Best Outdoor Car Covers: Top 5 Shields Most Recommended By Auto Experts

It's important to keep your automobile running in tip-top shape. It's also important to have your car looking its best. Getting one of the best outdoor car covers can help protect your vehicle from the elements and eliminate some of your stress.

Cars are hard to keep organized. A survey of 2,000 drivers finds 31 percent of American vehicles are completely overwhelmed with random stuff. This mess isn't just inside of the car either. Thirty-five percent of drivers don't know how often they should have their car washed. One in five (19%) haven't cleaned their car in the past three months and 10 percent don't even remember the last time they cleaned their ride at all.

Being a car owner can also be tediously expensive. In fact, a study found that on average, seasonal car repairs rack up $1,772 per year for American car owners. Eliminate some of the extra cost and let your mind wander elsewhere with the relief of knowing your car is safely covered when not in use.

Even if you don't have a garage or carport to keep your vehicle in, a cover can cut down on exterior dirt and grime buildup. So, what are the best options to keep your car looking like new? StudyFinds compiled a list of the five best outdoor car covers, from ten expert websites, to protect your vehicle. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!

Starting at $194.95, this car cover has high marks from reviewers. "The material was thicker and more supple than our other universal contenders, and it featured a soft fleece layer where the cover met the paint for added protection against scratches. Semi-custom covers aren't a perfect fit, but the Platinum Shield was much better than the other universal covers we tested here," according to The Drive.

Ordering a vehicle-specific cover is easy, as the company's website lets you put in your car's make and model. The Family Handyman calls the Platinum Shield ‘best overall’ adding, "it was the highest-rated for outdoor use and came with a full lifetime warranty. Five years later, I’m no closer to collecting on that warranty than when the cover was new."

"The polyurethane coating on the polyester cover is waterproof, shedding all moisture the moment it hits. Meanwhile, the breathable fabric ventilates to further prevent mold and mildew. You’ll reap the benefits of this cover all year round, especially during the summertime. It's resistant to the sun's UV rays, so your car remains cool during those sweltering days, taking some of the pressure off your AC," says Travel and Leisure. Plus, the Platinum Shield cover comes with hold-downs just in the event of severe weather.

This budget-friendly outdoor car cover is waterproof. Prices start at about $69. "The six-layer Kayme all-weather car cover is made of PEVA and aluminum film to keep the car paint safe," according to MomJunction.

Don't Waste Your Money points out the material's texture that won't damage your vehicle's exterior. The cover "is a soft cotton on the interior to protect the vehicle's paint."

"Another useful feature is a panel with a zipper that allows you to get in and out of your car whenever you need, making it perfect for those who are often on the go," notes Travel and Leisure.

At an $80 starting price point, this seven-layer cover is ready-fit. "While the Executive Storm-Proof Cover isn't custom fit to your vehicle's specific make and model, this breathable cover is available in a variety of sizes, which means you can get a tight fit that won't blow around too much in high wind like some universal car cover options," suggests CNET.

Auto Gear Lab adds, it's made with "5 layers of spunbond polypropylene, 1 layer of microporous film and 1 layer of soft cotton. All this combined provides a 100% water resistant protective barrier for your precious vehicle. This not only protects your car from rain or snow, it also provides proper protection against harmful UV rays and greenhouse effect temperatures inside your vehicle."

Although water resistant, it isn't waterproof. The Wired Shopper points out, "you would want to keep your car from extreme storms because it tends to let water in certain areas."

Specifically designed for extreme weather, this car cover inflates to protect your vehicle from the elements. However, at $450 it's pricey. "This innovative cover inflates within five to eight minutes to protect the car from extreme precipitation," according to Travel and Leisure.

Popular Mechanics notes, "it will guard the vehicle against hail, heavy rain, 60 mile per hour winds, plus UV and dirt. It even comes with a downloadable app to alert you to hail storm warnings. This level of protection comes at quite a cost, but if you live in an area with heavy storms, it could easily pay for itself by averting a bill at the body shop."

At $36, this option won't break the bank. "This car cover is wear resistant and tear resistant. It protects vehicles against dirt, bird droppings, tree sap and more. The cover has buckles to prevent it blowing off in strong winds," according to Don't Waste Your Money.

"The fabric is considered highly water-resistant, according to our pros, and it's also said to be able to handle all weather well. Plus, our pros love that the elasticized hem allows the cover to provide a tighter fit against the car," adds Good Housekeeping.

Travel and Leisure points out: "In addition, this cover is UV-resistant. This prevents the color of the cover (you can purchase it in yellow, white, or red) from fading. As a bonus for those who park their car outside, there are reflective strips to ensure other people notice your car at night."

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.

About the Author

Melissa is a freelance writer, based out of New Jersey. She has over two-decades of writing, editing, and producing experience for Radio, TV, and Digital Media.

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