To Cover or not to cover

[Sam.slc]

Hi folks

Just wanted your Opinion/advice I have a 1983 230ce, what I want to ask is should I cover the car on the drive with a car cover or leave to the elements. (Garage is soon to become part of extension)

B. Does anyone know of or can advise of good quality exterior covers.

 

[television]

There is for and against,, nothing worse that having a cover that cannot breath, the moisture from the ground rises and gets trapped under the cover

 

[Sam.slc]

Covering

My drive is paved where the car will remain, will that make a diffrence? do you know of a good quality cover that would allow the moisture to escape?

 

[Alex M Grieve]

My drive is paved where the car will remain, will that make a difference? do you know of a good quality cover that would allow the moisture to escape?

As for Malcolm. The problem is that a sealed cover gathers moisture, whereas a well ventilated cover probably keeps the worst off, keeps some in, and it gathers inside the upper part above the skirt level.

Humans have the same problem with rain proof clothes and fortunes have been made inventing and selling "breathable" fabrics (e.g. Goretex). But none of them is perfect.

Your car has resisted the elements since 1983, and was designed for outdoor use. I recommend the "Scottish Solution" - namely leave it uncovered and await the garage. Bear in mind the garage should also be ventilated (air bricks, or a gap under the eaves to allow air to circulate), otherwise in cold weather, condensation will gather, especially if the car was garaged when wet.

No cover might see the car gather dust or get wet, but that is largely cosmetic and I would not worry - the longer term plan is coming up.

I would not be surprised if other memebers disagree - you can weigh the agruments on their merit.

 

[television]

I agree with all that you say Alex, and I would leave it uncovered. If the is building going on then put something over the car, but remove it at other times

You can forget about fuses.

 

[sailorjim]

If you keep covering and uncovering while the building work (with the inevitable dust) is going on you may end up with an intriguing (but not very attractive) textured finish to you paintwork, caused by the cover being dragged across the car. Of course, if you're extremely tall you might manage it without damage.........

 

[Rappey69]

Unless its some super-dooper cover it will flap about in the wind which slowly wears its way through the paint work of your car.
Maybe the only type worth considering is one on hoops so it does not come into contact with the car at all.

 

[Sam.slc]

Thanks for your advice

Thanks for your advice folks, could you tell me more regarding the hoops as that sounds good, I have the offer of a Car port which I may take up

 

[television]

The one on hoop keep the cover off the body allowing air movement, car ports are very good, providing the rain does not blow in constantly

 

[Rappey69]

I havnt seen a cover with hoops in for ages but its just like a dome (sort of) ,or a tent, can be anchored and you just lift an end and drive in.

 

[television]

I havnt seen a cover with hoops in for ages but its just like a dome (sort of) ,or a tent, can be anchored and you just lift an end and drive in.

How about the blow up bubbles

 

[*Thumper]

If your really woried about the effect the atmosphere will have on your car not moving for a while.

Put a coat of "Fenwicks overwintering" on it ........... about £5.00 from any good Motorhome shop .... will leave a white powdery residue on the paint work ..... and will come off with a soapy wash when you want to use the car again .... will not hurt the paintwork !!! ..... Top stuff !!

 

[Sam.slc]

that sounds quite good

Thanks for the tips the Fenwicks stuff sounds good.
Malcom the bubble or Carcoon as they call it was looked into but My wife said, she'd put up with my car stuff but there was now way I was sticking a UFO on the drive.

Thanks to all of you for the advice

 

[rf065]

An open car port is best.
Allows air to circulate all around the car & protects car from the worst of the UV sunlight. If you have a driveway it could be the way to go?

Russ

 

[Sam.slc]

Car port great Idea

I like a Car port myself, but am afraid that it may blow away in high winds?

 

[*Thumper]

The fenwicks is marketed at Motorhome owners who lay up their vehicles for the winter ......... I use it on my caravan, to stop the algea from forming ........... amkes the spring clean, a doddle !

 

[rf065]

I like a Car port myself, but am afraid that it may blow away in high winds?

Shouldn't if built properly with good design & materials.
If you do it on the cheap though, you could be right.

Russ

 

[Sam.slc]

Just don't want it to look too imposing

The Thing about Carports is that they can be very Imposing, the wife would not allow that and she must be obeyed