The 10 Best Car Covers

Don’t have a garage to park in? Plan not to use your car for an extended period of time? The best car covers can keep its paintwork protected while it’s parked.

Car covers are one of the most overlooked car maintenance accessories. Not only can they shield your vehicle from elemental hazards such as rain, snow, and the sun’s UV rays, but they also protect against dust, bird poop, and rust.

Use our car over reviews and comprehensive buying guide to find the best car cover for your car, SUV, or truck. 

Best Car Covers Reviews

Here’s our ranking of the best-rated car covers. For a detailed breakdown of the criteria we used to make our picks, read the buyer’s guide section.

For other great accessories for your car, check out AutoTribute’s car products page.

1. OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover

OxGord has been in the game for over 15 years, so you can bet it knows a thing or two about making high-quality car covers. Its Signature Car Cover excels as an outdoor cover, offering unprecedented waterproof protection.

Three layers of spunbond Polypropylene make it completely water-resistant, while a breathable, micro-porous film releases moisture to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. A soft fleece inner layer ensures it doesn’t damage your car’s paintwork.

This cover has an elastic hem for achieving a snug fit, as well as reinforced seams and tie-down security grommets to ensure it stays put during strong winds.

Unlike many other car covers, it’s also equipped with an antenna patch for easier installation and a lock to discourage thieves from stealing your car. The package includes a storage bag, as well.

One downside of the OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover is that it might be too oversized for some vehicles and is not the best choice for sedans.

Bottom Line

The OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover is an excellent option for those who live in a rainy or snowy area and park their vehicle outdoors. It provides maximum waterproof protection. CHECK LATEST PRICE

2. Audew All Weather Car Cover

This heavy-duty car cover from Audew is made from 6 layers of high-density materials that make it 100 percent dustproof and waterproof. There is a version for sedans and one for SUVs.

The layers consist of a nonwoven material, an aluminum film, two layers of PE, EVA, and a cotton inner lining, a combination the company says makes the cover thicker yet softer than your typical polyester car cover. Your car gets unprecedented protection against just about anything the world throws at it, including UV rays.

Several well-positioned straps and buckles and an all-round elastic hem keep it nice and secure, even in strong winds. And reflective strips attached to the front, middle, and rear of the cover improve nighttime visibility so that your car isn’t accidentally hit in the dark

The package includes a well-sized storage bag for safe-keeping and better portability.

This is undoubtedly one of the best outdoor car covers you can get, but it’s not perfect. You may find that the rear section is too big and loose for sedans and the one-size-fits-all design makes it unstable for very small cars.

Bottom Line

The Audew All Weather Car Cover is a highly-effective heavy-duty solution for keeping your vehicle safe from dirt, water, UV rays, and other hazards it encounters every day. CHECK LATEST PRICE

3. Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPro

The Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPro is one of the best car covers for those on a tight budget. Its polypropylene fabric provides great protection, while a soft inner layer ensures it doesn’t cause scratches.

The fabric repels water and effectively protects against the sun’s UV rays, making this cover great for outdoor use. It’s also breathable, allowing moisture to evaporate to prevent the formation of mold, mildew, and even rust.

An elastic hem and the absence of cumbersome fasteners make installation and removal simple.

Although the Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPro is capable of repelling water, it’s not exactly water-resistant. Water can seep through when it rains. 

It’s also a bit too narrow for larger cars and SUVs, so make sure to measure your car before putting your money down.

Bottom Line

The highly affordable Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPro provides quality protection and a quick and easy fit for your vehicle. CHECK LATEST PRICE

4. Platinum Shield Car Cover (CarCovers.com)

If you need a car cover that provides your vehicle with the perfect fit, CarCovers.com’s Platinum Shield has you covered (pun intended).

Not only can this car cover be custom-tailored for many vehicle models, but it also does a wonderful job protecting your car from the elements, dust, bird dropping, tree sap, and other pollutants that can harm your paint job. 

Its lightweight, multi-layered material boasts a UV-reflective-silver lining that shields against the sun’s damaging UV rays, a reflective polyurethane coating that provides excellent water-resistance, and soft fleece underlining that preserves the condition of your paintwork.

It’s also breathable, preventing the buildup of mold and mildew.

Elastic hems at the front and rear ensure a snug fit, while a cable and lock securing mechanism keeps it in place in heavy wind. An antenna patch is also part of the design, making installation easier.

Finally, CarCovers.com’s Platinum Shield is the only car cover with a limited lifetime warranty.

