I currently have to park my MINI on the street, often under a tree. I have heard the warnings about car covers scratching the paint, and so I only use mine when the car is freshly washed and dusted. But the Baby is a weekend and errand car, not driven to work, and I'm wondering if sitting under that tree isn't worse for the paint than the cover.

Any opinions? Cover it or leave it exposed? The Baby is an '03 with 40k on 'im, and has travelled all over the contry, so the paint is not PRISTINE, but I want to keep it as nice as possible. (I have to do some paint touch-up tomorrow, as a matter of fact.)

Thanks!

 

No contest. Cover it. Not only will you regret the sap but the bird droppings arent fun either!

 

I'd agree, if you would say "cover it, but only if you are putting the cover on a very clean car. If it gets dirty, leave the cover off until you can wash"

 

Yeah, see that's the thing: I can't wash the car as often as I'd like.

 

I'd invest a Saturday or Sunday in claybar and a good sealant (Klasse or Zaino) system. Then, only put the cover on if the car is clean. If you drive it only on weekends, it shouldn't be too hard to keep it covered about half the time. You will definately do more dammage than good if you put the cover on a dirty car.... you'd be better off just leaving it uncovered all of the time.

 

Definitely cover it. Protects the interior, paint and adds a bit of security from those prying eyes.

 

Yeah. I'm going to start covering it after the next wash. Maybe this weekend, but who knows. I need to do a good wax job too, but can't seem to find the time. But yeah, Today I cleaned off the biggest single bird crap I have ever seen. That's it.

 

Definitely cover.
If you're feeling guilty, get a bottle of Meguiar's Quik Detailer (or similar) and give the fenders and rear area (esp. the rear - damn it gets dirty fast!) a quick wipe down.
I've got cars parked underneath phone wires, and in the Spring the birds are absolutely prolific. I have more than a few etched spots in the paint to verify this. On the other side, I can't say that I have an identifiable scratch(es) from the car cover.
IMO a cover will only harm the car if it is REALLY dirty - in that case I'll hold off and wait 'til I can wash. Otherwise, on with the cover.

 

Thanks! Now that I have my MC (er... that's Motor Cycle) tuned up and back together, I can think about doing my paint touch-up and wash/wax. Then, the cover! Especially with GA$ prices doing what they are. It'll encourage me to not be frivolous with my motoring!