The Best Car Covers of 2024

Cheap car covers are often more trouble than trying to save a few dollars. When it comes to shielding your vehicle from the elements when parked outside, sometimes it can be a real headache. And we’re not talking about the effort it takes to cover and uncover a vehicle.

Car owners face a variety of challenges. The sun’s UV rays can wreak havoc on your paint and interior. There’s a risk of a strong gust of wind lifting your car cover like a sail. Or the potential for moisture to become trapped underneath.

Options like the waterproof Motor Trend T-850 are multi-layered, durable, and softly lined on the interior, plus they include a storage bag. Other selects, such as the Kayme 6-Layer Truck Cover, fit a truck bed and are likewise waterproof, but certain designs, including the Coverking Silverguard, have mirror pockets, which is a nice addition.

We tested a range of covers to narrow down our favorites for cars and trucks, and all are under $200. To learn more about car jackets and a more in-depth analysis of how they can vary, check out our Buyer’s Guide or jump to the Price & Value summary. Still weighing your options? Consult our Comparison Chart. Otherwise, take a look at our list of recommendations.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Car Covers buyer’s guide on October 30, 2024, with the addition of a new Price & Value section.

The Best Car Covers of 2024

Car Covers Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Layers, Waterproof, Mirror pockets, Storage bag.

How We Tested Car Covers

Our Expert Testers

Our automotive specialist and lead tester of this buyer’s guide, Derek Mau, curated the collection: This busy guy knows all about detailing, paint correction, and keeping a car looking its best. A regular work day for Derek involves testing almost anything on four wheels, obsessively researching and shopping for the best deal, and writing detailed and informative reviews of all things automotive for GearJunkie.

This guide includes various truck and car covers for numerous applications, from light-duty to all-weather protection. We discuss several choices of covers that provide safe, reliable protection for a car, truck, SUV, or crossover. 

Our Testing Grounds

Mau is based in Idaho, where it’s hot and sunny in the summer and gets frosty in the winter, making it an ideal place to test car covers in the full range of elements and weather conditions.

Our Testing Process

Testing car and truck covers involves checking several essential aspects to ensure the design meets your precious steed’s needs. When evaluating the numerous choices available, we consider the fit, material quality, waterproofness, breathability, UV protection, ease of use, storage, and bonus features.

• Fit: Ensure the cover fits your car correctly. It should cover the entire vehicle without being too loose or too tight.
• Material Quality: The material is examined for durability and weather resistance. It should withstand rain, sun exposure, and other environmental factors.
• Waterproofing: We tested the cover’s waterproofing by spraying it with water and checking whether it beads and rolls off the fabric. We also checked to see if water soaked through after a rainy day.
• Breathability: Allowing air circulation to prevent moisture and condensation buildup is crucial since it can lead to mold and mildew problems.
• UV Protection: Protection against UV rays is vital to prevent fading and damage to your car’s paint.
• Ease of Use: The car cover is installed and removed to see how easy it is to use. It should be convenient to put on and take off.
• Storage: Does the cover come with a storage bag for easy storage when not in use?
• Additional Features: Details such as mirror pockets, patches to reinforce antenna holes, and markers identifying the front end enhance the car cover’s practicality.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Car Covers

Using a car cover is marvelous for several reasons. They’re a breeze to put on and remove, keeping your car scratch- and dent-free. They’re a lifesaver during allergy season, keeping pollen and dust at bay. Most importantly, they protect your investment, ensuring your car stays in pristine condition.

Car and truck covers come in a wide range of quality, design details, and price points. So you’ll want to make sure you pick the balance that’s right for you.

When choosing between an indoor and outdoor car cover, consider where you park your car and your specific needs.

