5 Best Car Covers for Outdoor Usage: For Sedan, HB, Truck and SUV

5 Best Car Covers for Outdoor Usage: For Sedan, HB, Truck and SUV

Things You Should Consider

Buying a car cover goes beyond reading the best outdoor car cover reviews. You should know how to choose one that will suit your needs, location, and budget. There are many products available in the market but knowing the one that’s for the money is another story. Here, I created a brief buying guide that you can use before you place a car cover purchase.

car cover buying guide

Get your car covered and read the following important points i listed below.

Indoor or Outdoor?

Of all the things you should consider when purchasing a car cover, distinguishing whether you’ll use it outdoors or indoors is the most important. It’s a sure thing that there are car covers that can work for both conditions but if you want to get one for the money, you have to know this part.

Outdoor types are more durable, so to speak. It can endure heavy rains, heat, snow, wind, and other natural elements. Meanwhile, indoor covers are less functional when used outdoors. Most of the time, these are made from fabric that aren’t waterproof and can be ripped by strong winds.

You can use an outdoor cover indoors, but it’s not a good idea to do it the other way around. Indoor covers would likely last under mild outdoor conditions but you shouldn’t take durability for granted.

Different Types of Car Covers

There are four major types of car covers namely the outdoor, indoor, custom fit, and universal. The first two have been discussed earlier so you should have a little idea about what to purchase. Basically, outdoor covers are thicker and plastic based while indoor types have more cotton and moisture absorbing materials. 

If you have the money to spend, custom fits are the best investments. Such type is made to fit a specific car model and year, say a 2005 C6 Corvette. Custom fits are less likely to raise sizing issues as the specifications are clearly stated. You can actually have a detailer customize one for you.

Universal fits, on the other hand, are the most affordable. Most of the time, these are adjustable and you can only take chances with the size. Still, the sizing is broken down into either sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and so on.

Check the construction

Depending on what you’re looking for, the choice for construction will vary widely. Still, it’s best to get one that has advanced patterns in the fabric but not a product of patchwork. Patchwork may have higher chances of ripping when used during a windy day. Though this may not speak totally about quality, it’s best to get a one-piece type. Zipped sides won’t be a biggie, anyway.

Another thing to look for is fewer seams. Thicker seams have a higher risk of water leaks and inefficiency. This may not always be the case but I suggest that you buy one with a thinner ridge.

This could be a bit technical, but if you have time, ask the manufacturer if their covers are made using double needles. Such process has less risk of leaks and rips since there will be a backup stitch if the first one tears.

Choose the cirrect material

There are lots of fabric variations used in the production of car covers: NOAH, Cotton, Sunbrella, Weathershield, Tan Flannel PolyPro, etc. On this part, we will go back to where you’re planning to use it, outdoors or indoors? The likes of PolyPro, Sunbrella, NOAH, and Weathershield are optimal outdoors while Cotton, Dustop, and Tan Flannel are best for indoor use.

These materials may come together in one cover. In the case of cotton, it’s rarely used as a standalone material as it’s usually the internal layer for outdoor drapes. For you to settle the material aspect, consider the car cover basics. Are you going to use it against bird droppings? Snow? UV rays? Dust? If you can’t decide, getting a Weathershield cover will be the safest bet.

Look for additional accessories

Aside from the cover itself, it pays to get one that comes with added perks. As a start, look for a cover that has a decent storage bag as well as free anti-theft lock and cable. Covers with grommets and ropes would also be a good choice along with types that have buckles and straps.

All these parts ensure a perfect fit, but if you want a cover that you can put on without a hassle, find one that can be attached to your compartment.  Basically, this type can be pulled out while the straps are attached inside the car. It’s also easy to put off and store.

Just don’t invest on covers that will hurt your pocket. There are many under $100 types that can last longer than $200 ones. Just look for quality and a few accessories and you’re good.

Check your car’s year model

The failure to do this will result in unending sizing issues. The year and model of your car will dictate its size, especially if you’re purchasing a custom fit cover. I’ve seen hundreds of buyers complaining about getting the wrong cover just because they referred to the product pictures.

Aside from the year and model, measure your car’s dimensions. All the car cover products sold online state its dimensions so buyers will have an easier time figuring out their purchase. This is also the most convenient way to buy a cover if you don’t have time to look for the best outdoor car cover reviews.

Ask yourself a few questions

So you have the right material and size in mind, the next thing that you should do is to ask yourself a few questions. This will help you seal the deal and to avoid the risk of purchasing a mismatched cover.

How often would you use it?

If you’re planning to use your car cover every day, it’s best to get a lightweight and all-weather type. This is easier to put on and off plus you’ll have peace of mind that whatever weather comes, your vehicle is covered. But if you’re just planning to use the cover as storage drape in your garage, you can get a dust-proof type.