Bottom Line

If you have the money to spend, CarCovers.com’s Platinum Shield Car Cover will give you everything you need to keep your car protected in all weather conditions. CHECK LATEST PRICE

5. Leader Accessories Car Cover

Fifth on our list is the Leader Accessories Car Cover, a great multi-purpose option for both indoor and outdoor use.

It features a breathable, biodegradable fabric that does a good job protecting your car from mildew and rust and a soft inner layer that shields your paintwork from scratches.

Its outer layer actively repels water and the sun’s harmful UV rays, as well as provide 100-percent protection against dirt, dust, bird dropping, and other substances.

Measuring 157 to 200 inches (399-508 cm) in length, this car cover has a universal fit, meaning it fits most vehicles on the road. An adjustable elastic hem around the bottoms provides a snug fit in normal conditions, while straps with buckle at the middle keep it from blowing away in heavy wind.

It’s also lightweight and comes with a storage bag for easy portability. Best of all, you get these impressive capabilities at a reasonably affordable price.

Unfortunately, there is no hole for non-retractable antennas, so you will likely have to make one yourself if your car has one. Also, the material is a bit on the thin side.

Bottom Line

Great protection and incredible value make the Leader Accessories Car Cover hard to pass on. CHECK LATEST PRICE

6. Budge Lite Car Cover

Budge Industries has been in the car accessories business for a long time, and the Budge Lite Car Cover is one of the best car covers for those with little money to spend.

For a very affordable price, you get an easy-to-install, very effective single-layer polypropylene cover that comes in many sizes and protects against dust, debris, falling objects, and moderate UV exposure. 

Double-stitched seams enhance its durability, while a non-abrasive inner lining ensures it doesn’t scratch your paint.

The material is also breathable, improving airflow and reducing condensation to prevent the build-up of mold and mildew while your car is covered. Sewn-in grommets and a full elastic hem at the bottom keeps the cover in place so that it’s not blown away by the wind.

But despite being one of the best-rated car covers, the Budge Lite is not without issues. It’s not water-resistant and the polypropylene layer is not as durable as other options. This makes it less than ideal for outdoor use, even though it’s marketed as both an indoor and outdoor cover.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an effective, budget-friendly cover that works especially well indoors, put the Budge Lite Car Cover on your list. CHECK LATEST PRICE

7. Kayme 6 Layers Car Cover

With six layers of protection, this car cover from French company Kayme provides incredible protection for vehicles of many different sizes. 

Those six layers include an aluminum film to block UV rays, PE coating to keep water out, and a cotton inner lining to shield your paintwork from scratches and abrasions.

Indeed, Kayme’s 6-layer car cover is waterproof, dustproof, sunproof, and windproof. A zipper on the front door area makes the cover easy to install and remove, while front and rear straps keep it secured in strong winds.

Finally, it boasts reflective stripes that help your vehicle be seen at night.

Downsides of this cover are that the mirror pockets are positioned a bit too high for larger vehicles like minivans, and the fastening clips are less durable than other options. 

Bottom Line

Have peace of mind knowing that this highly functional car cover from Kayme will keep your car protected in a wide range of weather conditions. CHECK LATEST PRICE

8. Motor Trend 4-Layer 4-Season Heavy Duty Car Cover

This heavy-duty car cover from Motor Trend utilizes four durable layers to provide your vehicle with reliable protection indoors and outdoors and through all seasons. It is available in five different sizes: S, M, L, XL, and XXL. 

The material used is breathable, evaporating moisture to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew. It’s UV-resistant, waterproof, and heat-protective. A sealed scratch-proof inner lining protects your car’s paintwork.

A cable and lock not only secure the cover, helping keep it from blowing away in harsh weather conditions, but they also discourage thieves and vandals from stealing and vandalizing your car. 

Unfortunately, Motor Trend’s car cover can be tight in some areas and flappy in others. Also, some users have complained that it gets blown off easily in strong winds even when the cable and grommets are used.

Bottom Line

The Motor Trend All-Season Car Cover provides complete protection in all weather conditions throughout the year. CHECK LATEST PRICE

9. XCAR Breathable Dust Prevention Car Cover

Ninth on our list of best car covers is this piece from XCAR. It fits cars and SUVs up to 200 inches (508 cm) in length, granting them protection against both indoor and outdoor hazards.

Its silver-coated fabric repels water, offers UV protection, and is breathable to prevent the formation of mold and mildew underneath the cover.

An elastic hem and double stitch seams provide a snug fit for your car, while a cable and lock prevent it from blowing off in heavy winds.

Unlike most of the car covers on our list, the XCAR cover comes with an antenna patch, making it less of a hassle to install the first time around. The package includes a storage bag that makes it easy to carry and store.