If you’re on the fence about investing in a cover, here are a few incentives to consider:

Benefits of Automotive Covers

• Protection from the elements: A car cover shields your vehicle from rain, snow, hail, UV rays, and other weather-related damage, helping to preserve its exterior finish.
• Prevention of scratches and dings: A cover acts as a barrier against scratches, dings, and other minor damage caused by debris, branches, or accidental bumps.
• Deterrence of theft and vandalism: A cover can make your vehicle less appealing to thieves and vandals, as it conceals the vehicle’s appearance and adds an extra layer of protection.
• Preservation of interior: A car cover helps prevent fading, cracking, and other damage to your interior surfaces by blocking UV rays and reducing interior temperature fluctuations.
• Saves money: Investing in a car cover can help you save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent car washes, paint touch-ups, and other maintenance expenses.
• Convenience: Using a car cover eliminates the need to constantly clean your vehicle, especially in dusty or outdoor storage environments.
• Maintains resale value: A car cover helps maintain your vehicle’s overall condition by protecting its exterior and interior, which can positively impact its resale value.

Indoor Car Covers

Indoor truck and car covers are essential for protecting your prestige or classic collector’s car. They prevent dust, pollen, dirt, and small dings from building up, keeping your vehicle clean and safe from everyday wear and tear.

Here’s why you should use them:

• Protection: Protects against dust, dirt, and minor scratches.
• Benefits: Keeps your car clean and protects it from scratches in a garage or storage unit.
• Material: Typically made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like polyester or microfiber so moisture doesn’t get trapped underneath the cover.

We like the Kayme 6-Layer because of the extra padding that does an excellent job of cushioning against potential dings.

In summary, an indoor cover is sufficient if you park your car indoors and mainly want to protect it from dust and minor scratches.

Outdoor Car Covers

Outdoor truck and car jackets protect your car’s exterior from harsh weather conditions, bird droppings, tree sap, and more.

• Material: Outdoor car covers typically use heavier, more durable materials like polypropylene, polyester blends, or vinyl.
• Protection: Defends against scratches, dents, or other physical abuse.
• Weather Resistance: Designed to withstand extreme or mild outdoor conditions and offer UV protection.
• Breathability: Outdoor covers must be breathable to prevent moisture buildup, while indoor covers can be more lightweight and breathable.

For instance, the Motor Trend T-850 waterproof truck cover does a great job of fending off the elements and having a breathable design to avoid trapping moisture underneath.

An outdoor truck or car cover is better if you park outdoors and need protection from the elements, including UV rays and rain.

Choosing the Right Car Cover for Your Vehicle

When shopping for a car cover, consider the following factors to ensure you get the right one for your vehicle:

Size & Fit

Choose a cover designed to fit your specific make and vehicle model. A good fit will provide better protection and prevent the cover from flapping in the wind. For example, the Coverking Silverguard custom-fit cover cloaked every inch of our Subaru Outback.

Material Type

Look for a cover made from breathable, waterproof, and UV-resistant material. Polyester or polypropylene are often used for vehicle jackets due to their durability and weather-resistant properties.

Weather Protection

Consider the weather conditions in your area and choose a cover that offers the appropriate level of protection. For example, a waterproof cover is essential if you live in a wet climate.

Softness

Ensure that the inner side of the cover is soft to prevent scratching the car’s paint.

Security Features

Look for covers with tie-down straps, elastic hems, or built-in locks to secure them and prevent them from being blown away or stolen.

Storage

Choose a cover with a storage bag for easy storage when not in use.

Budget

Set a budget and look for covers that offer the best features within your price range.

Warranty

Check if the cover has a warranty to ensure quality and protection for your purchase.

Why Truck & Car Covers Offer Good Protection

Truck and car coats are essential for protecting your prestige or classic collector’s car. They prevent dust, pollen, dirt, and small dings from building up, keeping your vehicle clean and safe from everyday wear and tear. Here’s why you should use them:

Prevent Pollen, Dust, & Dirt Buildup

Auto covers protect your vehicle from micro scratches caused by dust and pollen. They also prevent moisture and dirt accumulation, which can lead to rusting.

Protect From Scratches & Dents

Made from high-quality materials, truck and car covers shield your vehicle from scratches and dents caused by pets or children. They also keep pollen and dust out of the interior.

Keep Your Car Cool in Summer

Car bags help maintain a cool interior by reflecting heat away from the bodywork. They also prevent condensation on windows and protect the car’s interior from UV rays. The Tecoom YL 8-Layers car cover has a bright and reflective coating and offers terrific defense against the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Protect from Pet Scratches

Car covers are a must if your pets like to lounge on your car. They prevent scratches, hair, dander, and dirt from damaging your vehicle’s exterior.