What’s my budget?

Aside from the features, your budget is also important. Do you only have $50 to spare for a cover? If so, you don’t have to worry because there are wide variations in the market. You can actually get an all-weather type or as low as $50 or $60.

Where am I parking?

Parking under the tree where bird droppings and sap could accumulate needs a waterproof cover. This is so the natural chemicals won’t bleach your paint. Getting one that can dodge UV rays is also important so your paint won’t be cooked under the hot sun. The best outdoor car cover reviews will guide you through this.

How’s your local weather?

Is your locality always experiencing hailstorms? Knowing this part is important so you can get a cover that will be functional in such conditions. If you bought a cover that can only work under mild rains, you’re doomed during a torrential downpour. So check your location and be up to date with weather updates.

Brands

Best Outdoor Car Cover Reviews: Top Choices For Your Car

After reading all the points I listed earlier, it’s time to place that purchase. Here, I listed three of the best finds in the car cover market. Consider each one and check which matches your needs and budget.

Leader Accessories 3-Layer Basic Guard Review

leader accessories basic guard

Made from three layers of breathable PolyPro, the Leader Accessories 3-Layer Basic Guard will make sure that your car stays dry from outdoor elements. This cover is best for both indoor and outdoor use as it also dodges dust, UV rays, and bird droppings.

This comes with antenna patches, buckles, grommets, and a storage bag for easy use and folding. The reinforced thin seams will make sure that the cover stays in place. You should also use the buckles to make it windproof during windy days. Check out the reviews for this car cover and you can never go wrong.

This Leader Accessories cover is a universal fit so check the size guide included in the product description.

XCAR Sedan Dust Cover Review

xcar sedan dust cover

If you have a sedan with a maximum length of 200 inches, this XCAR Sedan Dust Cover will fit indoor use really well. This is made of non-waterproof material and can protect your vehicle from mild outdoor elements like dust, UV rays, and a mild drizzle.

This cover comes with a free lock and cable plus elastic seams so you get to mix the windproof and anti-theft features. Though not a custom fit, this will give a snuggle wrap on your car like a glove.

The XCAR Sedan Dust Cover is easy to put on and off but make sure that you don’t have an antenna fin to avoid ripping this. The best outdoor car cover reviews will know better.

Classic Accessories Overdrive PolyPro 10-010-051001-00 Sedan Cover Review

classic accessories overdrive

Light but strong, this is what the Classic Accessories Overdrive PolyPro cover won over this year. It’s made from a layer of polypro material that can withstand outdoor weather as well as indoor dust and natural elements.

Though thin, this cover won’t tear easily. Even if it does, the manufacturer will give you a free replacement. No wonder thousands of car owners choose this as their ride cover since it also comes with antenna patches, grommets, rope, and elasticized seams.

Anyway, I wouldn’t recommend you using this during a heavy snow. It’s thin and you shouldn’t gamble with the moisture.

Coverking Full-Size Truck UVCTFLEI98 Cover Review

coverking truck full size

Car enthusiasts who have trucks with a long bed extended cap would surely find peace of mind on this Coverking Full-Size Truck Cover. It’s made from three layers of polypro that can ward off UV rays, rain, snow, and other outdoor elements. This will also be used indoors against dust, indeed, one of the best car covers of 2021.

This is a triguard cover so expect durability and breathability. As much as it’s useful, I suggest that you use this on less torrential conditions like mild rains and light snow. It has a windproof structure but make sure to fasten the buckles and use the grommets.

What’s the fit?

Cars like 66 Chevy Standard Cab Long Box, Ford F150 Standard Cab, 2003 Silverado Fleetside Truck, and 2002 Toyota Tundra will fit nicely. But make sure that you check the measurements of your car because this is a universal fit.

Audew SUV Outdoor Car Cover Review

audew suv outdoor

SUVs aren’t one to be left out this year with the Audew SUV Outdoor Car Cover. It’s made of cotton and PE fabric that can endure tough conditions like snow, acid rain, UV rays, bird droppings, and heavy dust. This is made for long-term outdoor use since it’s waterproof, windproof, and UV deflecting. All these features are actually surprising for a cover worth less than 50 bucks.

If you have a sedan, you can get a smaller size with the same Audew fabric. Overall, this is better than the Motor Trend cover if you’re looking for a long-term protection for your car.

What’s the fit?

The XXL size of these best car covers of 2021 can fit Toyota Landcruiser, 1996 4Runner, and Mazda 6. If you purchase the SUV size for sedan use, it can actually cover up to the wheels but you should make sure to tie it properly.

Last Updated: 30th Jan, 2021

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  • car
Tumay Kilinc

Tumay Kilinc

Co-founder of Reviews By People. I'm here to make your buying decisions easier and save you time. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.

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