Owning a car implies not only the joy of driving, but also constant care for the safety of appearance. Car case on the body It is becoming an increasingly popular solution for those looking for an affordable way to protect paint coatings (PICs) from aggressive environmental factors. Dust, bird droppings, tree buds, scorching sun or sharp temperature changes - all this can cause irreparable damage to the body in a matter of days of downtime.
The use of a protective awning is a time-tested method of preserving a car for a long time or daily protection in the absence of a garage. Well-chosen carcase It is able to prevent paint burnout, the appearance of microcracks and corrosion. In this article, we will discuss in detail the types of materials, features of operation and the nuances of choosing the ideal protection for your vehicle.
Many motorists mistakenly believe that any piece of fabric will save the car, but this is not the case. It is important to consider breathability material so that there is no condensation under it. Let’s take a look at what you should pay attention to first when buying.
Materials of manufacture and their characteristics
The modern market offers a wide range of materials, each of which has its own unique properties. The most common and budgetary option is polyethylene. It is completely waterproof and perfectly protects against rain, but absolutely does not let air through. This creates a greenhouse effect, which can lead to rapid formation of rust on the metal parts of the body.
A more advanced solution is considered multilayer fabrics with a polymer coating. The inner layer of such covers is often made of soft fleece Or a cloth that doesn't scratch the varnish. The outer layer is usually impregnated with special compositions that repel water and dirt. Oxford Polyurethane coating is one of the leaders in this segment due to its strength and resistance to mechanical damage.
⚠️ Warning: Never use pure polyethylene or tarpaulin covers without an internal soft lining for long parking. The rigid structure of the tarpaulin in the wind works like an abrasive, leaving a mesh of micro scratches on the body.
The premium segment is presented with materials with the addition teflon or silicone. Such awnings not only protect from water, but also have self-cleaning properties - dirt just rolls off the surface. However, the cost of such products can be several times higher than standard analogues.
Why are cheap covers dangerous to paint?
Cheap synthetic materials often lack UV protection and are destroyed in the sun in one season. The breakdown products of the fabric can react chemically with the car varnish, leaving undetectable stains.
Types of construction: from complete to specialized
The choice of the design of the case depends on how often you plan to use it. Full covers (awnings) cover the whole car and are designed for long parking in the parking lot or garage. They take time to remove and put on, so they are rarely used for a short-term stop at the store.
For daily use more convenient half-cover Or capes. They only cover the roof, hood and trunk, leaving windows and doors open. This allows you to quickly access the cabin without removing the protection completely. Also popular. mask-caseThey are worn only on the front of the car, protecting the headlights and bumper from chipping when driving on the highway.
Separately, it is worth mentioning specialized solutions, such as hail protection covers with inflatable elements or built-in solar panels for ventilation of the cabin. These models are equipped with a complex system of fastenings, including buckle-belt And elastic cuffs.
Instructions: how to properly wear and remove the cover
The process of putting on protection requires a certain sequence of actions so as not to damage either the fabric or the car. First, it is necessary to clean the body of large dust and dirt, as abrasive particles under the fabric can scratch the LCP in the wind. Then the case is laid out next to the car, and its front and rear parts are determined.
The wear starts from the nose of the car. You gently pull the front edge on the bumper and fix it. Then the fabric is spread over the roof and lowered to the back. It is important to ensure that the seams of the cover do not rub against the sharp corners of mirrors or antennas.
☑️ Tent-wearing algorithm
Removal of the case is done in reverse order, but with one important feature: if the fabric is wet, it can not be immediately packaged in a bag. Wet. carcase you need to dry, otherwise the process of decay of the fabric will begin inside and mold will appear, which will subsequently stain the body.
⚠️ Warning: In high winds, do not try to remove or put on your cover alone. A gust of wind can turn the fabric over and hit it against the body, leaving deep scratches, or even carry the awning to neighboring cars.
Comparative table of materials
To simplify the choice, we have prepared a comparison of the main characteristics of popular materials. This will help you understand which option will be optimal for your climatic conditions and frequency of use.
| Materials | Water permeability | Air permeability | Term of service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene | Tall. | Absent. | 1-2 seasons |
| Oxford (PU) | Tall. | Medium | 3-5 years |
| taffet | Medium | Tall. | 2-3 years |
| Multi-layered with Teflon | Maximum | Tall. | 5-7 years |
As you can see from the table, Oxford Multi-layered materials are the “golden mean” between price and quality. Cheap polyethylene is suitable only for short-term protection from rain, but it is categorically not suitable for summer storage in the sun.
To check the quality of the fabric, drip water on the inside of the cover. If after 5-10 minutes the water has passed through - the material is not suitable for protection from precipitation.
Care for protective awning and storage
The cover itself also needs regular care. Periodically, it must be washed to remove accumulated dust and acid residues of bird droppings. Washing is done manually or in a washing machine on a delicate mode at a temperature not higher 30°C. The use of aggressive bleachers is prohibited, as they destroy the water-repellent impregnation.
After washing, the cover is dried in straightened form in the shade. Direct sunlight in a wet state can deform synthetic fibers. For storage, it is best to use the original bag-package, which usually comes with a package.
If you notice small tears or scattered seams, they can be sealed with special repair kits for fabrics. Timely minor repairs will prevent further destruction of the fabric structure under the influence of the wind. Keep the cover in a dry place, protected from rodents.
⚠️ Note: Do not keep the cover in a compressed state for a long time. This leads to the breaking of the inner pile layer, which ceases to perform its protective function and can begin to stick to the varnish.
When using a cover is not recommended
Despite the obvious benefits, there are situations where the use of carcase It can do more harm than good. This is especially true of windy weather. Even a well-attached awning on tall cars can create sailing, which poses a risk of damage to side mirrors or door handles.
It is also not recommended to put the cover on the hot engine immediately after the trip. The body must cool, otherwise condensate forms inside, which will contribute to corrosion. In addition, the hot exhaust elements can melt the fabric if the cover is lowered too low.
The main safety rule: never get behind the wheel without removing the cover completely. Even partial overlapping of the view or blocking of the headlights makes movement dangerous and illegal.
Another nuance is the dirty body. If the car is covered with a layer of dust or sand, you can not wear a cover. The fabric will press the abrasive to the varnish, and at the slightest movement of the wind, the effect of "sandpaper" will begin. In such cases, it is better to rinse the car first or use special soft linings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I leave my car in the rain?
Yeah, that's exactly what it's designed for. Quality materials (Oxford, Tuffett.) are highly watertight. The main thing is that the cover was properly stretched and the water drained from it, without forming "pockets" in the area of the roof or hood.
How often should you wash your car case?
It is recommended to wash 1-2 times a season, or as pollution occurs. If there are spots from bird droppings on the cover, it is better to remove them locally immediately, since the acid can burn through the fabric and get to the paint.
Will the cover protect the neighbor from scratches?
Multi-layer covers with soft inner pile can soften the impact or prevent a deep trace, but 100% protection does not guarantee against deliberate mechanical impact with sharp objects. However, from accidental touches with bags or branches of bushes, he saves perfectly.
Why does condensate appear under the cover?
This is due to temperature differences or the use of non-breathable materials (polyethylene). Moisture evaporates from the soil or residues of the sink and cannot escape. The solution is to use materials with labeling Air Flow Or provide ventilation.