Are Car Covers Waterproof? All You Need To Know

The best outdoor car covers will all offer a degree of water-resistance, but not all are fully waterproof. When you look at high-quality car covers for outdoor use, water-resistant fabrics are often used. These include:

• Polyester
• Polypropylene
• Nylon

While these will all protect up to a point, water can go through car covers in many cases if there is prolonged exposure. 

Some covers include an additional waterproof coating or membrane designed to enhance the water-resistance. You should always check the specifications of any car cover you consider purchasing, looking into whether they are designed to be waterproof or water-resistant. A waterproof vehicle cover that is explicitly labelled as such should provide comprehensive protection against heavy rainfall. A water-resistant one, meanwhile, will effectively repel light rain but water may penetrate if it becomes saturated under prolonged rainfall.

But Are All Car Covers Being Sold Actually Waterproof? Or Is It A Premium Feature?

Comprehensive waterproofing could be considered a premium feature of car covers. Our Premium Edition outdoor car cover is made from thick, durable polypropylene fabric and offers our highest grade of protection against water and snow. The Standard Edition offers excellent water protection, and the Basic Edition protects from rain very well, but neither is guaranteed to be fully waterproof.

If you live in a region where heavy rainfall is a common issue, fully waterproof car covers provide complete protection during heavy rain. Water-resistant ones may not protect quite as effectively. Thus, a waterproof material, or a waterproof coating, could be considered a premium feature.

Whether you are looking for a car, truck, van, or motorcycle cover, think carefully about your water defense needs. For maximum protection, always look for covers that are fully waterproof.

Even a water-resistant car cover can be infiltrated by rainwater under certain circumstances. The most common problem would be prolonged exposure to heavy rain, especially during severe weather conditions like a storm. The cover’s capacity to protect from rain may be exceeded in these conditions, so moisture starts to seep through.

Other potential mechanisms by which rain can go through a car cover include:

• Inadequate sealing around the seams and stitching.
• Wear and tear that compromises the cover’s water-resistance.
• Improper fitting causing pools of rainwater to collect.

Knowing that your vehicle cover may not fully protect against rain may make you question whether car covers are really worth it. The key is to get a cover with the appropriate degree of water protection, make sure it fits perfectly, and engage in regular maintenance. We can help with all these things.

As we have explained, rain water can go through car covers under certain conditions. But other types of moisture can also breach a car cover. Let’s look at some other water-based threats you need to think about when exploring car covers to buy:

• Dew and condensation can accumulate on a cover in cooler climates. This could seep through if the cover lacks water-resistance.
• Snow, as it melts and refreezes, exposes your car cover to moisture that could penetrate in some circumstances.
• Frost can create a layer of ice on the cover that poses a risk as it melts.
• High humidity can cause moisture buildup both inside and outside a car cover.

Consider the risk of these things in your region and factor them into your considerations for the necessary level of water resistance. Bear in mind that, to protect against risks associated with humidity, breathability is another important factor for car covers.

In exploring whether car covers are waterproof, you must understand the permeability of different products on the market. Water-resistant car covers may not be completely impermeable, but waterproof car covers offer near-complete protection against water penetration. However, you must make sure you maintain and clean your vehicle cover correctly to preserve its waterproof quality.

Water permeation can cause various adverse effects for cars, including:

• Rust formation.
• Corrosion of metal parts.
• Damage to electronic components.
• Development of mold and mildew.

The first step to preventing this is to choose a cover that has low permeability but also offers good breathability, like our polypropylene covers. You should also regularly inspect your cover for wear and tear and keep it clean and well-maintained at all times. This will help preserve your vehicle’s longevity.

Just how do car covers protect from rain? Well, if you choose one with the right protective features, it will safeguard your vehicle from the elements. Let’s look at a few examples of real-world scenarios of this:

• During a heavy downpour, a waterproof car cover proves its worth by efficiently repelling rainwater so that it never touches the car’s surface.
• In an urban environment, where acid rain and pollutants are more prevalent, a high-quality outdoor car cover ensures corrosive elements are kept away from your car’s paint and finish.
• In regions prone to abrupt changes in the weather, our outdoor car covers can shield against intense UV rays, whilst also offering reliable protection against sudden downpours when the weather takes a turn.

