As part of my new job (now an "Auditor&quot I'm on my way to see the world. So far this year I'm going to Switzerland for about 4 weeks in June, possibly Saudi Arabia, then Brazil and Japan. I'm thrilled, but lots of time away from my MCS
My trips are usually 3 weeks in duration... Tho at least I'll get to drive some different rental cars

Their's no way in hell I'm leaving it at the airport because the long-term parking lot is near the tarmac and get's direct exposure to jet exhaust as aircraft taxi out. Homeland insecurity also states you can't cover your car at the airport, or at least that what the parking lot operator said

Anyways, I have a car-port at my apartment, so the car is sheltered from the elements- but always seems to get grimy just sitting there. If I'm going away for 3-4 weeks, would you suggest a car-cover? Also, any reccommendations on what kind of cover to use? I'm looking to spend around $100, don't need anything super spiffy- but don't want to damage my finish either...

 

Do you trust your current surroundings?
Maybe consider renting space in a garage or storage facility. I know out here in the L.A. area, we have several options for storage. I've stored one of my trucks at a hangar in VanNuys a few times, used a storage unit facility for my boat, and even used the garage at my company for storing my vehicle while on business and pleasure trips. There are several options I'm sure, maybe a relative's house, best friend, work?
Good Luck and I hope I've helped somewhat.

 

I think tracsportoption posed a good question. Cars always get broken into at my apartment complex so I would be wary leaving my car for an extended period of time. If that's not a problem for you, I hear the Covercraft car covers are good. I can definitely recommend not getting the MINI outdoors car cover. It's too flimsy and way too expensive for its poor quality.

 

The problem with covering your car under a carport is that you're pretty much announcing to the world that you're out of town for a while.

I would leave it uncovered, like you normally do. Just wash it when you get back!

 

Get a good all weather cover with a cable lock. That should keep it protected from both the elements and the less than desireable types.

I like the evolution covers, they are all weather, breathable, and have thicker padding on the sides to help protect from door dings.

It also depends on where you live. When I lived in Yuma, AZ, the dust was so bad that I covered my Z3 every night (although I really only drove it on weekends). Here in North Carolina, my car lives in a carport all the time, and I only cover it if there is a snowstorm coming and I'll be driving the Jeep for a few days.

 

I second the storage facility. If you are going to be gone all the time, I would think the montly fee would be worth it. And you could store other crap in there too.

 

>>The problem with covering your car under a carport is that you're pretty much announcing to the world that you're out of town for a while.
>>
>>I would leave it uncovered, like you normally do. Just wash it when you get back!
>>
>>


Amen to this!

Do not make it obvious that you are gone.
If you buy a cover, use it all the time, even when you are at home!

or find a steady date who has a 2 car garage and leave your baby there while you are gone.

 

When I had a Z3 back in 96, the car cover did not keep the prying eyes away. Instead, the cover only arouse curiosity and attracted unwanted attention. The cable and lock that came with the cover was totally useless since I frequently found the cover half opened, exposing the car. :smile:


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For $100.00 you might get either four cups of coffee at Starbucks or a POS car cover from MINI MANIA.......... Your car port is close enough......I mean you park it outside at work all the time don't you? for days on end? what is the difference? a thought though......they won't steal it off the airport parking lot......unless it is a BRG job....they are usually stolen from anywhere....people steal'em to crush em cuz they are ugly......