Car Covers vs. Garage Storage: Pros & Cons

A car is a significant investment. You put a lot of time and money into your vehicle, and you want it to last as long as possible. Maybe you’ve restored an antique car and want to protect it, or you have a rigged-out truck with all the bells and whistles, and you want to keep it free from scratches, dents, and dust. Whatever your situation, it is crucial to understand the benefits and drawbacks of storing your car in a garage or using a car cover to keep it protected. Here are the pros and cons of both types of car storage options.

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Benefits of Storing Your Car in a Garage

The primary benefit to using a garage to store your automobile is that the building offers a secure and private space to store your vehicle, making it less susceptible to theft. Weather can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s exterior; extreme heat, snow, dust storms, heavy winds, and hurricanes harm your car over time, and the shelter provided by a garage minimizes major damage from airborne debris.

A garage protects your vehicle from the elements, saves you money on car washes, and prolongs the lifespan of your car. A garage also offers a dedicated parking spot for your car, so you never have to look for a spot in your neighborhood. You also don’t have to worry about others parking too close to your car and dinging it.

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Cons of Garage Use

To have a garage, you need money and space. This may not be possible, especially in an urban area. Although there are some ingenious ways to accommodate cars in urban dwellings, not everyone has the space to afford a tunnel-system underground garage. As urban space is at a premium, renting garage space in cities can also be cost-prohibitive for many vehicle owners. You may also need to pay for the heat and upkeep of the space. Even if you don’t live in a densely populated urban area, your property’s layout may not accommodate the extra space needed to house a car. There may also be zoning laws in place that prohibit you from adding additional structures to your property.

Pros of Getting a Car Cover

Car covers are portable, so you can protect your car following your morning commute or while traveling. Keep your car cover in the trunk of your car, so you never need to worry about your vehicle’s exterior on-the-go. Car covers are a one-time investment, so you don’t have to worry about monthly costs like heat or electricity or increased property tax, unlike a garage. Buying a quality aftermarket car cover extends your car’s life and saves you money on car washes and maintenance.

Custom and semi-custom car covers designed to fit your vehicle’s make and model ensure that you always have the right fit and the best protection. You should also ensure that the car cover comes with an adjustable elastic hem and a firm wind strap to prevent the cover from shifting or blowing away during inclement weather. If you live in the city and opted for a smaller vehicle or even a motorcycle to reduce transport costs, you can still protect your investment with motorcycle covers. Installing a cover on your car or motorcycle protects it from moisture, UV light, dust, and other drivers and deters thieves. With a cover on your bike, you can learn how to wash a motorcycle so you can cut down your maintenance costs further.

Keep Your Car Protected With A Quality Car Cover

Cons of Car Covers

Some cons to using a car cover include a lack of a permanent parking space and leaving your car vulnerable to thieves. Covers also don’t completely protect your vehicle from damage because of falling objects, such as trees. They also don’t protect against objects moving at high velocities, such as someone crashing into your parked car. Universal plastic car covers don’t offer the same level of protection as custom and semi-custom styles. The plastic can rub against the paintwork, causing scratches, and the poor fit allows debris and dust to blow under the cover.

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Keep Your Car Safe with a Car Cover

Not only do car covers save you money and extend your vehicle’s life while deterring theft and damage, but there is only one cost associated with getting an aftermarket cover that fits the exact make and model of your car. Find a high-quality cover that offers ample protection at CarCovers.com. Visit our website to explore our range of premium custom and semi-custom car covers, and use our simple search tool to find the perfect cover for your vehicle.