Unfortunately, this cover is designed to provide basic protection. While it performs well indoors, it’s only suitable for limited outdoor use.

Bottom Line

The XCAR Breathable Dust Prevention Car Cover is a no-hassle solution for optimally protecting your vehicle indoors. CHECK LATEST PRICE

10. Duck Covers Double Defender Car Cover

Here is a semi-custom car cover that’s compatible with a wide range of SUVs. Not only is it designed to protect against UV rays, but it’s also been ultrasonically welded for enhanced water-resistance. 

Like other high-quality car covers, it’s made of a breathable material that dissipates moisture to halt the growth of mold mildew and has a non-scratch, non-abrasive inner lining to protect your SUV’s paint.

An elastic hem along the bottom edge provides a secure fit, while tie-down grommets and rope keep it in place during harsh weather. 

Despite being designed to protect against the sun and rain, the Duck Covers Double Defender SUV Cover doesn’t have the durability for long-term outdoor use. The material is thin and prone to tearing. 

Fortunately, you get a three-year limited warranty in case you’re not happy with its performance.

Bottom Line

If you have an SUV, the Duck Covers Double Defender SUV Cover likely provides the fit and protection you’re looking for. CHECK LATEST PRICE

Car Cover Buying Guide

To compliment our car cover reviews, we put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you learn about car covers so that you know what to look for when shopping for the best one for your vehicle.

Steering covers and car sun shades are other useful car accessories that can enhance your car owning experience, so check out the following guides when you get the chance.

What Is A Car Cover?

A car cover is a large sheet of fabric that is designed to cover a car, protecting against elemental factors such as the sun’s UV rays, rain, and snow, as well as dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other contaminants. 

Often used to protect the exterior of vehicles that are not used for long periods of time and/or need to be kept in good condition, car covers are usually contoured to have the general shape of a car to provide the snuggest fit possible. In fact, certain models can be custom-tailored to provide a perfect fit for your vehicle.

While many covers are designed to be used indoors and outdoors and are marketed as such, only a moderate few can truly withstand the demands of outdoor use over extended periods of time. 

The best-rated car covers are made of several durable layers of different materials that provide the utmost protection for both indoor and outdoor use. 

5 Benefits Of Car Covers

Car covers can make owning your vehicle a more pleasant experience. Let’s look at five key benefits of using a good car cover.

1. Protection Against The Elements

Rain, snow, the sun’s deleterious UV rays, and other elemental factors can all damage paintwork or make it look dull. Continual exposure to moisture and sunlight often leads to the formation of mold, mildew, and rust, while excess heat can cause your car’s dashboard to crack.

A high-quality car cover provides increased protection against these hazards.

2. Protection Against Dirt, Debris, Poop

In addition to shielding your car from the damaging effects of the environment, a good car cover will provide protection against dirt, debris, bird droppings, and other substances known to damage paintwork.

3. Protection Against Scratches, Chipping

A car cover can act as a buffer between your car and minor impacts, reducing the risk of scratches, chipping, and even dents.

4. Protection Against Theft, Vandalism

Covering your vehicle will help prevent it from being vandalized or stolen for two reasons. First, car covers conceal the contents of the car, making it less enticing for thieves and vandals; second, they take some time to remove, and thieves generally go after the things that require the least amount of time to steal.

5. Save Money On Car Repairs

When you protect your car, you extend its life. Quality car covers help cut down on the amount you’ll spend on maintenance or costly repairs, saving you money.

Types Of Car Covers

There are two main types of car covers — those designed for indoor use, and those intended for outdoor protection. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Indoor Car Covers

These types of car covers are designed for vehicles parked in a garage or other indoor facilities. As such, they are optimized to protect against dust, debris, moisture, and other potentially damaging substances found in enclosed spaces rather than withstand adverse weather. 

Indoor car covers normally only have a single thin layer of material, which although inadequate for outdoor use, provides sufficient protection against dust. This material is sometimes breathable, allowing it to evaporate moisture and prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and rust.

Because indoor storage conditions normally don’t place much demand on these covers, they tend not to feature intricate, heavy-duty securing mechanisms such as straps and bungee cords, though most come with an elastic hem.

Outdoor Car Covers

These car covers are primarily designed for vehicles stored outside. Unlike indoor covers, they are made of durable materials that can withstand the blistering sun, strong winds, rain, snow, and other adverse weather conditions.

The best outdoor car covers have multiple layers (usually at least three) of protective materials and come in lighter colors (white, silver, etc.)  to better reflect the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

Some covers even feature a layer of aluminum or other such impregnable material to protect the surface of the vehicle from water and heat, while others can be inflated to shield against hail.

