How to Keep a Car Cover From Blowing Off in the Wind
Few things are more frustrating than finding your car cover in the neighbor's yard after a windy night. A cover that lifts or blows off is not just annoying, it is abrasive: every flap rubs the fabric (and any grit on it) against your paint. Here is how to make a cover truly wind-proof.
Start with fit: the 80% solution
Wind gets under loose fabric. A universal cover with excess material is a sail waiting for a gust. A custom-fit cover cut for your exact model leaves nothing for the wind to grab, and its elasticized front and rear hems hug the bumpers. Most "blowing off" problems disappear with correct fit alone.
Use every anchor the cover comes with
- Elastic hems: tuck them fully under the front and rear bumpers, not just over the edges.
- Buckles and straps: clip the underbody straps and snug them so the cover cannot lift at the rockers.
- Grommets: if your cover has them, they accept a cable or cord for extra hold (and a lock for security).
Add heavy-duty wind straps for exposed locations
If you park in an open lot, near the coast, or anywhere gusts are routine, add our heavy-duty wind strap kit: two bungee cords and four clips. The clips bite onto the cover's edge, and the cords hook under the front and rear bumpers, pulling the cover down tight. The full step-by-step is in our installation guide.
Technique checklist for storms
- Line up the mirror pockets so the cover sits exactly where the pattern intends.
- Tuck both elastic hems completely under the bumpers.
- Clip and tighten all straps, then attach wind straps front and rear.
- Face-check for loose pockets of fabric; smooth them out before leaving.
The bottom line
Custom fit plus tucked hems plus straps beats any wind short of a hurricane. Select your vehicle on the homepage for a cover that fits tight, and add wind straps if your parking spot is exposed.