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      09-06-2012, 01:29 PM   #1
scoob4fun
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Car cover in garage bad idea?

Hello-

I am a new owner of a 2011 M3 Coupe. AW and loving it! I have a questions that pertains to keeping the finish perfect as it sits today......

Its not my daily driver and it lives in the garage most of the time. I was thinking about getting a cover to protect the paint and reduce the amount of dust settling when she isnt being driven. I have heard mixed reviews about covers. Can anyone recommend using one or not? Here is what I was looking at purchasing:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...t+car+cover.do


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Form-Fit™ Car Cover

Form-Fit™ Covers Hug Every Curve Like Lingerie For Your Car.
This cover is designed for those special cars who reside mostly in the garage. Custom cut and available for only a select few marques. It provides a body-hugging fit and features a super soft inside material to pamper fine paint finishes. A perfect way to enhance your garage and protect your vehicles finish. The outer shell is a woven polyester with a unique Lycra/Spandex® added to the yarn. The results create a stretch/memory cover that keeps its shape and hugs your car like it hugs the road. The inner layer is a 100% cotton terry loop which is sheared to a fleece-like finish. The end result is a 7.4 ounce per square yard material that has a wonderfully soft feel. Breathable so heat or moisture isn't trapped under the cover. Designed for indoor use or limited outdoor use only. It's not water proof. Available in six dynamic colors. A matching storage bag is included. Limited application for some models including Porsche, Ferrari, Acura NSX, Aston Martin, Audi TT, Bentley, Corvette, Viper, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, Mercedes, Prowler and Rolls Royce. Call for the availability to your year, make and model. Custom made in the U.S.A.
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      09-06-2012, 01:37 PM   #2
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Sure. I use my NOAH BMW OEM outdoor cover in the condo garage when I travel.

Surprising amount of dust and crap settles on the car.

If it was a heated garage, not sure I would bother.
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      09-06-2012, 01:38 PM   #3
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Unless you have excessive dust in your garage, I wouldn't use a cover inside. You may end up scratching the surface more by putting a cover on and taking it off than just washing if it gets dirty from time to time.
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      09-06-2012, 02:56 PM   #4
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Check out Covercraft..I have used their Weathershield Outdoor cover for yrs with great results..but as stated..your car should be clean and waxed before putting the cover on.

They make covers for indoor storage as well.

http://www.covercraft.com/

Covercraft Fabric Guide.pdf
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      09-06-2012, 03:10 PM   #5
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Make sure the car is very clean before you put a cover on. The only time I'd think a cover is safe to use is after you clean the car and you put it on to leave it there for a long time. Don't take off the cover, drive it and put the cover back on - that is a formula for causing swirls and scratches.
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      09-06-2012, 04:17 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Z K View Post
Make sure the car is very clean before you put a cover on. The only time I'd think a cover is safe to use is after you clean the car and you put it on to leave it there for a long time. Don't take off the cover, drive it and put the cover back on - that is a formula for causing swirls and scratches.
So to sum up this thread...yes it's a bad idea! Hahahah
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      09-06-2012, 04:57 PM   #7
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Repeated use, probably a bad idea.

For those of us who store the M for an extended period of time and invest in a through cleaning prior to putting the cover, a good idea.
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      09-06-2012, 06:39 PM   #8
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would rather get one of those special duster things if you're getting dust on the car. better yet, drive the piss out of it so dust never settles.
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      09-06-2012, 06:44 PM   #9
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I have used a car cover repeatedly with no ill effects..everyone who says it will swirl and damage your paint is talking out of their

If you use the right cover made of the right material, and you cover your car when its clean you will never cause a problem to your paint.

My paint is flawless and I have covered/uncovered my cars going on 6 yrs total.
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      09-06-2012, 06:49 PM   #10
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Situation dependent...do you have any kids in and out of the garage?
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      09-06-2012, 06:51 PM   #11
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I wouldn't bother as long as the garage is heated. Mine is garaged when not driving with no issues whatsoever. The paint always looks perfect on all my cars. The dealer is always stunned by the low mileage and paint quality when I trade my cars in.
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      09-06-2012, 07:55 PM   #12
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Cover is redundant
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      09-06-2012, 09:20 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SAINT VAN ROCK View Post
Situation dependent...do you have any kids in and out of the garage?

EXACTLY!!! The garage is almost more hazardous with the kids (2 & 4 yr old boys) running in and out with various bikes/toys, etc... It's so stressful watching them play..I'm always yelling for them to be careful. In the winter I leave the m3 in garage and drive my other car, but when the weather's nice and it's outdoor play weather I am better off taking the m3 out of the garage during the day.
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      09-07-2012, 12:42 AM   #14
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actually my company is testing some kinds of sealant on top of the car paint that will last about 1.5 - 2 years and strong enough to keep out of fine/medium scratch. but i sign a NDA i can't say too much. if i have a chance i will post something
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      09-07-2012, 05:43 AM   #15
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I use an indoor cover I bought through California Car Cover Co. called "Plushweave" which is a 100% cotton, flannel-backed cover intended for indoor use and limited outdoor use. I use it often through the winter time since I don't drive my M in inclement weather. It saved my car a few times from scratches carrying stuff in/out of the garage.
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      09-07-2012, 06:55 AM   #16
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Anything that touches the paint can cause light scratches/swirls. It's inevitable. Obviously, the more careful you are, the lower the chances, but the friction of another object rubbing the paint always carries the risk, however slight it may be.

Me, I don't use a cover. My garage is fine, relatively dust free, and I actually drive my car so it's already exposed to greater risk while driving, what good is a cover going to do?
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      09-07-2012, 07:10 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Templar View Post
Anything that touches the paint can cause light scratches/swirls.
THIS! If someone breathes in the general direction of my car, theres a scratch/swirl.

I use a cover whenever I am deployed or this year when I store her for winter. I have kids so its a bit for the peace of mind and to protect from the dust/dirt. But thats long term storage. I wouldnt use it daily.
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      09-08-2012, 05:33 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tibra1
I have used a car cover repeatedly with no ill effects..everyone who says it will swirl and damage your paint is talking out of their

If you use the right cover made of the right material, and you cover your car when its clean you will never cause a problem to your paint.

My paint is flawless and I have covered/uncovered my cars going on 6 yrs total.
Pics ??
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      09-08-2012, 09:32 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ottoblotto View Post
THIS! If someone breathes in the general direction of my car, theres a scratch/swirl.
This is why I only pass gas inside the car. My wife hates it, but damn my car's exterior looks good!



I do have a clean garage, but somewhat careless children, so the cover is a must for me when I store it for the winter.
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      09-09-2012, 08:29 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Darth One View Post
would rather get one of those special duster things if you're getting dust on the car. better yet, drive the piss out of it so dust never settles.
that's a big no no. car will swirl up from california dusters
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      09-09-2012, 10:49 PM   #21
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Do you ever see ppl who collect cars have covers on there cars??? Like car museums...

Something to think about....

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      09-10-2012, 12:54 AM   #22
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Originally Posted by amaproracin View Post
Do you ever see ppl who collect cars have covers on there cars??? Like car museums...

Something to think about....

Just because you're rich doesn't mean you know how to properly care for your cars.
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