Are car covers a good idea?

I’ve recently bought a nearly new Mercedes GLC 300e in red. The car will be kept on our driveway and in order to look after the paintwork I am considering buying a car cover. Would this be a wise investment or should I worry about scratches caused by dust trapped inside the cover rubbing against the paintwork in high winds? If they are a good idea is there anything I should be cautious about?

Asked on 7 February 2024 by Hywel Smith

Answered by David Ross
A car cover is a sensible precaution for the protection of your vehicle's paintwork, but it is important to choose the right cover for your car. You can read our guide to car covers on the Honest John Kit website here: kit.honestjohn.co.uk/top-tens/top-10-car-covers/ and there are covers available that have a cotton lining to avoid scratching the paintwork. It is also important to consider that the car needs to be clean when using the cover, as trapping dirt and moisture beneath the cover can cause more harm than leaving it exposed to the elements.
Similar questions
I have recently purchased a one-owner 19-year-old Jaguar S-Type in very good condition but do not have garage space for it. Is there a Car Paint Protection firm you can recommend to try to help keep it...
This month, I’m taking delivery of my first ever brand new car - a Suzuki Ignis. Thanks to Suzuki’s seven year or 100k warranty, subject to T and Cs, involving getting the car serviced from an authorised...
BMW has offered me the discounted price of £250 to add BMW Protect X to a brand new vehicle. I will lease the car for three years then return it to the dealer. Is it worth buying the protection?
Related models
High-tech and well-equipped cabin. Spacious for people and luggage. Long-range petrol and diesel plug-in hybrids