Whether
storing overnight or long term, covers are often the most effective solution.
Protect your investment with a car cover, outdoors, car covers offer unequalled
protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation they are manufactured to be
water-resistant and are available in various breathable fabric materials that
provide protection from acid rain, pollution, bird excrement, tree sap and
windblown debris, as well as protection against every type of climatic
conditions, can be used for both long-term indoor or outdoor vehicle storage.
Covercraft Products are well known in the automotive industry as the largest
manufacturer of custom patterned car covers in the world. Started in 1965 as a
two-person company, now with over 500-employee’s supplying the automotive
aftermarket, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and specialty markets with
over 45,000 custom cover patterns, made in the USA with the QS 9000 standards
rating award, meeting strict international quality standards. They offer a four
year replacement warranty.
Websites
·
California Car Cover Company - How to Select -
·
Cover craft Europe - http://www.covercraft-europe.com Covercraft Europe is the world’s largest maker of custom-fit
car covers, motorbike & scooter covers, jet-ski covers, pet covers, pet
pads and cargo tech bags-
For
relative ease of handling choose a cover with a fabric weight of between 4-7 oz.
per sq. yd. Used for long-term vehicle storage, either in the garage or
outdoors, car covers protect against accidental scratches and dings from
passers-by, car doors, lawn mowers, sporting equipment, bikes and pets.
Started
in 1965 as a two-person company, now with over 500-employee’s supplying the
automotive aftermarket, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and specialty
markets with over 45,000 custom cover patterns. Made in the USA with the QS
9000 standards rating award, meeting strict international quality standards
Some
fabrics offer more heat insulation than others, simply because they are
multi-layered and are more effective at keeping heat away from the vehicle
surface, but any cover will help reduce the vehicle temperature on a hot day.
They are manufactured to be water-resistant, available in various breathable
fabric materials for protection against every type of climatic conditions, as
well as both long-term indoor or outdoor vehicle storage
Car Cover Product
Selection
A
quality car cover with a soft inner liner will not damage the paint; the key is
to put the cover on a car that is clean and waxed. This will help prevent any
possible damage from environmental damage (ultra violet radiation, acidic bird
and insect excrement, airborne dirt and grime, acid rain, and etc.). It will
also keep the interior cooler avoiding the damage caused by ultra violet
radiation and subsequent photo degradation. This results in discoloration,
fading, embitterment, cracking, chalking and/or loss of interior vinyl, leather
upholstery, carpeting, and etc.
A car
cover must allow transpiration; when you have any solid or liquid in a humid
environment, you have absorption of water at the surface. Moisture due to
condensation must to allowed to dissipate, otherwise the paint will haze and if
moisture is trapped it will damage the paint surface. For these reasons when
storing a vehicle never place anything (i.e. a water-proof tarp) on top of a
car cover
Moisture Entrapment
Paint
will sometimes show ‘hazing” after removing a car cover that has not allowed
transpiration. The temporary hazing, which can appear as a slight dull
discoloration, stain, or raised surface in the paint is caused by the paint
finish absorbing moisture
Correction- In
most cases, by applying Isopropyl alcohol and exposure to heat (sunlight)
allows the moisture to evaporate within a few hours. For colder climates,
moisture evaporation recovery can be accelerated by placing the vehicle indoors
and using a portable infrared heat lamp (or professional-type heat gun). Allow
the affected area to outgas by not using a wax or sealer on the affected are
for a few days
In
extreme cases if a waterproof cover i.e. a tarp is used to cover a vehicle it
may cause delamination. A polyurethane paint (high solid / low solvent) clear
coat can absorb moisture; as water molecules are smaller than a cross-linked
clear coats molecule. Moisture (condensation) can permeate and break down the
chemical bonds between the clear coat and the basecoat; this sometimes produces
small bubbles in the paint surface. This will also cause delamination between
the layers since once the chemical bond is destroyed; only the weaker
mechanical bond remains.
1. Vehicle Storage
a) Indoor: Dustop ™ a four layer cover with maximum dust
protection and its soft inner layer protects paint.
b) Long Term Outdoor: WeatherShield™ heavy duty (HD) -
primarily for intense sun environments and long-term storage provides optimum
protection from a multi-layer breathable (heavyweight) fabric.
2. Outdoor Weather
Protection - Ultratect Car Cover:
This
car cover doesn’t just keep your vehicle looking showroom new; this
cutting-edge fabric retains its sharp looks longer than other materials. Each
cover is stitched together using solution-dyed WeatherMax® SL fabrics, the most
fade-resistant you can find. Every single thread is dyed from the inside out,
not just on its surface. This advanced
colouring process leaves your Ultratect car cover fully fade resistant.
Along
with retaining its colour longer, this cover also delivers superior outdoor
protection against water and UV rays. It’s finished on both sides with HydroMax
to repel rain and morning dew, yet still remains fully breathable for natural
drying. And, this lightweight car cover blocks against even the harshest sun
exposure.
