Car Covers

DMaxer · Guru

Car Covers

Possum3 · Guru

It is my firm belief that if the tug is kept washed and polished the paintwork will resist U/V damage, needless to say park the car in shade whenever possible for comfort. What is critical is to armourall the dash and other vinyl areas regularly to prevent sun damage.

DMaxer · Guru

Thanks Possum. That has been my approach,especially the Armourall. The only problem I have had is when I used it on the tonneau cover. It looked great until it rained and then I looked like I was in some type of African safari movie.

Possum3 · Guru

On the tonneau I use Tyre Shine 5 for $10 at super cheap.

DMaxer · Guru

Thanks Possum, Is this just cosmetic or does it protect as well. The summer sun here up north is like a furnace.

Possum3 · Guru

I (believe) it does keep the vinyl supple - when I spray it on I buff it off again with (power) buffing machine. Once I didn't and it collected dust which came off OK - but it looked SH!TTY.

DMaxer · Guru

Thanks for your advice Possum. I will give it a go. That is, as soon as it cools down a bit. At the moment I would need asbestos gloves to wash it.

Desert Dweller · Guru

It's only a car for goodness sake, bird sh*t, road grime, stone chips & all.

DMaxer · Guru

You are probably right, DD. Why paint the house, why mow the lawn, why wash your clothes, why clean your teeth, why get out of bed!

drtooheys · Senior Member

couple of points if you decide to go the car cover or not path.....they should only be put on when the paintwork is clean to prevent material rubbing on dust and scratching. Now if you decide no cover, I asked a guy that owns a car detailing business why the inside of my windscreen always seemed to have a white milky look to it, his reply, it's armour all that causes it and to only wipe the dash with a damp cloth.

If I had of taken DD advise, I could of saved a few hours washing and polishing the van the other day. biggrin

Dougwe · Chief one feather

My Collie is in the open at all times so whatever weather the Collie is in it. I clean the car when it really needs it and polish it once a year with a good name polish.

I was on the understanding for many years that the white film on the inside of car windows is caused by the gases coming out of the plastic on hot days. I am not saying 'Armour all' doesn't cause it though.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

My Collie is in the open at all times so whatever weather the Collie is in it. I clean the car when it really needs it and polish it once a year with a good name polish.

I was on the understanding for many years that the white film on the inside of car windows is caused by the gases coming out of the plastic on hot days. I am not saying 'Armour all' doesn't cause it though.

That all said, I have put a 'dash matt' in place and that seems to stop a lot of it.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

rockylizard · Guru

Dougwe wrote:
My Collie is in the open at all times so whatever weather the Collie is in it. I clean the car when it really needs it and polish it once a year with a good name polish.

I was on the understanding for many years that the white film on the inside of car windows is caused by the gases coming out of the plastic on hot days. I am not saying 'Armour all' doesn't cause it though.

That all said, I have put a 'dash matt' in place and that seems to stop a lot of it.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Gday...

As a fellow-fulltime traveller, my poor vehicle doesn't have the luxury of being stored under cover all the time - if ever. If there is a tree or some shade I will make use of it though.

It is a 2006 model and has lived full-time on the road since 2009. It also only gets a good wash maybe once a year if in a van park or showground that allows washing of cars. I don't use any polish.

The duco (now there's an old word ) is still in excellent condition - so I really cannot see the need for spending on a car cover especially if one has to make sure there is no dust/dirt/moisture between cover and vehicle or it will quite probably affect the paint anyway.

Many folk in years gone by used to say the vehicle would 'sweat' when under a cover if out in the sun.

... and I agree with your understanding young Dougie. I have always been told for decades that the film inside the windscreen (and other windows) is caused by the sun/heat on the plastic. The 'armourall' reason has been used by some, but others debunk it. I use armourall on all my upholstery ... but then, my vehicle has leather upholstery including the dash.

http://polzinglass.com/outgassing-toxins-causing-film-on-your-windshield/

Cheers - John