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Protect Your Car With The Best Car Covers For Snow

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Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 1:29 p.m.

Winter is a wonderful time, but not so much when it comes to your car. Ice storms, hail, and even snowfall can damage your car. Those without a garage or a carport to shelter their vehicles from the elements can relate to and understand this problem. A small investment in a car cover can save you a lot of money in the long run on maintenance and auto repairs. You can get car covers in various styles and designs. They’re designed to shield your car from the weather, particularly snow during the winter. As a result, choosing a car cover isn’t a difficult task, but the wide range of options available can make it hard to quickly land on a decision. To get you prepared for the harsh winter and snow this year, we’ve compiled a list of the highest-rated car covers for snow of 2023 that are both affordable and functional.

Car Covers For Snow Buying Guide

Keeping your car, truck, or SUV clean and well-maintained is impossible without the right storage solution. Whether you park your car in a garage, carport, or driveway, you'll need a reliable vehicle cover to protect it. These products protect against dirt, debris, scrapes, rain, sunshine, and snow by forming a protective layer. Finding the perfect cover for your specific needs, on the other hand, might be challenging. This buyer’s guide will give you confidence as well as all the information you need to buy the ideal car cover for the snow this year.

Things You Should Look for When Buying a Car Cover

Material

The majority of car covers are made with sturdy, water-resistant fabrics. The cover’s outside material should be both water and dust-resistant. Snow protection is important, but it's also good to choose a cover that protects your car from the sun's rays. In addition, be sure to examine the fabric's breathability. Using breathable materials helps keep the air moving and reduces the risk of mold. Buying a cover with a nice fleece, or cotton, the inside fabric is vital. Since it's made of supple material, it won't damage your paint.

Type

There are many different kinds of car covers available on the market. There are also custom-fit versions, which are by far the greatest option. Custom coverings provide an airtight seal, keeping dust and other contaminants out. Inflatable, portable, and umbrella vehicle covers are all choices to consider. When shopping for an umbrella cover, look for a well-made and long-lasting one. The installation and use of inflatable versions are time-consuming, but they provide excellent coverage. On the other hand, portable vehicle coverings are lightweight and excellent for modest coverage. You should avoid purchasing portable coverings for use during extreme weather though. In addition to these features, some extra features may be worth considering when purchasing a cover to protect your car from hail, ice, and snow. A bright car cover might also assist you in finding your vehicle in the dark. Look for car covers with tie-downs and grommets for further protection. A car cover isn't complete without elastic bands either. Buying a product that includes a storage bag and an antenna patch is also a smart move.

The Kinds of Car Covers

All-weather, indoor, and outdoor coverings are the most common.

Indoor

As the name suggests, indoor car covers are for indoor use only. Your vehicle can be shielded from elements when stored in the garage for an extended time. Despite what most people think, these covers aren't a waste of time or money. In the past, you may have experienced how dusty your car can become after leaving it in the garage for an extended period. Indoor covers protect your car from moisture, especially if they are water-resistant. However, they are less durable since they are not designed to withstand high winds and storms.

Outdoor

An outdoor car cover is necessary if you frequently park your car outside. These coverings are more robust and long-lasting due to their frequent exposure to the elements (including rain, snow, and wind). Because water may leak through them, they're usually constructed with numerous layers. UV-ray protection is also included with these car covers, which shield your vehicle from the sun's rays and keep your paint and interior looking new. You should anticipate paying a little more for an outdoor cover than an inside version because of the extra features and more durable materials.

All-weather

These top-of-the-line covers are built to resist the harshest conditions (within reason, of course). These covers keep rain, snow, and sun off your car.

The Benefits of Using Car Covers for Snow

Using a car cover to protect against snow has several advantages. What a car cover can shield your vehicle from is determined by how, when, and where you use it.

Tree sap and bird bombs

Protecting your vehicle against these dangers is a must. Both can damage your paint if left on for an extended period and require a significant amount of elbow grease and chemicals to remove, which can wear away your paint's clear coat.

