I have to drive my car to work and leave it parked, unattended for about 10 hours from 300pm to 200AM.

I am debating the idea of getting a car cover to protect the paint and vinyl that I have added to it. Also, it may deter prying eyes or people from messing with my car. COVERKING seems to make some fitted covers that are not too bulky and go on and off fairly easy.

My worry is that driving my car in the southern 90 degree+ afternoon heat to where I park it at work gets the hood really hot. I installed the new self adhesive $80 bonnet protector from NM, but it still gets hot to the touch. I think if I slap a cover over it while still hot it will either,

#1 Melt the cover or
#2 The cover will trap all that heat under the hood and warp my scoop.

I thought if I buy the cover and then cut a hole across the scoop area and re-stitch it back on itself it would allow the air to veny out a 4" slit about 14" across.

Any thoughts from anyone thats been there/done that?

 

I wouldn't do it. I would think covering it would make more people want to mess with it.

 

Drewster, I was curious why you would think that?
My situation is a little different. I am a police officer in a city of about 300K, however I live oustide the city limits and cannot take my patrol car home. I have to switch out my Mini for my Crown Vic on the way to work and on way home.

I park in a nice complex where a buddy resides and we park our Minis together so he keeps an eye out when he can. Alot of the residents know that the Red Mini belongs to a "cop."

My fear is that if someone in the complex has a bad experience or gets a ticket they may try and walk by and Key my car. I figured it would take a lot more effort to lift a cover 36" off the ground and try and reach up under there to mess with the car. That would take more time and the person would risk being seen.

Just my .02

 

I have a covered spot now. But when I started here I used the Noah cover. I can't remember if it is covercraft or coverking. It seemed to offer the best protection overall. You do not fold it into the bag each time. You flop the sides up, then roll it from front to back. Takes seconds only.
I had no trouble putting it on after driving 50 miles but I do not have the turbo.

You could add an extra minute each day and go over it with a california duster before you put the cover on.

 

Im the Blue Mini Wistler is talking about, i always park next to him (when parking permits) and always keep an eye on it but i also have a cover that i never use.... lol i should use it more often......

 

To answer your question, I for one always want to know what is under that cover. So sneaking a peak is what I would do.

Now yes it may deter the occasional petty person but if there is anyone that "WANTS" to damage you car they are going to no mater what or who is looking on. That is just a FACT.

And if you are worried about it getting 'keyed' there then don't park it there. BTW if they want to "key" it they can easily do that right thru the cover no need to take it of or pull it up.

 

Not sure whether they are Covercraft or Coverking, but I have been using one for six years year round on a Vette in CT. Pine tar is the worse evil for me as I live under pine trees. The covers seem to do an excellent job. As stated, you can get in a routine of folding the cover sideways in half from the side mirrors and then front to back or vice versa.

You might give the manufacturer a call with your concern?

Enjoy

 

A car with a cover on it in the middle of a parking lot/garage would attract a lot more attention than a car without one, especially to anyone just trying to mess with someone's car.

 

omg, Whistler and Medevack park next to each other?!?!

 

I think that would also make the red MINI a target, and any vehicle unlucky enough to be next it to, possibly get any fall-out.

I live next door to a cop, and over the years, he has been targeted for revenge or retaliation.

 

Op, I think you can put a cover over a hit engine but would prefer to wait a little for a cool down is better.

There is a big difference between rural living and urban living. You know better about your environment than we would so if you think you can put it on, go for it.

 

Thanks Slinger for the advice on the cover and the heat, which was the focus of my OP. I think I will call the maker and see what they say. Honestly, I don't think the location that I park is really one where I risk being targeted. I mainly want a cover to protect the paint and vinyl, since when I am at work is the only time my car is not under cover.

 

I think it is a good idea to ask. I have put covers over hot engines before on other cars without any issues. Tell us what they say. Thanks.

 

I always covered my previous MINI, hot or not. As long as it is not vinyl backed it should be fine.

 

I've been covering my MINI S since 2008 right after I park with the engine hot, almost every time I drive it to work and again when I get home since I don't have a garage, no problems what so ever, it actually helps a lot with door dings and things like that, my paint is perfect!

It also helps a lot if you keep a good wax coat on it as far as having dust scratching the paint job.
Only problem is it does makes it a little harder to put on and take off the cover since the wax makes it slide, but it makes it so much easier to undust with a California duster before and after covering, that way your cover stays clean and you minimize scratching the paint.

The only time I don't keep it covered up is when it rains or when I haven't had a chance to wash it and has to much dirt to use the California duster on it, every other day he is wearing a cover!