Protect Your Investment

Truck and car covers protect your car from scratches, dents, and other damage, ensuring it stays in top condition for years.

Choosing the best material for your car cover is imperative because a poor choice can cause damage. So, which materials are ideal for car covers?

Look for materials that can withstand the weather where you live, like waterproof and UV-resistant fabrics. You’ll also want a soft liner to prevent scratching your paint job.

If you’re in a windy area, check for covers with elastic hems and tie-down straps to keep them secure. Some covers even have grommets for cable locks if security is a concern. To point, the EzyShade 10-Layer All-Weather Car Cover is ready with two tie-down straps, grommeted holes placed mid-section, and elastic hems at the front and rear.

Remember about storage! A cover with a storage bag is easier to stash away when not in use.

Lastly, check the warranties. They can give you peace of mind and ensure you’re getting a quality product.

Price & Value

All of the car covers we’ve selected are excellent options, but we’ll explain what comes with each price tier to help you make your selection.

Budget

On the lower end of the price scale, you’ll find options that work well in milder climates like the Tecoom YL 8-Layers ($59) that are waterproof and have eight layers, mirror pockets, and a storage bag. While the car cover doesn’t lack coverage, the straps that need to be threaded through the wheels are a bit awkward, so that’s where the cost chimes in. A universal fit might have misaligned accessories. Also, the feel is a bit cumbersome. Albeit protective, other choices, such as the Kayme 6-Layer Truck Cover ($67), also have a construction and hand feel that’s less than premium.

Mid-Tier

Designs such as the Motor Trend T-850 ($84) have thoughtful details like labeling the front of the cover for quick orientation. The construction was great, with water resistance and zero condensation build-up. The design has an elastic hem and straps for security when it’s windy, and the durability is excellent. We also like that it comes with a storage bag.

Premium

Bumping above a hundred dollars, the Coverking Silverguard ($155) is a premium design that has even more details, including mirror pockets, double-stitched seams, waxed thread, overlapping seams, and covered grommets. Nicer covers, like the Coverking, are more durable, more weather resistant for heavier precipitation, and include a piece of material on the underside as a preventive measure against potential scuffs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best material for covering a car depends on your specific needs and the climate where you live. Here are some common materials used for car covers:

• Polyester: A popular choice for indoor car covers due to its softness and breathability. It’s also lightweight and easy to handle.
• Polyester blend: Polyester with other materials like acrylic or cotton can enhance durability and water resistance.
• Polypropylene: Ideal for outdoor use as it’s water-resistant and provides good protection against UV rays.
• Nylon: Delivers good protection against moisture and is lightweight, making it easy to handle.
• Microfiber: Provides excellent protection against dust and scratches, making it ideal for indoor use.
• Vinyl: Offers heavy-duty protection against water and UV rays but may not be as breathable as other materials.
• Multi-Layer: Covers with multiple layers of different materials offer superior protection against various elements.

Using a car cover can have some disadvantages, depending on a few specific circumstances:

• It could scratch the car’s paint if the inside layer is not clean or the vehicle sits in an excessively dusty environment.
• Car covers that do not breathe properly may trap moisture and cause mold or mildew damage, especially if poorly fitted or used during extended periods of rain. 
• Putting on and taking off a cover can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially if you need to use your car frequently.
• In windy conditions, car covers can flap against the surface, potentially causing micro scratches or visible paint damage.

Absolutely. Prolonged sun and UV exposure will damage your vehicle’s paint, seats and dash more than virtually any other element. A car cover is essential to preserve the value and condition of your vehicle. 

Tarps will not protect your vehicle and may cause more harm than good. Car covers, on the other hand, will guard your car against weather, dust and debris, UV rays, and minor damage. Car covers come in several variations to suit specific purposes. A tarp is flexible and water-resistant, but it doesn’t protect against UV damage caused by the sun. Nor does it have the breathability to allow moisture to escape. More importantly, tarps don’t have a soft liner that won’t scratch the paint.