Protection against pollution from the industrial sector

Acid rain, airport jet fuel particles, rail dust from a neighboring railroad, and more, are examples of these kinds of pollutants. They can also become embedded in your paint and degrade your clear coat over time.

Tree limbs and cat claws

Protecting your vehicle's paintwork against threats from branches, twigs, and other debris can be done with the help of a cushioned car cover.

UV radiation and the sun's rays

The sun's harmful UV radiation might damage your paint and interior. UV rays can still travel through your car's clear coat (the top layer of your paint) and into the components underneath, which can lead to degradation over time. Your car's clear coat will last longer if you keep it in good condition. Only the clear coat protects the color below from fading.

Wear and tear

Protecting your paint from being scratched by other car doors, garage junk, and curious youngsters is another advantage of using a car cover with a cushioned layer.

Snow and rain

Water-repellent outdoor covers prevent rain from soaking your car's body, leading to corrosion and other issues over time. It is also easier to remove a cover containing snow. Despite the danger of small damage to your paint, it's preferable to use a broom for removing snow from a covered vehicle. We know you need to get to work on time.

How to Take Care of a Car Cover for Snow

You have to take good care of your cover, given its cost and intended use. A shabby cover might do more harm than good when it comes to protecting your vehicle. Your paint will be scratched and marred if you use dirty and damaged covers. Water can permeate through a cover's fabric, diminishing its water resistance and decreasing its breathability, leading to mold and mildew buildup between the cover and your paint. Instructions on how to care for a high-quality car cover are included with the purchase. If you've misplaced your user manual, you can typically get a replacement from the manufacturer.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Mornyray All Weather Car Cover
Best Material: Tecoom Car Cover For All Weather
Best Design: Kayme 6 Layers Car Cover
Best Features: Icarcover Premium Car Cover
Best Protection: Titan Performance Car Cover For Sedans

Reviews

Best Overall

Mornyray All Weather Car Cover

Pros	Cons
Excellent rain-proofing material Wind-resistant design Excellent sun protection 13 size options	No protective lining Rather small

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Best Material

Tecoom Car Cover For All Weather

Pros	Cons
Six layers of heavy-duty protection Waterproof Storage bag Dustproof	One-color only

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Best Design

Kayme 6 Layers Car Cover

Pros	Cons
A soft inner liner protects the surface from scratches Easy-to-use zipper Aluminum fibers help keep cars cool	In case of severe rain, seams may leak Not especially durable

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Best Features

Icarcover Premium Car Cover

Pros	Cons
Watertight and impervious to weather Protects against UV rays and heat Anti-theft feature Perfect fit	Not ideal for hot climates Small sizes

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Best Protection

Titan Performance Car Cover For Sedans

Pros	Cons
Zippered driver's side entrance Scratch-resistant material Waterproof	Isn't very transportable Lacks a viewing panel

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FAQs

Can a car cover protect a vehicle from the sun?

Yes, they can! Car coverings for outdoor vehicles can reflect UV rays rather than absorb them. In addition, a silver, almost mirror-like sheen is usually a strong sign that a product will repel UV radiation.

Can car covers harm your vehicle’s paint?

The problem is there is a risk that this can happen. Look for covers with softer inner linings if you don't want your paint to get scuffed. It's also a good idea to wash your car beforehand before covering it to prevent scratches to your paint job.

Is it possible to wash a vehicle cover?

In general, the answer is yes. Washing by machine is explicitly prohibited on several covers. However, most covers can be cleaned by hand, provided you use the correct detergent and care when doing so. The label on the cover provides information on how to clean it.

Will a car cover damage my vehicle?

Possibly yes. Scratches are easy to get from covers with a rough lining.

Are car covers effective at preventing hail damage?

Hail can only be effectively protected from your car or truck by covers specifically designed to withstand it. You can't protect your car against hail damage with a standard outdoor cover.