Never
one-size-fits-all, they are custom tailored for a form fit on your vehicle.
Plus, this tight cover holds its shape longer than most and won’t get baggy.
You even get a solid 4-year warranty
a)
Severe Rain Storms:
EvolutionTM
(Technalon™) - a heavyweight, four-layer fabric for extended outdoor use, but
especially heavy rain protection.
b)
Inclement Weather:
Noah™
by Kimberly Clark™ — a three-layer fabric to provide more water resistance than
most covers as well as UVR protection for extended outdoor use, but especially
heavy rain protection.
c)
Severe sun exposure:
Sunbrella™
by Glen Raven Mills, Inc In areas of high sun but little rain a Sunbrella™
cover provides the best UVR protection for prolonged sun exposure, a durable
long-lasting fabric that protects interior and exterior finish, provides almost
complete UV block, fade and water resistant.
d)
Severe sun exposure:
Reflec'tect™
Lightweight woven fabric has a UV-reflective silver-colour finish that helps
keep the vehicle cooler, fabric is water resistant and also repels dust and
dirt to help keep the vehicle clean, compact for easy trunk storage,3 Year
Warranty Easy to handle for installation and removal, this lightweight cover
provides good all season protection.
3. Convertible
Interior Care:
Sunbrella™ by Clen Raven Mills, Inc. Easy to
use protection for convertibles when the top is down, the interior cover
protects the windshield and the vehicle interior from UV radiation, the suns
heat, airborne pollutants, and droppings from trees and birds
4. Two-cover
system:
During
high winds the use of this system will avoid paint surface marring from the
cover being buffered by high force winds
1. Dustop™ - 4 layer cover with maximum dust protection
and its soft inner layer protects paint.
2. WeatherShield™ HD- primarily for intense sun
environments and long-term storage provides optimum protection from a
multi-layer breathable (heavyweight) fabric.
Car
Covers - Car Cover World: Complete Covercraft Range, Custom-Fit Covers,
Ready-Fit Covers, Tonneau Covers, Front End Masks, Seat Savers, UV Heat shields
Placing Cover on
Vehicle
Do
not place a car cover on a dusty or dirty car (dry surface with a waffle weave
towel or remove dust with a car duster) Ensure that the cover fits well and
keep the cover clean (dust / dirt between the inside of the cover or the vehicle
surface will cause scratching) Purchase a good quality cover that is
manufactured from a durable fabric suitable for your local climatic conditions
and expected usage.
To
place car cover on vehicle; start by placing the rolled-up cover on the centre
of the roof (do not drag cover across vehicle surface as it may cause
scratching) unroll from the middle to the rear of vehicle and then middle to
front, unroll left side and then right using mirror `pockets' (if fitted)
Ensure that cover is `tight' and attach cable and lock (if required) Remove
from vehicle opposite to the above and store dry cover in storage bag (if
supplied)
Ensure
that cover is `tight' and attach cable and lock (if required) Remove from
vehicle opposite to the above and store dry cover in storage bag (if supplied)
In
strong wind conditions when removing the car cover use the side mirrors as
'anchors’. Remove the front and back portions and then roll towards the top.
Then, remove the mirror pocket from one side mirror, then the other. Use a
similar method when covering the car, by first attaching the mirror pockets to
the side mirrors.
Removing Cover
Pull
the front edge up to about halfway along the length of the car, and then do the
same with the back edge so that it meets the front edge, you've just got
outside to outside contact. You can then fold the cover in half and only have
inside to inside contact, and continue folding this way until it's manageable
and can be stuffed into a carry bag. Of course, you then need to be very
careful when placing it back on the car so that you perform the above operation
in reverse order.
Cleaning –
Maintenance / Care
Car
cover fabric performance can be severely affected by dirt that builds up on and
within the material. It can cause the windshield and paint to become dirty and
fogged as well as create wicking where it actually helps pull water through the
fabric, nullifying any water resistant properties the fabric may have had.
Cleaning your cover will help to keep your vehicle clean and to increase the
service life of the cover.
Some
fabrics offer more heat insulation than others, simply because they are
multi-layered and are more effective at keeping heat away from the vehicle
surface, but any cover will help reduce the vehicle temperature on a hot day.
They
are manufactured to be water-resistant, available in various breathable fabric
materials for protection against most types of climatic conditions, as well as
both long-term indoor or outdoor vehicle storage.
Using a Commercial Washing Machine
• Use
a soft Horse Hair brush and a vacuum to remove any loose dust or dirt
•
Covers should be taken to a commercial Laundromat and washed in large automatic
washers without agitator. Use Woolite® (no soap or detergent). Wash your cover
using the "Normal" or "Permanent Press" cycles in cold or warm
water. Do not wash in hot water.
