Car Cover Fitting & Sizing
What is the difference between a universal and custom-fit car cover?
A universal car cover is designed to fit a wide range of vehicles using standard sizes. While some are made from very good fabric, most are not. They often have a loose fit that allows movement in windy conditions, causing damage to paintwork. Because they are not shaped to fit the car correctly, they are often too big and baggy or too tight, leading to moisture traps, dampness, and mould on your vehicle's exterior and interior.
A custom-fit car cover is tailored to fit your vehicle by make, model, and year. It is contoured to the shape of the vehicle, including spoilers, mirror pockets, and roof bars. This ensures maximum protection against UV damage, scratches, mildew, and mould.
Do your car covers have mirror pockets?
Some of our car covers have mirror pockets fitted, but not all. Each individual advert will state if they are fitted or not. The reason for this is often down to classic cars; many didn't come from the factory with mirrors, and owners later added wing mirrors mounted on either the wings or the doors later, making it impossible for us to know for sure on certain models.
Will this cover fit if I have a roof rack or a spoiler?
At Cars Covers, we can manufacture any car cover—from a motorbike cover to a double-decker bus! We bulk manufacture standard vehicles for stock for fast delivery, but anything can be made in any fabric type to protect your vehicle. Special orders typically take 4-6 weeks to manufacture.
Weather & Protection
How do car covers perform in high-wind conditions?
A custom-made car cover, manufactured to fit correctly, will be safe in winds up to approximately 63mph. All our outdoor covers come with securing straps that fit under the vehicle to hold it in place. For higher winds or for towing, you can purchase an additional net to go over the cover. If a cover is flapping, it can damage your paintwork; in extreme high winds, we always recommend removing the cover from the vehicle.
Is this car cover 100% waterproof or water-resistant?
We offer different levels of protection depending on your needs:
- Voyager: Water-resistant (perfect for light showers or short periods).
- Monsoon: Fully waterproof (designed for long-term outdoor storage).
- Stormforce: The "Gold Standard"—both 100% waterproof and fully breathable.
Will it protect my car's paint from UV rays and sun damage?
Yes! Our lightweight and all-weather covers feature UV protection. Without this, the sun's rays cause "paint oxidation"—you’ve likely seen older red cars that have faded to a milky pinky-red colour. Our covers prevent this damage, keeping your paintwork looking like new and saving you from expensive paint correction.
The Truth About Fabric & Paint
Is the inner lining soft or fleece-lined?
All our covers are non-scratch, but we caution against thick 20mm fleece linings. While they sound soft, they actually hold water and condensation against the paintwork. Over time, that fleece traps grit and dirt, eventually acting like sandpaper against your car. A quality cover has exactly enough lining to protect the car without holding moisture.
What is breathable fabric, and why does it matter?
Breathability is the #1 thing to consider. Our fabric acts like a one-way valve—letting moisture and condensation escape from the car but not letting rain in. Wrapping a car in a cheap, non-breathable cover is like using a tarpaulin; it traps moisture and can cause devastating rust damage in a very short time.
Warranty, Maintenance & Returns
Do your car covers come with a warranty?
Yes, we stand by our quality:
- Indoor Covers: 1-Year Warranty against manufacturing defects.
- Outdoor Covers: 2-Year Warranty against manufacturing defects.
- Extended Protection: We offer an enhanced 3-year warranty which must be purchased within 14 days of your original order.
How do I clean and wash my car cover?
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using a mild washing liquid (no bleach or softeners).
- Most covers can be washed in a domestic washing machine (subject to size) on a gentle 30-degree cycle.
- Always line dry naturally—never tumble dry or iron, as this will damage and shrink the fabric.
What is your return policy if the cover doesn't fit?
If an item is ordered wrongly, you must notify us by phone within 1 working day of delivery. Any issues with fitment or damage must be reported within 14 days. Returns must be authorized first; unauthorized returns or refused deliveries will incur a 10% handling charge deducted from the refund.
Why should I buy from Cars Covers?
We started in 1999 as a small local shop. By 2004, we were the UK’s largest seller of car covers on eBay, and in 2011, we specialized entirely in high-quality covers. We are a fully registered UK Limited Company (07855054).
We pride ourselves on human support—we never hide behind AI. If you find a "bargain" elsewhere, call us; we'll even pay for the call to give you honest advice.
