Best Car Covers (2023 Ratings)

Car covers are seemingly simple by design, but this isn’t the case for all high-quality covers. A surprising amount of engineering and design goes into these products, making the process of figuring out what works best for you more complicated.

Below are a few factors that we believe are worth considering before you buy a new car cover.

Indoor Vs. Outdoor Car Covers

Indoor covers are drastically different from outdoor covers. The features of each type of cover vary, as does the way the car cover should be used.

• Indoor

  : This type of car cover is meant to protect your vehicle from the hazards of the garage. While you may view your garage as a safe place to store your vehicle, the dust that’s typically found in a garage can ruin your car’s paint. Additionally, this type of cover should protect against any accidental bumps or dings when you pull out tools from your garage.

• Outdoor

  : Outdoor covers are meant to protect your vehicle from a wide variety of weather conditions. Whether rain, sun, sleet, or hail, this type of cover should be equipped to handle anything Mother Nature brings its way. Additionally, outdoor covers are typically UV-resistant and meant to withstand bird droppings and tree sap.

Weather Resistant Car Covers

If you’re looking to purchase an outdoor cover, that cover will need to handle a variety of weather conditions.

• Sun

  : UV protection and heat-reflective material are a must if your car is sitting in the sun for an extended period of time.

• Dust/dirt

  : For those who live in windy areas with lots of dust, a custom-fit car cover ensures that dust and dirt won’t get to your vehicle.

• Rain

  : If you’re worried about rain, a water-resistant cover is the way to go. At the very least you may need a water-repellent material, but it’s also a good idea to research covers that have been treated for mildew.

• Snow/ice

  : Similar to rain, you will want a water-resistant cover to protect against snow and ice. There are car covers available on the market that are specifically designed for ice protection.

• Hail

  : Anything past light hail will require a hail storm-specific cover. This type of car cover is typically padded and will sometimes even be inflatable.

Waterproof Car Covers

“People don’t realize [car covers] are not supposed to be waterproof,” says Kyle Marker, a parts manager at Leith Lincoln in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Waterproof […] turns into mold.”

Marker added that some cheaper, low-quality car covers tend to be thicker, which retains moisture and can contribute to mold formation. 

“They’ll keep moisture in and you want moisture to flow in and out,” he says. “That’s sort of the downside, people say ‘I want it to be waterproof.’ No, you don’t. You want there to be some transfer.”

When Should I Use A Car Cover? 

When it comes to using a car cover, Marker says the best situation is when you store a vehicle outside and do not drive it daily. 

“They’re not hard to put on,” Marker says. “You can put them on by yourself in five minutes. It’s extra time that most people don’t want to spend.”

How Much Is A Car Cover?

For the most part, our team has found that you get what you pay for when it comes to car covers. The average car cover costs roughly $30. However, if you’re wanting to invest in one of the best car covers on the market – expect to spend around $100.

How To Put On A Car Cover

Putting a car cover on your vehicle is a pretty straightforward process. Most manufacturers designate one side as the “front” of the cover, typically with a marking or label, which fits over the vehicle’s front bumper. From there, you pull the rest of the cover across the vehicle and smooth out any bunched areas.

How To Wash A Car Cover

Many car cover manufacturers make their products machine washable, although you should always consult the owner’s manual for the best way to clean your purchase. 

It’s also quite common for car covers to be sold with a storage bag. Those storage bags are meant to help keep the cover generally clean, as well as prevent it from collecting dust and debris when not in use.

Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? Good news! Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order items.

To personalize an item:

1. Open the listing page.
2. Choose the options you’d like for the order. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item.
3. Under “Add your personalization,” the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. Fill out the requested information.
4. Click “Buy it now” or “Add to cart” and proceed to checkout.

Don’t see this option? The seller might still be able to personalize your item. Try contacting them via Messages to find out!