Can a cover help prevent my vehicle from being stolen?

Yes - for a very simple reason. A thief wants to get into your vehicle, start it, and drive away as quickly as possible. As soon as a thief starts to make an entry, he is exposed. A car cover takes a few minutes to remove, so the thief's exposure time is increased. With so many cars uncovered, why would a thief increase the risk of being caught? A cover also helps protect the contents of a vehicle. When radios, packages and other items are out of sight, they're less likely to tempt a thief.

How can I prevent my car cover from being stolen?

The lock and cable accessory kit that comes with many covers will certainly help. You should also put your name on the front of the cover.
 
Is there a correct way to install a cover?

In general, cover the front and rear bumpers as the last step. If the cover has mirror pockets, place the pockets over the mirrors first. If you have an old car, you should cover the roof and windows first, and then the front and rear of the car. On some coupes and roadsters made prior to 1932, you might be unable to install the cover at all if you start with the front or the rear bumper. Watch installation video (link to same link as how to install a car cover)

What is the best way to fold a cover when taking it off the vehicle?

The easiest way I've found is to fold each side up onto the roof and refold it as necessary so the material ends up about 2 feet wide. Then, starting at the front of the vehicle, fold the cover towards the back in increments of about 3 feet. This way you don't drag the cover over the vehicle's surface, and it's easy to reverse the process for installation.

Can I put a wet cover on a vehicle?

If your vehicle is clean and your car cover is made from a breathable fabric, putting a wet cover on the car is actually the best way to dry the cover. As the temperature warms up, the moisture will evaporate.

Any suggestions on how to keep my vehicle cooler when I use a car cover?

The best thing to do is to lower your side windows about two inches. Ambient temperature builds inside enclosed spaces, and if you open the windows slightly you'll allow air to circulate, just like it circulates under the cover. Some cover fabrics offer more heat insulation than others do, simply because they are multi-layered and are more effective at keeping heat away from the vehicle's surface. But any cover will help reduce the vehicle's inside temperature on a hot day

What are UVR inhibitors?

Ultra Violet Rays (UVR) from the sun degrade most fabrics. To slow the degradation process, manufacturers add chemicals during the production of the fabric. You won't be able to see them, smell them or feel them, but if your cover comes from a reputable manufacturer who believes in quality, they are present.

How often should I wash my cover?

There is no one answer to this question since it depends on where you live, where you park your car and how you use the cover. But, in general, don't be afraid to wash a car cover. Dirt particles can compromise the effectiveness of the water resistance of the fabric. Be sure to follow the washing instructions for the cover you own.

Cleaning Instructions

Car covers are washable. Water and Simple Green^® All Purpose Cleaner are recommended.

• Hand clean small areas with a small brush. The cover can be machine washed at a laundromat in a large commercial unit without an agitator.
• Use 1/4 cup of cleaner.
• Rinse thoroughly making sure all cleaner is removed. Use an extra rinse cycle if necessary.
• Air dry only. Do not machine dry. Automatic dryers can damage the fabric at high temperatures.
• Light dust can simply be hosed off while the cover is on the vehicle.
• Simple Green^® is a registered trademark of Sunshine Makers Inc.

Will treating my car cover with Scotchgard^® fabric protectant make it more water resistant?

Quality covers are treated with a DWR (durable water repellency) treatment during the manufacturing process. The effectiveness of such a treatment will depend on the construction of the fabric. If you can hold the fabric up to light and see small open areas between the yarns, no treatment will increase the fabric's water resistance.

What fabrics would you suggest for a person of small stature?

First off, lighter is not necessarily better. A thin nylon cover or "plasticized" paper type cover can be very difficult to use in any kind of breeze. A heavy cover is also difficult for a person of small stature to handle. Fabrics that weigh between 4 and 7 ounces per square yard are considered ideal. Bulk is another property that is important to consider. Bulky covers are hard to handle and hard to store.