Outdoor car covers usually come equipped with heavy-duty cords and straps for securing them down in trying weather conditions. Understandably, they tend to be bulkier, heavier, and more expensive than indoor car covers.

Top Car Cover Brands

While there probably isn’t a premier or single best car cover brand, OxGord, Classic Accessories, Kayme, and Budge are among the biggest names in the game.

OxGord

OxGord has been offering high-quality automotive accessories and home products for over 15 years. Not only is the OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover one of the company’s best-selling products, but it’s also one of the best waterproof car covers for outdoors.

Classic Accessories

Founded in 1983 in a small basement in the city of Seattle, Classic Accessories has grown from a producer of only steering wheel covers, seatbelt pads, and fuzzy dice to become a powerhouse in the world of high-quality covers, furnishings, and accessories for all manners of vehicles. One of its top-sellers is the Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPro.

Kayme

Established in 1990 and headquartered in Paris, France, this French company specializes in automotive, aerospace, and nuclear products. The Kayme 6 Layers Waterproof All Weather Car Cover is one of the best-rated car covers on the market, providing excellent protection for the outdoors.

Budge

Budge Industries is one of the oldest players in the game, having been around since 1940. The company manufactures and distributes protective covers and film products for cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, boats, and even patio furniture. If you need a breathable car cover, the Budge Lite Car Cover is a great choice.

Features Of The Best Car Covers

You will find that choosing the right car cover for your vehicle storage needs is easier said than done. With so many different models on the market, many of which seem quite similar at first glance but actually differ greatly upon careful consideration, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the myriad of choices.

Make your life easier — the following are the essential car cover features you should consider when looking for the right cover for your car, truck, SUV, or van.

Size, Dimensions

The key consideration when choosing a car cover is sizing. You need a cover that provides the best possible fit for your vehicle, as different types of cars (sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, trucks, etc.) require different sizes and shapes. 

For example, while truck covers usually fit sedans, they don’t provide a tight enough fit to properly protect them against dust and moisture. A sedan cover, on the other hand, will likely be too small to fit a truck.

Sizing can vary greatly even within the same vehicle classification. For instance, car covers designed for large sedans are often too large and loose to provide an adequate fit for much smaller sedans.

Basically, you may need to invest in a separate cover for each type of vehicle you own and perhaps each model. Consider the dimensions and proportions of your vehicle, and move on from there.

Material, Fabric

Your car cover should be able to protect your vehicle from the environmental conditions of the area you park your car. More specifically, it needs to be made from the right materials and have an appropriate number of quality layers.

Breathability

Car covers made with a breathable fabric allow moisture to evaporate from underneath the cover, preventing the formation of mildew, mold, or rust. Breathability is particularly important if you park your car indoors.

Waterproofness

Rainwater and snow make your car more susceptible to rust and can eventually damage its paintwork. If you park outside or in an indoor area with a high risk of water falling on the car, opt for a waterproof car cover.

Layering

The best car covers have a soft inner layer and at least one outer layer. The inner layer is often made of either soft cotton or fleece and is what comes into contact with your car’s paintwork, while the outer layer uses stronger, more durable polymers like polyethylene to protect against external hazards.

Because of their exposure to the elements, outdoor car covers usually have more external layers than indoor covers.

Securing Mechanism 

Depending on the type or model of the car cover, fastening is usually done by using elastic hems, straps, or a combination of the two. 

While indoor car covers have less of a need for heavy-duty securing mechanisms as a result of not having to contend with the elements (many only feature an elastic hem), high-quality outdoor car covers come with clips, cable locks, and other sturdy fasteners to keep them tightly secured in heavy wind and other harsh weather conditions.

Color

If you keep your vehicle in a garage or other indoor facility, the color your car cover won’t make much of a difference. However, if you intend to use the cover outdoors, you would be wise to get one with a lighter color.

It’s all about shielding your car from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Light shades like white and silver reflect more of them, while darker colors tend to absorb them. This explains why the best outdoor car covers usually have lighter shades.

How to Install A Car Cover

Installing a car cover doesn’t take much work. Even though the market is full of many different models with different fastening mechanisms, the installation process for all of them is incredibly easy and straightforward.

Here’s a general overview of installing any car cover. For specific details regarding your model, check the user manual or manufacturer’s website.

Before Installing The Cover

Regardless of where you park your car, it is good practice to wash it before covering it. This preliminarily step is especially important if you plan on leaving the car parked for an extended period of time.

There is always the risk that leftover organic debris and dirt will rot and cake onto your paintwork, potentially damaging it. Using the best car wash soap, as well as the best pressure washer, you can get will help ensure the removal of these unwanted substances.

