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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Cordelia Aspinall

Best outdoor car covers to keep your vehicle out of the rain

No garage to park your car in? A very sunny driveway where no shade for your car to be found?

A car cover is a very handy piece of car equipment to use to ensure your vehicle is kept in tip-top shape – protected from extreme weather, animals and any general dust or debris in the air.

From cheap and cheerful options to bigger investments, pick your favourite and give your car the chance to look as fresh from the lot for as long as possible.

Why use a car cover?

Just had your car cleaned and want to keep it, well, clean? You need a cover.

Don’t want your car to be damaged by UV rays that could discolour the paintwork and turn up the temperature of your car? Pop on a cover.

Don’t want to spend hours deicing after a bout of frosty ice? Use a cover.

Fed up of finding bird droppings scattered across your sparkling roof and doors? You get the drift.

Quite simply, car covers will protect your car’s exterior from getting damaged.

What features to look for when choosing a car cover?

In our extensive research, we found that most are actually quite similar. The key thing to look out for when investing in a cover is to find the correct size for your car. Always check your measurements first, which can likely be found online so you don’t even need to get out your tape measure.

Here are some other important things to look for…

  • Elasticated hems: this makes it easy for the cover to fit securely around the car
  • Materials: Thick, durable materials will be more heavy-duty and long-lasting
  • UV protection
  • Weatherproof: Waterproof and windproof
  • Compact to store away: Many come with handy storage bags to pop them into when not in use

Here we’ve rounded up the best car covers…

Halfords All Seasons Car Cover

Available in small, medium, large or extra-large, protect every inch of your car with Halfords’ nifty breathable and waterproof cover that is suitable for all seasons.

Its elasticated end panels and under-car securing straps will ensure that the entire vehicle from front to back is sheltered in all weather conditions from sun to rain, eliminating any scratches or signs of corrosion. Carry bag included.

Buy now £53.99, Halfords

Maypole Breathable Car Cover

Protect your vehicle with Maypole’s robust car cover, designed with a double-stitched seam for extra strength. Water-resistant and breathable, your car will be protected from rainy spells and any moisture in the air while providing a high UV shield. Use the elasticated hem and buckle up the adjustable straps for a super secure fit.

Buy now £19.52, Amazon

Streetwize Waterproof Full Car Cover

Throw over your car and minimise any damage to your vehicle’s paintwork. Dust, dirt, snow, ice and rain won’t be able to touch your precious car thanks to the ultra-durable double-stitched fabric, which is also UV-protected to reduce degradation. Store in the boot in its handy carry bag and have it with you wherever you go. The cover is available in small, medium and large.

Buy now £29.50, Argos

Dripex Sedan Car Cover

A universal size to fit most car models, affix this cover over your vehicle and protect it from the elements year-round. Created from an aluminium film with cotton, your car will be prevented from freezing over in the winter, while being shielded from UV rays in the summer months and reducing heat exposure to the interior so you’ll be ready to go as soon as you step into the car. There are reflective stripes to alert other road users, and useful zipped openings at the driver’s door for easy access.

Buy now £24.99, Amazon

Leader Accessories Car Cover

Keep your car in a garage? This indoor cover is ideal for keeping any dirt or dust away from your freshly washed and polished car. The non-woven fabric is soft to prevent any scratches and breathable to discourage mildew, with elastic hems to ensure a snug fit. Use the buckled straps in the middle to secure in place and simply store at the back of your car neatly using the storage bag included.

Buy now £24.99, Amazon

Symple Stuff Pamula Canopy

Whatever the weather or season, use Symple Stuff’s three-layer waterproof cover to keep your car in top-notch condition. Fit around the vehicle’s bumper and tie down securely with the under-car straps - it’s as simple as that. Your car will be protected from UV, harsh climates and other environmental pollutants.

Buy now £103.99, Wayfair

Cosmos Indoor Car Cover

There’s a reason why this is an Amazon top-rated product. Cosmos’ car cover is dustproof and weatherproof. It’s also lightweight and easy to take on and off, plus the cover will fit over your vehicle easily and stay in place thanks to its elasticated base.

Crafted from a soft material to prevent scratches, the car care essential is available in black, blue, green or red and sizes ranging from small to extra-large.

Buy now £29.99, Amazon

Kayme 6 Layer Car Cover

Look after your car properly and add to its lifespan with Kayme’s multi-layer heavy-duty car cover. It’s intelligently made from PE and aluminium on the outside to withstand rain and sun, and soft cotton on the inside to shield the car’s paintwork from any scratches. It has a convenient driver door zip and mirror pockets, and also reflective strips to remind others of its presence. Simply roll it up into its bag when not in use.

Buy now £57.96, Amazon

Auto Covers Outdoor Pro Cover

Fit this cover to the exact size and shape of your car - no matter the model - and feel rest assured that your car will be perfectly protected. Auto Covers’ tailored cover has an elasticated front and rear hems to securely hold in place. The thick material will withstand most weather conditions and keep your car’s glossy exterior intact. Available in black or silver and includes a storage bag.

Buy now £229.00, Auto Covers

GUNHYI Car Cover

The GUNHYI waterproof car cover provides all-weather protection from even the harshest of elements. Be it sun, UV rays, pollution or snow, this car cover will protect your vehicle with ease. The vibrant reflective strips increase visibility and lower the risk of accidents at night, while the elasticated hem of the cover ensures no damaging factors can enter from the underside.

Buy now £39.97, Amazon

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