• Put
the cover through two rinse cycles - it is important that the entire cleaning
solution be removed in order to preserve the cover's water resistance, and then
air dry.
• Do
not put the cover in an automatic heated dryer (the fabric can melt or shrink)
• Do
not dry-clean covers as the chemicals used will negatively affect the fabric
protection abilities and durability
Car Cover Cleaning
and Care
• Use
a soft Horse Hair brush and a vacuum to remove any loose dust or dirt
•
Gently rinse cover with clean water
•
Wash with a 5:1 clean water / Woolite solution, using a soft brush to loosen
any stubborn dirt (Do not scrub surface (see Spots and Stains)
•
Thoroughly rinse with clean water to remove soap solution
• Allow
to thoroughly air-dry
•
Apply 303™ High Tech Fabric Guard by spraying from approximately 6-inch above
the surface with a side-to-side motion, dampen but do not saturate.
• Two
applications will ensure complete coverage, allow air-drying between applications.
•
Allow cover to dry before storage.
• The
inside of a cover may also be cleaned by turning it inside-out on the vehicle
and repeating the above steps
•
Allow to thoroughly air-dry
RaggTopp
Horse Hair Brush - this natural horse hair brush
will not harm the finish of your cover. It’ nonabrasive and is incredibly soft,
yet strong enough to get into the fibres and texture of your fabric cover. The
design of the brush makes it easy to grip and gently scrub dirt and grime from
your convertible top, car cover or other fabric and vinyl material like tonneau
covers, vinyl awnings.
Notes – Do not
1. Clean a car cover in a washer with a centre agitator
2. Use fabric softener.
3. Dry a non-woven or specialty type cover in a dryer.
Maintenance:
About
once per month, dependent upon usage / climate, rinse the cover with clean
water by gently hosing to remove surface dust or dirt that may have settled.
This will extend the time requirements for between soap and water cleaning /
washing. Use a rolling tape type lint brush, designed to remove lint from
clothing, on your car cover. Daily use will remove any lint or light dust and
reduce cleaning time dramatically.
Spots
and Stains - spray the spot until wet with 303TM Cleaner & Spot Remover™,
agitate with a medium-soft brush and let stand. Then blot up the stain and
excess cleaner as described above. If necessary, repeat, agitate and let stand
a few minutes before wiping clean. Dry completely before use
Hand Washing
• Use
a soft Horse Hair brush and a vacuum to remove any loose dust or dirt.
•
With the cover on the vehicle wet the surface
•
Spots and Stains - spray the spot until wet with 303TM Cleaner & Spot
Remover™, agitate with a medium-soft brush and let stand. Then blot up the
stain and excess cleaner as described above. If necessary, repeat, agitate and
let stand a few minutes before wiping clean.
•
Using a clean low pressure water hose, an alkaline soap and a medium stiff
brush – wet the surface with water and apply the soap by brushing.
•
Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry
Infrared Radiation
Infrared
radiation represents part of the ultra violet solar spectrum (approximately
55%-60%). The remaining heat source comes from visible and ultra violet (UV)
light
Heat
alone will not cause photosynthesis (fading) UVB radiation is what is
responsible, although it will dry the resin (binder system) in paint; leading
to oxidation. It will also dry out the oils and plasticizers in vinyl and other
materials and may lead to structural damage (this is especially relevant to
open top convertibles)
Ultra
violet penetration of auto glass; UV radiation is present in the sun’s rays
throughout the year in varying amounts. Ordinary auto window glass filters out
about 97% of the UV-B radiation and about 37% of UV-A radiation.
Touchless Car Cover
Unlike
a traditional car cover, it will take seconds to put the Touchless Car Cover on
your vehicle or take it off. No longer will dust and dirt get on your well
taken care of car because of a dirty traditional car cover.
•
Concours enthusiasts - put your car away on site the day before, work on it in
the rain,
•
Indoor storage in open barns, car ports- drive in and out, saving time
•
Outdoor summer storage under trees, on driveways, for classics and modern cars-
you can drive a wet or dirty car straight in
•
Race cars in the paddock - keeps open cars dry and provides a workplace
•
Detailer’s carry on working when it rains without cumbersome and heavy pop-ups
•
Newly re-sprayed cars - protect without touching
Its
UV protection will save your interior from the harmful effects of the sun. Best
of all, this remarkable hand assembled car cover costs about the same or less
than a traditional quality car cover.
By protecting your pride and joy you will
recover the cost many times over at resale - Vertar
Universal
front / rear entry, 16'4" / 4.98m long, folds into own bag 4 ft. x 2
inches, steel cable and padlock supplied
Fits:
•
Aston Martin up to DB7, DB9, DBS and V8
• BMW
up to 6 series
•
Bentley Continental
•
Ferrari up to 599, F430
•
Lamborghini up to Murcielago
•
Mercedes to SL, E-Class
•
Porsche all models except Cayenne
•
Volvo - even the V70 estate and XC70
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