It's a cover up

Z

Zed-X

Member
Hi All

I'm lucky enough to have a driveway but not fortunate enough to have a garage, so I'm looking for recommendations for car covers, as the nearside of my previous car received severe abuse from the sun causing paint damage.

I'm currently looking at Concours Auto Products 'Eclipse Cover and Classic Additions 'Ultimate Outdoor Cover'

Have any of you guys had any experience with these covers? Or maybe you know of another?

TIA
 
My current Z4 came with a Stormforce cover, but reading the instructions I discovered it had to be clean and dry before I put it on - so I sold it!

Here's another thread about covers:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143652

I wouldn't bother with one - Z4s don't dissolve if they get wet!
 
As has been said, it depends if your prepared to wash the car before putting the cover on.
If your not using it for a period of time it may be ok, but otherwise it can cause more damage than leaving it uncovered.
i am considering a half cover for my e89 for winter, but same applies, if cover goes on dirty car, it will scratch the roof .
 
I have a Concours cover for sale if you’re interested.
No longer have my Z4.

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143404
 
Zed-X said:
The wet, I can deal with. It's the UV rays and bird "bombs" that worry me!
Click to expand...
Don't think UV is a problem with modern paint TBH.
Car covers are a PITA, as Mr T eluded to. Firstly you have to make sure the car is spotlessly clean and dry, otherwise the cover can scratch the lacquer and the car WILL 'sweat' under an outdoor cover. Then you have the problem of a huge lump of material which has to go somewhere when you use the car. I would challenge ANYONE that they can fold an outdoor car cover well enough to get it back into it's bag, ever!

Even if you can fold it well enough, it has to be completely dry otherwise mould will grow on it.

Basically they are not worth the hassle IMO. I have spent many an hour wrestling with an outdoor cover. Gave up after a week of trying!
 
I used these guys..

https://www.specialisedcovers.com/stormshield-plus-car-cover

Not the cheapest but really excellent quality..fleece lined and breathable waterproof outer layer…

Works well 600 feet up a Scottish hill in winter..

Usual caveats apply to these..ie clean car..
 

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Thanks for all the feedback

Now knowing that the car will always need to be spotless/dry before putting a cover on means that it'd probably be a non-starter for me.

Time is at a premium for me so regular washing/waxing also isn't going to be a viable option

So that leads me on to my next thought... Ceramic coating.

My thinking here is that I'll still have protection against the UV rays (my main concern) but without the regular washing&waxing and/or associated hassle when using covers.

Does anyone here ceramic coat theirs?
 
Zed-X said:
Thanks for all the feedback

Now knowing that the car will always need to be spotless/dry before putting a cover on means that it'd probably be a non-starter for me.

Time is at a premium for me so regular washing/waxing also isn't going to be a viable option

So that leads me on to my next thought... Ceramic coating.

My thinking here is that I'll still have protection against the UV rays (my main concern) but without the regular washing&waxing and/or associated hassle when using covers.

Does anyone here ceramic coat theirs?
Click to expand...
Yes, will certainly help protect the paint from UV birds mess, pollen etc
still needs washing, but not polishing.
Periodic top up with ceramic detailing spray is good, but not essential.
Wash with PH neutral shampoo, and do not go to the local car wash.
 
Yes to Ceramic coating! I did a full detail and ceramic coat of my Fiesta a good few years ago and it was the best thing I did. Took no longer than 5-10 minutes once a week with ONR waterless wash to keep it clean and dust free with a once a month or every couple of months visit to the jet wash at the petrol station.

I haven't pulled the trigger on ceramic coating for my Z4 as it needs a bit of paint here and there along with some other cosmetics sorting out before I splash out on a few £100s for ceramic coating. Im a big fan of Gtechniq and loved C1 + Exo for the finish (providing you do a good job on the paint correction first)

I think Beedub on here is a Gtechniq dealer and is authorised for paint correction and ceramic coatings. I think his company is called TopWrapz? Have a search on here and you will find him.
 
[/quote]
Yes, will certainly help protect the paint from UV birds mess, pollen etc
still needs washing, but not polishing.
Periodic top up with ceramic detailing spray is good, but not essential.
Wash with PH neutral shampoo, and do not go to the local car wash.
[/quote]

Sounds all good to me.
Just comes down to the price now!
 
Matty_Z4 said:
Yes to Ceramic coating! I did a full detail and ceramic coat of my Fiesta a good few years ago and it was the best thing I did. Took no longer than 5-10 minutes once a week with ONR waterless wash to keep it clean and dust free with a once a month or every couple of months visit to the jet wash at the petrol station.

I haven't pulled the trigger on ceramic coating for my Z4 as it needs a bit of paint here and there along with some other cosmetics sorting out before I splash out on a few £100s for ceramic coating. Im a big fan of Gtechniq and loved C1 + Exo for the finish (providing you do a good job on the paint correction first)

I think Beedub on here is a Gtechniq dealer and is authorised for paint correction and ceramic coatings. I think his company is called TopWrapz? Have a search on here and you will find him.
Click to expand...

Music to my ears!
I'll check Beedub out on here :thumbsup:
 
Zed-X said:
Matty_Z4 said:
Yes to Ceramic coating! I did a full detail and ceramic coat of my Fiesta a good few years ago and it was the best thing I did. Took no longer than 5-10 minutes once a week with ONR waterless wash to keep it clean and dust free with a once a month or every couple of months visit to the jet wash at the petrol station.

I haven't pulled the trigger on ceramic coating for my Z4 as it needs a bit of paint here and there along with some other cosmetics sorting out before I splash out on a few £100s for ceramic coating. Im a big fan of Gtechniq and loved C1 + Exo for the finish (providing you do a good job on the paint correction first)

I think Beedub on here is a Gtechniq dealer and is authorised for paint correction and ceramic coatings. I think his company is called TopWrapz? Have a search on here and you will find him.
Click to expand...

Music to my ears!
I'll check Beedub out on here :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Just a couple of topics that may help :) :thumbsup:

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=142953

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=103467
 
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