prevent damage to the paintwork surface. Ideally, they are model-specific to the shape of your vehicle, effectively sealing it from the elements, the suns UV rays, dirt, tree sap and bird droppings.
The Pros of Using a Vehicle Cover:
- Protection from UV rays by shielding paint and interior from fading and dulling.
- A barrier against dust and debris reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
- Waterproof barrier protects against rain and snow that can cause rust and corrosion.
- Minimises risk of scratches from accidental contact.
- Rust prevention by maintaining moisture levels inside vehicle cover.
- Protects against acidic or alkaline substances such as bird droppings, tree sap and accidental spillage that can damage paintwork.
- Easy to use and pack away when not in use and can be used in conjunction with a garage or on its own.
The Cons of Vehicle Covers:
- Car covers can only provide limited protection in extremes of weather conditions.
- Can lead to scratches and hazing of paint surface if not correctly fitting due to repeated flapping of material.
- They can be a pain to repeatedly remove and re-fit if in frequent use.
- There can be durability issues with cheaper light-weight covers, you generally get what you pay for.
- Moisture entrapment may occur if the covers are not correctly fitted or inadequate ventilation is provided resulting in possible mould to interior.
So, is a cover worth investing in?
I would say a resounding yes as the positives outweigh the negatives. You just need to manage the storage of your vehicle under a cover with frequent checks of condition and fit and ensuring adequate ventilation to protect your asset in a cost-effective way.
Some other options to use instead of a cover or as well as are as follows:
Weather Shields
These can help maintain ventilation and humidity levels in your vehicle by allowing windows to be left open a little without the risk of rain getting in.
The only possible downside that I can see for these is that they can affect the aesthetics of the vehicle.
Pop-Up Garage
Posh words for a tent for your car or van to live in!
These give a semi-permanent solution to your storage issue, and provide the same types of protection as a traditional garage at relatively little cost. A pop-up garage also gives you space to move around your vehicle so can also be used as a workshop.
They are more expensive than a cover, although less expensive than building new garage, but can be susceptible to high winds so care must be taken in construction to make sure that it is securely anchored down.
The biggest risk that I can see is storing other things in it that you can’t fit in your already bursting garage and still having to park your cherished VW on the drive!
Inflatable Garages
With an inflatable garage you can get the benefits we just discussed for the pop-up garage, but without the arguments with your partner who’s ‘only trying to help you’ in the construction phase!
It’s a one-person job to inflate it, no ‘help’ or ensuing argument required, so at least you won’t end up having to eat your tea in there and then settle down for the night alone in it too!
There is of course the ever-present risk of puncture, but they are made of pretty tough material these days. If you do puncture it then not only will you have let yourself and the family down but you will also have let the whole garage down too!
Final Thoughts
In summary it makes sense to do all that you can to protect your vehicle’s appearance and condition by sheltering it as much as possible, especially over the winter, lessening the risk of costly body work and paintwork repairs due to corrosion further down the line.
While there is no equal to a proper garage, a car or van cover makes good financial sense both in relatively small outlay and in longer term savings by maintaining the good condition and looks of your vehicle.
Until next time!
Mat
