Water Repellent Vs Waterproof Car Cover

Let’s start by looking at exactly how a waterproof cover differs from a water-repellent car cover. Essentially, the distinction is as follows. Water-repellent ones are more breathable car covers. They will not keep 100% of the water from getting onto your car, particularly during heavier downpours. Waterproof ones, meanwhile, block every bit of water from reaching your car, no matter how heavy the rain gets.

Breathable fabrics allow water that gets trapped underneath the car cover to escape. Non-breathable waterproof car covers cannot do this, so you have to be careful about ensuring the car is dry before you apply the car cover. If the cover is applied with water on the body, and that water cannot escape, it increases the risk of mold and mildew forming.

The most appropriate car cover type for you will depend on your needs. A waterproof cover may be better if you live in an area with frequent, heavy rain or snowfall. They are particularly beneficial if you regularly apply and remove your cover. A water-repellent car cover, on the other hand, might be better in areas with less rainfall. And its breathability is really useful if you leave the cover applied for longer periods.

You need to assess your needs against the pros and cons of both options to come up with a solution. You can order both types from us and we can offer guidance if you need help making the choices. Contact us and speak to our team for some expert advice.

To help with your decision-making, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of waterproof covers. With 100% water resistance, you get the downside of not having any breathability. Let’s see what this means in practical terms.

Advantages

Here are the key advantages of waterproof car covers:

• They offer maximum water protection, even during heavy downpours.
• If the car is dry underneath, they can help prevent mold development.
• They are great for outdoor storage, also protecting against bird droppings and UV rays.
• Their durability is outstanding, so they can be used in all seasons for the long-term.
• Cleaning is easy as dirt and stains can wipe off and drying is very quick.

All together waterproof covers are great if you want robust protection against the elements. This is particularly true for outdoor storage in areas with lots of rain or snow.

Disadvantages

Now let’s look at the disadvantages of waterproof car covers:

• The lack of breathability can trap moisture and condensation, particularly in humid areas.
• The waterproof materials can sometimes create micro-scratches on the paint if not handled with care.
• They can be heavy and bulky, making storage more difficult.
• Their cost is often higher than water-repellent car covers due to the materials.

Despite these disadvantages, many people choose waterproof car covers for their outstanding protection against the weather. It’s important to strike the right balance between water-resistance and breathability, and we sell covers that are designed to get that right.

Water-repellent car covers offer many similar properties to waterproof ones. But there are subtle yet significant differences that need to be highlighted when you are trying to choose between the two. Let’s look at how affordability, breathability, and ease of use can make up for any shortcomings in weather-resistance.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of choosing water-repellent car covers:

• The breathability of the fabrics means they allow greater air circulation to lower the risk of mold formation.
• Their water-resistance is not perfect, but they can protect against light rain and snow.
• They dry quickly, so won’t need to be aired out for as long as waterproof covers.
• They are lightweight, making them easier to maneuver and store.
• Their affordability is superior, as the materials tend to be more budget-friendly.
• You don’t need to worry about scratches since the materials are non-abrasive.

Water-repellent car covers are arguably a little better at striking a balance all-round. If you are not in an area that experiences frequent heavy rain and snow, they may be the better option to protect your car.

Disadvantages

Here are the disadvantages of water-repellent car covers:

• The water-resistance is only good up to a point.
• They aren’t the best at dealing with harsh weather conditions.
• Though breathable, they can still trap moisture and cause mold and mildew.
• Their UV protection is not as comprehensive as waterproof covers.
• Their durability is lower, so they may not last as long.
• You are less likely to be able to use them for long-term outdoor storage because of their vulnerability to more extreme weather.

For many applications, you can choose this option in the debate between water-repellent vs waterproof car covers. But pay close attention to the disadvantages and be honest about whether any would be a problem for you. Again, if you are having difficulty evaluating your needs against the properties of different car cover types, contact us and ask for advice.

There are various things to consider when looking into the best material for waterproof covers. You need to think about your budget, as some waterproof materials are premium, and you also need to think about the level of water-resistance you actually need. Good materials include:

• Polyester coated with waterproofing agents
• Polyethylene
• PVC

We have a separate article about car cover materials if you want more detailed information. With regards to waterproofing, you should think about options with a high-denier rating for the most robust, durable materials. And the seams are important too; taped seams are a great way to ensure no water leaks through. Our waterproof covers are of the highest quality with superb water resistance so you can buy with confidence when you shop our products.

Water-repellent car covers are always more breathable than waterproof ones, but not all breathable car covers are water-repellent. Breathability is a property of water-repellent materials, but there are other breathable car covers. Materials like flannel or velvet are breathable, but they offer next-to-no water resistance.

Essentially, water-repellent covers are like waterproof ones, but they compromise on the level of water-resistance offered to provide some breathability. Many people will tell you of the importance of breathability, so you must weigh up what your priorities are. If you want a breathable car cover for indoor use, a water-repellent one may not be your best option.

How Breathability Affects The Water Repellent And Waterproof Properties Of Car Covers?

For a material to be breathable, it has to be porous. This is what enables some air flow under the cover - the very thing that “breathability” refers to. This is great for helping to prevent moisture from sitting under the car cover, which could otherwise lead to mold and mildew formation. However, this is not a perfect solution.

The porous nature of the material means it is not good at keeping 100% of water out. In heavy rainfall, water will find its way under the cover and saturate the cover itself. The breathability of water-repellent car covers may not be sufficient to allow all this moisture to dry out quickly. The problems with this are:

• Mold and mildew could still form underneath the cover
• They could also form in the pores of the cover itself, which could harm its integrity

This is why some people believe a waterproof car cover is better for mold prevention. As long as the car body is 100% dry when you apply the car cover, it will prevent water from getting underneath from rain or snowfall. However, in humid conditions, condensation can still find its way under the cover.

This is why it’s important to consider the full spectrum of your needs and decide which type of material is best for you. We sell both water-repellent and waterproof covers, so we can accommodate your choice.