After cleaning your car, give it time to completely dry before putting up the cover. You can speed up the drying process by patting it down with a clean microfiber towel.

Note that drying the car is not necessary if you have a breathable cover, since this type of car cover will allow the water to evaporate. However, we recommend that you let it dry.

Once the car is completely dry, apply a quality car paint sealant and/or car wax to protect its paint.

Ceramic coating provides superior, longer-lasting protection than paint sealants and waxes, so consider applying that instead if you have the money.

Installing The Car Cover

This basic step-by-step guide works for installing just about any type or model of car cover:

Step 1: Identify the front and rear sections of your car over. Most models have a “Front” tag sewn or stamped to their front that can be used as a guide.

Step 2: Begin spreading the cover over your car by first securing it around the front bumper and then pulling it over the front of the car. If it has wing mirror pockets, cover the mirrors before proceeding any further.

Note:  If your vehicle has a non-retractable antenna, mark the placement of the antenna on the cover. Apply a self-adhesive patch to the area and then make a hole in the middle of the patch for the antenna to pass through.

Step 3: Once the front section is covered, pull the cover over the top and rear of the vehicle and then secure it under the rear bumper.

Step 4: If there are fasteners or tie-downs, use them to secure the cover.

Car Cover Tips

Get the most out of your purchase. Here are some practical tips for buying, using, and properly maintaining car covers.

1. Never put a clean car cover on a dirty car. It’s important that you install the car over only after your vehicle has been washed and cleaned. Dirt, debris, and other substances that get trapped underneath the cover can cause your paintwork to scratch, chip, and cake. 

2. Use a car cover sparingly. Taking a car cover on and off poses the biggest risk of scratching or damaging your car’s paintwork, so the more sparingly you use the cover, the less likely you will cause scratches. 

3. Choose a light-colored cover. Light colors do a better job of reflecting the sun’s harmful UV rays than darker colors. That’s why the best outdoor car covers tend to be light-colored.

4. Will you be traveling with the cover? If you intend to travel with your cover, opt for a lightweight car cover that comes with a storage bag. This will spare you the trouble of carrying a bulky unit around.

5. Choose a good-fitting cover. A loose cover can potentially damage your paintwork. If it moves around easily, the edges can rub against the paint, causing scratches.

6. Where do you mostly keep your car? If your vehicle is mostly parked indoors, buying a car cover that protects against bad weather should be unnecessary. 

Best Car Covers FAQs

If after reading our car cover reviews and detailed buying guide you still have questions, the answers to the following FAQs will help address them.

Are Car Covers Worth It?

No matter where you live or where you park your car, a quality car cover can be a very good investment, especially for a newer car or a car that needs to be kept in pristine condition. Not only can it protect against dirt and dust, but it will also shield against rain, snow, bird droppings, and pollutants.

Even more, top-rate car covers provide increased protection against scratch-causing impacts, the sun’s harmful UV rays, mold, and mildew.

How Often Should I Wash My Car Cover?

This will depend on where you live and how the cover is used. However, try to keep washing to a minimum, since washing it too often can damage any waterproofing or sun-proofing capabilities it might have.

Stains caused by mud or bird droppings usually warrant washing. If your cover didn’t come with washing instructions, using a mild liquid detergent and warm water to wash it and then rinsing thoroughly will usually suffice.

Can I Put The Cover On My Car When It’s Wet?

This will depend on the type of car cover you have. If you have a waterproof cover, never put it over a wet car. It will trap water and moisture, possibly causing the formation of mold, mildew, and rust.

On the other hand, if the cover is made from a breathable material that allows water to evaporate, using it to cover a damp car won’t be an issue.

Can A Car Cover Scratch Or Damage My Car Paint?

It’s quite possible for a car cover to damage your car’s paint; however, good-quality covers tend to have a soft fleece lining that protects the car’s surface, thus reducing the risk of scratches, chipping, and other cosmetic damages.

But while the cover itself will not cause scratches, any dirt, debris, or moisture it picks up or traps can cause damage. That’s why you should never put a car cover over a dirty car.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t have the luxury of parking in a garage or if you have no plans to drive your car for an extended period of time, a quality car cover can protect its paint, discourage theft, and potentially lower your maintenance cost while it’s parked.

Unfortunately, with so many different models on the market, finding the right one can be challenging. We hope that our car cover reviews and a comprehensive buying guide helped you separate the good from the bad.

The OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover topped our list of best car covers. It strikes a great balance between performance and price, offering solid protection indoors and outdoors with few compromises. It’s easily one of the best-rated car covers currently available.