What are the disadvantages of car covers?

Car covers can protect against sun, dust, and moisture, but they come with notable downsides. The main disadvantages are that covers can scratch or abrade paint if dirty or ill-fitting, they can trap moisture and promote mold or rust, they can flap in windy conditions and cause damage, and they require time and maintenance to use properly. Here’s a detailed look at why some drivers skip covers and how to weigh the drawbacks.

Paint finish risks

The following points describe how a cover can harm the vehicle’s exterior if not selected and used carefully.

• Particulates trapped between the cover and the car’s surface can abrade paint during placement or removal, especially on dirty or dusty days.


• A poorly fitted cover can rub against edges, mirrors, trim, or antennas, gradually causing micro-scratches or wear on the finish.


• Elastic hems, straps, or fasteners that press on painted surfaces or chrome can leave marks or cause localized wear over time.


• In strong winds, a loose or billowing cover can flap and rub the surface, increasing the risk of surface damage during handling.


• Cheaper or rough inner linings may transfer lint or degrade the finish with repeated contact.

Mitigation: choose a snug, well-fitting cover designed for your vehicle size, with a smooth inner lining and breathable fabric, and ensure the car surface is clean before covering.

Moisture, mold and rust concerns

Moisture management is a central concern, particularly in humid or rainy environments. Some covers trap condensation or restrict airflow, creating a microclimate under the fabric that can promote rust and mold.

• Non-breathable or poorly ventilated covers can trap moisture under the fabric, increasing the risk of rust on exposed metal and corrosion under trim.


• Dampness under the cover can lead to mold, mildew, or musty odors inside the vehicle if air exchange is blocked.


• If the car is wet when it is covered, water can become trapped and promote surface deterioration beneath the fabric.


• Sunlight combined with poor ventilation can, over time, degrade protective wax or sealants on the paint if moisture remains trapped.

Mitigation: prefer breathable, water-repellent covers and ensure the car is dry before covering; on humid days, remove and air out the car when feasible.

Practical considerations: time, cost and maintenance

Beyond physical risks, using a car cover introduces practical drawbacks that can affect daily routines and budgets.

• Installation and removal take time, and doing it in inclement weather can increase the risk of accidental damage.


• Covers require storage when not in use and regular cleaning to prevent dirt buildup that could scratch the finish or transfer grime to the car.


• Quality outdoor car covers cost more upfront; cheaper models may wear quickly and require frequent replacement.


• In windy or storm-prone areas, improper securing can cause covers to come loose, flap violently, or even blow away, potentially harming the vehicle or posing a handling hazard.


• Over time, wear and tear on the cover itself can reduce its protective effectiveness, necessitating periodic replacement.

Mitigation: weigh the routine of covering against the environment; invest in a high-quality, well-fitting, breathable cover and follow maintenance guidelines to minimize hassles.

When to use a car cover judiciously

Car covers can be valuable in environments where exposure is unavoidable, such as long-term outdoor parking or areas with strong UV exposure. In a fully indoor garage or carport, the drawbacks may outweigh the benefits. Assess climate, vehicle value, and your willingness to maintain the cover to decide whether it’s the right protection for your situation.

Summary

Car covers offer protective benefits but carry notable disadvantages: potential paint abrasion, moisture entrapment, wind-driven damage, and a maintenance-heavy routine. The best approach is to select a high-quality, properly fitting, breathable cover and to ensure the vehicle is clean and dry before covering. In climates with heavy exposure or long-term outdoor parking, a cover can be worthwhile; otherwise, alternatives like indoor storage may be preferable.

What are the disadvantages of using a car cover?

The main disadvantages of using a car cover are the risk of paint damage from improper use, moisture buildup that can lead to rust or mold, and the inconvenience of daily use. Poorly fitting or low-quality covers, especially if not used correctly, can trap dirt, get loose in the wind, and retain moisture, all of which can damage a car's finish. 
Risk of paint damage

• Scratches from debris: Dirt, dust, and other debris trapped between the cover and the car can act like sandpaper, causing scratches and abrasions when the cover moves. 
• Damage from movement: Loose covers can flap in the wind, while a cover that is too tight can create unnecessary pressure. Both can cause scuff marks and wear. 
• Abrasive lining: Covers with coarse or rough inner linings can scratch the paint. 

Moisture and rust 

• Trapped moisture: Non-breathable or cheap covers can trap moisture, leading to condensation and potential mold, mildew, or rust formation on the car's surface. 
• Applying to a wet car: Putting a cover on a wet car traps moisture and can lead to similar damage. 

Inconvenience and maintenance

• Tedious to use: If you frequently drive your car, taking a cover on and off every day can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially in bad weather. 
• Requires cleaning: The cover itself needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on its surface and being transferred to your car. 

Other disadvantages

• Incomplete protection: Covers can't protect against all types of damage, such as falling branches, dings from other vehicles, or high-speed impacts. 
• Attracting pests: Some users report that covered cars may attract mice. 

Is it good to put a cover on your car?

Yes, a car cover is good for a car because it provides protection from environmental damage like sun, dust, debris, scratches, and bird droppings, especially for those without covered parking. However, it's crucial to use a high-quality, breathable cover that is clean and properly fitted to avoid trapping moisture, which can lead to rust, mold, or paint abrasion from rubbing.
 
Benefits of using a car cover

• Protects against UV rays: A cover shields paint from fading and interior components from cracking and fading, says this Espace Maison article and this Motorist Assurance Program article. 
• Shields from elements: It acts as a barrier against rain, snow, hail, and acidic rain. 
• Prevents scratches and dents: A cover can protect against minor damage from falling branches, hailstones, or other debris. 
• Keeps the car clean: It prevents dust, dirt, tree sap, and bird droppings from accumulating on the vehicle. 
• Enhances security: A cover can make a car less appealing to thieves, especially if it's secured with a lock. 
• Maintains value: By preventing damage from harsh conditions, a cover can help preserve the car's condition over time, which is especially beneficial for classic or valuable vehicles, notes this Quora thread. 

Potential downsides and how to avoid them

• Moisture buildup: A non-breathable cover can trap moisture, leading to mold, mildew, or rust. To prevent this, ensure your cover is breathable, and always place it on a completely dry car, as recommended by this CarCovers.com article and this Hagerty article. 
• Paint abrasion: An ill-fitting cover or one made from abrasive material can cause scratches. To avoid this, use a cover that fits snugly but not too tightly, and ensure both the car and cover are clean before use, as suggested by this CarCovers.com article and this Hagerty article. 
• Inconvenience: The process of putting on and taking off a car cover can be inconvenient for daily drivers. 
• Wind damage: Strong winds can blow off an unsecured cover. Use a cover with features like elastic hems or tie-down straps to secure it, as advised by this Stonewall Collision article. 

Does a car cover damage the car?

In the world of car care, there is a common misconception that car covers can damage the paint of your beloved vehicle. However, this belief couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, car covers are an excellent solution to safeguard your car's paint from the elements, ensuring its long-lasting beauty and shine.

What is the problem with car covers?

Poor fit: generic covers flap in wind, rub paint, and can cause micro-scratches. Trapped moisture: a non‐breathable cover can trap condensation and accelerate corrosion, especially in humid climates. Wind damage: covers can act like sails, loosening or tearing and repeatedly rubbing paint.