Originally Posted by MAYAman
I plan on using the cover while at work. I'm usually there ten hours a day and sun is brutal. So when I get there at 7 am I'll put it on and then take it off when I go home at 5:30 or 6 pm.
My question is what is the danger to the paint from a car cover? Will the paint or headlamps haze? Is the factory car cover made to breath?
Also when I get home I'll put the cover back on to keep bird crap and other tree born stuff off of it. Will this hurt the paint?
Sorry for the stupid question.
Thanks
Actually, good questions. There hasn't been much talk regarding covers in the forum.
I believe the Chrysler cover is made of Weathershield which is one of the better all-around covers (check to see if you do indeed have Weathershield material). It is also softer than most covers so it shouldn't scratch the finish. However, as already mentioned you don't want to place any cover on top of your car if it already dirty/dusty. Covercraft lists the breathability of Weathershield fabric as "good". The headlamp hazing issue is caused by UV exposure so if anything the cover will slow down the process.
http://www.covercraft.com/Fabric%20Guide%20OUT.pdf
If you plan to use the cover at work each day make sure you also use it routinely at night or whenever the car is parked for long periods to prevent any dust accumulation. As already mentioned, this might get to be tiresome after a while, but you do have to be mindful not to put the cover on the car while any potentially abrasive particles have settled onto the finish.
I have a Stormshield (seems to have recently been discontinued - I hope it wasn't because of some defect) cover for my Crossfire from Coverking. I put it on the Crossfire the evening after I wash it. However, it may stay covered for several days or even longer than a week before it comes off again. Then if I drive it to work the cover stays off until I wash it again (usually just a few days.) I don't typically carry the cover around in the boot (as our UK pals like to call it). So far it seems to work well, but it is difficult to put on when the wind blows. You will have the same issue with the lightweight Weathershield cover. Another thing to consider is fastening the cover on the car at all times. Lightweight covers tend to blow off the car in the lightest wind. You don't want your cover rolling across the parking lot picking up sand or gravel. A locking cable or even bungy cords will keep the cover on snugly. If the cover is moving around a lot the chances you will be more likely to scratch the paint. Unfortunately, it's also a pain trying to reach for the end of the cable while on your knees looking under the car. You'll also need to make arrangements to carry your wet cover home with you in the event it rains (a plastic trash bag works.) But then once you drive your wet car home, you really do need to wash it again before using the cover because you will pick up a layer of road film. Hope this helps.