Why Use a Car Cover?
I recently bought a Coverlite car cover for my 981 Boxster, so I’d like to share it with you!
My 981 Boxster is parked outdoors.
While a covered parking spot is ideal for convertibles, I think many people realistically end up parking outdoors.
Using a car cover offers the following benefits:
- Protection against UV-induced deterioration of the car (soft top, interior, lights, etc.)
- Protection against bird droppings and tree sap
- Prevention of pollen and yellow dust buildup
- Deterrent against theft
These are some of the benefits.
I feel that convertibles, in particular, benefit greatly from UV protection. It also prevents the interior from getting sticky. This is the biggest benefit!
By the way, this is the car cover I’m actually using on my 981 Boxster.
I’ve been using it for about three months while parked outdoors, and I’m very satisfied with its protection against UV rays and bird droppings.
What I particularly like about it is that:
・It fits the car’s dimensions perfectly
・The fleece-lined interior helps prevent scratches
・It comes with a storage bag, making it easy to store
These are the points I appreciate most.
It might seem a bit pricey, but considering the high cost of repairs, it’s actually a bargain. (Repairing the soft top could cost around 3,000 USD)
How to Use It in Everyday Life
On sunny days, I remove the car cover and put it back on only after making sure the car is dry following a drive.
Once you get the hang of it, you can put it on and take it off in 3–4 minutes.
The cover fits perfectly; there’s even a little extra room without having to fold the mirrors (since my car doesn’t have the power-folding option).
However, there is one thing that’s a bit of a hassle: the straps that secure the cover under the car.
When I first bought it, the strap had a buckle, and I had to throw it to the other side to clip the buckle shut.
This was incredibly difficult, and I never managed to do it successfully…
So, I removed the buckle from the strap and tied the strap directly to the wheel to secure it!
It’s currently secured to only two wheels on one side of the car, but since there are rubber straps at the four corners, it hasn’t flown away so far.
In my situation, this keeps it secure enough and is very convenient! (Since this isn’t the official method, you do so at your own risk.)
Precautions for Rainy Days
It fits easily in the front trunk. Even with the cover inside, there’s still room for a large backpack on top. If you place a bag on the bottom, you can store it easily without getting it dirty—and you won’t have to put it in a bag every time.
The most important thing to watch out for is storing it while it’s still wet.
I’ve personally taken the cover off on a rainy day and stored it directly in the front trunk, and the inside of the trunk ended up getting quite damp.
Storing a wet cover for a long period of time can cause:
- Mold
- Odor
- Moisture transferring into the car
After using it on a rainy day, I recommend spreading it out as much as possible to let it dry.
What do you do when you go out on a rainy day?
Ideally, you should remove the cover in advance on days when rain is forecast.
If you absolutely must remove it on the day itself,
- Fold up the cover
- Unfold it after you get home
- Put it away again once it’s completely dry
Following these steps will give you peace of mind.
Are car covers a hassle?
To be honest, it’s a bit of a hassle.
However,
“It helps slow down the car’s deterioration” (especially the soft top and interior)
“You don’t have to wash the car as often”
“It reduces damage from bird droppings”
Considering these benefits, I feel it’s well worth the effort for a convertible parked outdoors.
Plus, you’ll get used to it surprisingly quickly—usually by the second time or so.
We Recommend Car Covers for People Like This
- People who park outdoors
- People who drive convertibles
- People who want to wash their cars less often
- People who want to prevent wear and tear on their cars (such as the top, interior, and lights)
This is one of those items that made me think, “I wish I’d bought this sooner.”
Summary
Car covers aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but they’re an effective way to keep your convertible looking good for a long time when parked outdoors.
Especially with convertibles like the 981 Boxster, you’ll really notice how well they protect against UV rays and rain.
It takes a little effort, but the benefit of keeping your beloved car in pristine condition more than makes up for it.
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