I've read all the discussion on covering vs. not covering, however not having a cover is not really an option for me. I spend a few dozen weekends a year parked at a place surrounded by pine trees. A day or two of being uncovered can often result in a few tree sap spots, which are an awful pain.

That said, my family has a few very cheap covers that really just keep tree sap off. They allow dust. water, etc. through. I'm debating whether I should go with one of these cheapo covers or if it's worth the extra bucks for something more heavy duty. I'm thinking a waterproof cover might be nice for the winter and not having to defrost the windshield.

I really wasn't sure where this belongs, but I figured the guys in Detailing may have the most experience.

 

I have an Evolution cover from Griots and am very happy with it. It is supposedly weatherproof (although in California, that's a relative term), and was custom-cut to fit Clara and all her specific options (spoiler, short antenna, etc). I'm currently garageless and it works fabulously - just make sure the car is perfectly clean before putting it on.

 

debate on "to cover" or "not to cover" -haven't heard that one, -I assumed that it was better to cover.

I park my car in the hot sun at a "park in ride" (then take the bus in to work) ...long commute. I hate the thought of my car sitting in the hot california sun all day long (there are no trees at this park-n-ride facility). I bought a very thin + light weight tyvek car cover. It's bright white and reflects the sun, it's supposedly one of the best sun protecting covers, yet only cost about $80. To be honest I am not sure how well I like the cover. It seems like it probably does a great job against the sun. It's light weight and very compact when folded close. Seems durable. Yet, It seems like it could be softer on the paint? Yet it's not leaving any swirl marks or anything so it's probably okay. I am only going to be using it for another month or so then I get to work from home and won't need to commute.

So, what are the cons against using a car cover???

 

you sold the house after all the work you and your friend carpenter
put in?

 

I think mostly it's about hurting the paint when putting it on or taking it off.

 

gotcha, (i.e. leaving swirl marks, etc).

 

Is the outdoor MINI cover completely waterproof?

 

which cover you talking about? -I know there are several made specifically for the Mini from the dealer ...are you talking about one of these?

 

This one:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=5277

 

Nope, I just moved out of it.

 

i see... never mind i asked. didnt mean to pry.

 

It's all good

 

So, about those car covers...

 

It's water resistant, but not waterproof. When I remove it, the car is a little wet, but in the front the water pools on the cover where the cover goes over/between the driving lights, so it does keep most water off the car.

 

Try these guys...

http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp

I've been using their Ultimate Car Cover for over a year now. LOVE it.

Doesn't allow any water underneath, even when it rains hard.

 

I have the Covercraft Noah fabric and it's phenomenal...

http://www.autoanything.com/car-covers/60A1009A0A0.aspx

Perfect fit and being in South Florida, I can tell you that the cover is not 100% waterproof but it is water resistant... Bird droppings and tree sap have no effects on it whatsoever...

Cover will not fly off with high winds... Haven't tested it with tropical storm gale but I may have to tomorrow!!!