5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Car Cover

A good car cover lasts for years, but nothing lasts forever. A worn-out cover can stop protecting — or even trap moisture and scratch your paint. Here are five signs it's time to replace your car cover.

1. The fabric is fading or discolored

Heavy fading means the UV-protective coating has broken down. Once that happens, the cover no longer shields your paint from sun damage the way it should.

2. It's thinning or you can see through it

Hold the cover up to the light. If the fabric has gone thin or translucent in spots, the protective layers are wearing out and tears aren't far behind.

3. Water no longer beads up

On a waterproof cover, rain should bead and roll off. If water soaks in instead, the waterproofing has failed — and a cover that holds water against your paint does more harm than good.

4. Straps, hems or seams are failing

Stretched-out elastic, frayed straps or split seams mean the cover won't stay secure in wind. A cover that shifts and flaps can scratch your finish.

5. Mildew smell or stains that won't wash out

Persistent musty odor or set-in mildew stains signal the fabric is breaking down. At that point, cleaning won't restore it.

How to make your next cover last longer

Keep it clean, always store it fully dry, fold it loosely, and choose the right protection grade for your climate. Good habits can add years to a cover's life.

The bottom line

Fading, thinning, leaking, failing straps and mildew are your cues to replace. A fresh, custom-fit cover restores full protection for your vehicle. Select your vehicle above to find the right replacement.