Hey all, in about a week or so i will be moving to attend my first year of college! And that means that my G doesn't get to sit in a garage anymore. I'll be parking outside and was just wondering if anyone knows of any good car cover brands/models? I've always been very ocd on keeping my car clean, so i would like to protect the finish as much as possible, from the elements. Im looking for a cover that isn't too pricey but does a good job, and yes i have searched the forum and couldn't come up with anything! Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

Have you tried google?

Choose the best material for your environment

Telcoman

 

It's difficult enough maintaining a hobby interest in a daily driver, but during your first college years it's even more so. You always worry about the car, quite possibly to the detriment of time better spent on school and activities. And I suspect that a covered car in overnight student parking will call a lot of unwanted attention to it when routinely parked on-campus. Every place and group of kids is different, so good luck. I don't have any answers to your car cover question. But thought this advice might be worth considering anyway.

Here's some more student parking advice:

• Never double-park over more than one parking spot. Vigilantism and vandalism sometimes go hand-in-hand.
• Don't park under trees for the shade, because tree crap. Without a car cover, it's best to use a sunshade and tinted windows.
• Never ever leave things in the car.
• Always eyeball your tire pressure when approaching the car.
• If you absolutely have to park next to another car, find one that looks cared-for.

 

If parking on-campus, I'd suspect they'd require a mirror hanger, window sticker, license plate, or some other form of parking permit visible at all times. Fines for parking "offenses" are just another revenue stream for corporations of higher learning.

 

This is all good advice. At my school, there were a couple of main lots where students would park, and one overflow lot that required a bit of extra walking. I always made sure to park in the overflow lot next to cars that appeared to be enthusiast owned. The things you would see in the main parking lot would make you cringe.

Another piece of advice is to never do anything that may be perceived as cocky or arrogant when you are in your car on campus. College students sometimes seem to think it is their duty to put people in their place. Don't give them any reason to.

Also do your best not to park your car in high foot traffic areas. I have seen students do some idiotic things to cars on their way to parties.

Don't let any of this worry you too much as these situations are rare, especially when you take extra precautions. Having a car while at college is a great thing, it just takes a little extra work and care. I felt stranded when I didn't have my car for the first month or so.

As GAWD said above, chances are you will need to display a permit to be able to park, unless you are living off campus. If that's the case, a car cover won't be an option. Your best bet may be to keep a good sealant wax on it.


On another note, I've read that car covers can actually be worse for your paint, as they rub across dirt when you put them on. Can anyone confirm?

 

Well actually the interesting thing is I'm living in an apartment right off of campus because I was too far down on the waiting list to get a dorm so I would be using the cover when it is parked there but not during the day when it's parked on campus. Thanks for the advice though!

 

YES, I have also heard this is true, but I heard only if the car is dirty. If its clean it shouldn't cause problems though. And I actually did a clay bar, polish, and sealant about two months ago using blackfire products so that should help a bit