I'm lucky in that I have a heated garage to store my motorcycle and MINI over the winter here in Chicago. It's a clean garage, very little dust or dirt, and no pets to walk on the car.

I have a cover on the bike, and I'm debating whether or not to cover the MINI.

If I don't cover it, I can go over it once in a while with some Zaino to keep the dust that does get on it cleaned off. If I do cover it, I am concerned about scratches from taking the cover off and on.

Do you guys think a cover would help that much with the way I am storing it?

 

In an indoor situation like you have I don't think the cover is going to buy you much if you are using your car often but if you are "storing" it it will take the hassle out of dusting it and secure it from possible scratching from who-knows-what.

Although I am a pretty big fan of car covers in general, if you are changing them often then there is more risk of self-scratching.

I have covers for all my cars but use discretion when using them. My BMW is used the least and sits in the garage with the car cover on it the most-especially all winter. Sounds like it might be the same scenario as with your MINI.

 

Yep! It's the on and off process that will scratch your car. I like car covers for indoor storage only when you are going to leave the car for a while and want to protect it from stray brooms, kids setting their book bags on it, etc... I would only put one on a very clean car.

Others feel differently... I'd just rather keep a good sealant on the car rather than run the risk of scratches from dust, etc getting under there and being massaged into the paint.