The durable, water-resistant materials of a high-quality outdoor vehicle cover create a reliable shield that protects what’s underneath. This offers peace of mind that your cherished vehicle will remain in pristine condition no matter what the weather throws at you.

The best waterproof car covers are the ones that offer the appropriate degree of water protection for your needs. Our outdoor polypropylene car covers come in a Premium, Standard, and Basic Edition, each offering a high, but not equal, level of water-resistance. They are also very breathable, and offer superb protection against:

• Snow
• Wind
• UV light

Once you have established how well you need car covers to resist water and moisture in your region, there are other important considerations. Having a comprehensive range of protections against the elements will offer you maximum peace of mind. Our covers also have a guaranteed fit, as we define the correct size based on the make, model, and year of your vehicle.

Always aim to consider the full spectrum of protection needs you have for your vehicle when choosing a cover.

It’s important to understand the distinction between water repellent vs waterproof car covers, as this is a key variable in how well car covers resist water and moisture.

Waterproof vehicle covers are constructed using materials that create an impermeable barrier that prevents water infiltration even when it rains heavily. Not all car covers are waterproof, but the ones that are offer maximum protection against moisture.

Water-resistant car covers, meanwhile, are designed to repel water up to a certain extent. But prolonged exposure to heavy rain may exceed their capacity to resist moisture, so they are a better fit for light rain and drizzle.

It’s crucial to comprehend this distinction and weigh your options up against the weather conditions your vehicle faces when it is stored outdoors.

Discovering what type of car cover is best for your waterproofing needs comes down to a few things. First of all, you need to understand the degree of defense you need based on the amount of rain, snow, humidity, and condensation that occurs in your area.

Once you have a good idea of this, you need to look at:

• The properties of different car cover materials.
• Factors that influence water resistance.
• Comparing waterproof vehicle covers.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these things to help guide your exploration and ensure you make the right choices.

Evaluating Car Cover Materials

Car and SUV covers come in a wide array of materials. Common ones include polypropylene, polyester, vinyl, cotton blend, and satin. Some are better for indoor use, while others offer the necessary protection for covering a car outdoors. In this current context, you should be looking closely at materials that are known for their water-resistant properties.

Here are some that stand out:

• Polypropylene: This is the material we make our outdoor covers from. It is lightweight yet extremely durable, offers excellent moisture resistance, and is also highly breathable.
• Polyester: Also lightweight and durable, this material is naturally resistant to UV rays and resists water well.
• Vinyl: This heavy-duty material is more expensive but offers very good waterproofing. It can also be treated for UV resistance.

Consider your needs and priorities when comparing materials. We believe polypropylene to be the best all-round car cover material for protecting against the elements.

Factors Influencing Water Resistance

The quality and density of materials play a pivotal role in determining whether car covers protect from the rain. Materials that are tightly woven or layered offer greater density that provides enhanced water protection. Moreover, high-quality fabrics ensure a durable barrier, so you can have peace of mind for the long-term when storing your vehicle outdoors.

Manufacturing techniques are also important for water resistance. Heat sealing seams and the application of waterproof coatings make a big difference, and bear in mind that seams are a common area where water penetration occurs. Understanding the importance of high-quality stitching and the use of waterproof membranes will help you identify vehicle covers that offer reliable protection against rain with superior durability.

Comparing Waterproof Car Covers

Whenever you are looking for a new product, it is wise to compare and contrast your options in order to find the best solutions. We have pointed you in the direction of our outdoor car covers and explained how well they resist water and moisture. But we encourage you to look at other products as well to explore them as options. We are confident you won’t find any products better than ours at a similar price point.

Make sure you focus your comparisons on car covers that are designed specifically for waterproofing. You must carefully analyze specifications and assess features that determine the level of protection offered. The information in this guide should help with what to look for so you can find the optimal car cover for your needs.

Waterproof car covers are very important, as rain is one of the primary threats to the condition of your vehicle if it is stored outdoors. A waterproof vehicle cover creates an impenetrable barrier against rain, keeping water away from your car’s surfaces.

Water can go through car covers that are water-resistant, but waterproof ones offer the following benefits:

• Minimizing the risk of rust, corrosion, and mold formation.
• Extending the lifespan of your vehicle’s exterior and various components.
• Keeping your car looking pristine so you don’t have to wash it as often.

If you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall or changeable weather conditions, waterproof car covers can give you peace of mind if you store your car outdoors.