Unsure what is available on the market to protect your car while it is parked in the garage? We look at three options.
Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms
We all try to look after our classic or modern classic cars the best we can. After all, they represent sizeable investments. One of the main ways to protect your prized possession, is to put it under a cover when it is not being used. Even when being stored in a garage, a dust layer can quickly settle your car though the severity of the problem obviously depends on how airtight your garage is.
Unlike a couple of decades ago, there are a wide variety car covers on offer these days, and several companies offer a wide range of covers for nearly all your needs (and all budgets). In this article we are not going to cover the "cheapies" that you can find at any automotive parts outlet, but rather covers that have been made specially to keep your car in the best possible condition.
Cover-Tec
This company sends a representative to your house so that the car’s cover can be custom-made to fit perfectly, even around the side mirrors. The covers are made from a finely woven polyester/lycra combination that is breathable and stretches tight over your pride and joy. According to their website, their covers are “slightly cushioned and offers protection in the garage against minor dings”.
There is also the option to have a name, number or badge (for example) printed on your cover to give it a unique finish. Cover-Tec can even print something on the car’s “mirror socks”.
Visit their website at www.cover-tec.co.za
Cost: Contact for cost (variable).
Auto Pyjama
Auto-Pyjama is a very well-known name in the industry. This company's covers are also made from Polyester and features a soft flannel fleece on the inside. There are heavy elastic hems at both ends and a matching carry bag is included. There are 20 different covers across the range, but there is also “an international database listing virtually all vehicles ever made.” Standard colours for the cover include Anthracite (which is a silver/grey colour) and red. Special request colours are Black, Bugatti Blue, Royal Blue, Olive Green, Dark Green and Yellow.
Visit the official importer’s website at www.bodge.co.za/autopyjama).
Cost: From R3 000 (including delivery
Goodwool
Made in Italy, these covers are for those cars on the upper end of the cost spectrum. These covers are made from a combination of wool (Tollegno 1900 Merino to be specific) and “technical fibre”. There are five colour options for the inner layer and up to nine options for the outer layer. However, there are also a host of different customisation options available to the client.
The most visually impressive feature of these covers is that they are designed in both colour and form to portray the cars that they cover. The result is that they are not cheap, but probably the best-looking covers available. Visit their Instagram page to see the results!
Visit their website at https://goodwool.it/en/
Cost: From R80 000