Car Cover Installation Guide
Installing a custom-fit car cover takes less than two minutes once you know the sequence, and doing it right protects your paint every single time. Below you’ll find the full step-by-step for our fitted covers (Bronze Shield through Supreme Shield), the do’s and don’ts that keep your finish safe, and the complete setup guide for the indoor inflatable car bubble.
4 easy steps, plus the do’s and don’ts that protect your paint.
2 bungee cords and 4 clips to lock the cover down in high wind.
6 steps from base mat to fully inflated capsule.
Installing your car cover in 4 easy steps
These steps apply to every fitted cover we make: Bronze Shield 2L, Silver Shield 3L, Black Satin BL, Gold Shield 5L and Supreme Shield HD.
- 1
Start at the front
Unfold the cover and find the front; it’s marked on the tag and shaped for your bumper. Drape it over the front bumper and line up the mirror pockets with your side mirrors. Because every cover is cut from your vehicle’s exact pattern, the pockets tell you instantly when it’s sitting straight.
- 2
Unroll toward the rear
Pull the cover back over the roof toward the rear bumper, keeping the center seams running straight down the middle of the vehicle. Work from one side to the other so the fabric stays even and doesn’t drag across the paint.
- 3
Tuck the elastic hem
Slip the elastic edges under the front and rear bumpers. The hem is what gives a custom-fit cover its snug, tailored look. Once tucked, the cover should sit tight against the body with no loose fabric.
- 4
Strap it down
Clip the buckle straps together underneath the vehicle and snug them up. If your vehicle has an antenna, apply the included antenna patch. In windy areas, add the cable & lock through the grommets for extra security. Total time: under 2 minutes.
Before you cover: important warnings
- Make sure the vehicle is completely dry. Never install a cover over a wet car.
- Let the engine, exhaust and tailpipe cool down fully before covering.
- Close every window and the sun/moon roof before putting the cover on.
- Skip the cover on fresh paint and wait until new paintwork is fully cured.
- Just waxed? Let the wax dry and cure completely before covering.
- Never cover a convertible with the top down.
- Let the car cool down after driving or sitting in strong sun. A hot surface, especially around the exhaust and hood, can soften the fabric and imprint the cover pattern onto your paint.
- Not recommended on wrapped vehicles, as covers can cause vinyl wraps to deteriorate or discolor.
- Not recommended on exposed carbon-fiber body parts.
- A car cover is not hail protection, so move the vehicle under shelter in severe weather.
Removing and storing your cover
Fold, don’t bunch
Remove the cover front-to-rear, folding it in sections as you go. Accordion-folding keeps dirt on the outside and off your paint the next time you install it.
Store it dry
Never bag a damp cover. Let it air-dry fully, then keep it in its storage bag, in the trunk or garage, so it’s always ready.
Keep it clean
Hose it down or wipe with mild soap and water while it’s on the vehicle, then air dry. Never machine wash or tumble dry, because heat and agitation damage the coating and the fit.
Heavy-duty wind straps: installation in 4 easy steps
For windy areas, our heavy-duty wind strap kit adds serious holding power to any fitted cover. The kit includes 2 bungee cords and 4 clips. Most owners run one cord under the front bumper and one under the rear.
- 1
Position the clips
With the cover installed, clamp a clip onto the edge of the cover near the front bumper on each side, then do the same at the rear with the other two clips.
- 2
Tighten the clips
Squeeze each clip down firmly on the fabric until it grips tight and cannot slip or fall off. A secure clip is what keeps the strap in place in high wind.
- 3
Hook up the bungee cords
Each clip has a small hole. Slide a bungee hook into the hole on one side, run the cord under the vehicle, and hook the other end into the opposite clip.
- 4
Check the tension
One cord runs under the front bumper and the other under the rear. The cords should sit snug and hold the cover down evenly without pulling the fabric out of shape. Give it a tug to confirm nothing moves.
Indoor inflatable car bubble: setup in 6 steps
The car bubble works differently from a fitted cover: instead of draping fabric over the body, you park inside a sealed, ventilated capsule. Setup takes about 15 minutes the first time.
- 1
Lay out the base
Unfold the mildew-resistant base mat on a flat garage floor, positioned where the vehicle will sit. Leave clearance on all sides for the canopy.
- 2
Open it right up
Unzip the enclosure completely and fold the clear PVC canopy off to the side, leaving the base clear so you can drive straight on.
- 3
Drive on and park
Center your vehicle on the base mat and switch the engine off. Let the exhaust cool completely before enclosing the vehicle.
- 4
Close the canopy
Pull the PVC canopy back over the top of the vehicle and seal it shut with the rust-proof zippers.
- 5
Fit the two fans
Slot both fans into their openings at the front of the enclosure and plug them into a standard wall outlet. The capsule starts inflating right away.
- 6
Let it inflate
Within 10–15 minutes the bubble is fully inflated. Keep the fans running at all times; the continuous, charcoal-filtered airflow is what holds the capsule up and keeps clean air circulating around your vehicle.
Before you inflate: important warnings
- Before the first use, inflate the bubble empty (no vehicle inside) so the material can relax into shape.
- In cold weather, below 50°F (10°C), let the material warm up indoors for 24 hours before inflating.
- Let the engine and exhaust cool completely before zipping the canopy closed.
- Leave your vehicle’s windows fully or partially open for better airflow inside the capsule.
- Storing a convertible? Leave the top up but unlatched to protect the weather stripping.
- Never put an additional car cover on the vehicle inside the bubble, as it traps moisture against the paint.
- Dust the bubble with a soft car duster. For a deeper clean, use warm water with mild dish soap, rinse well and let it dry completely.
- Keep sharp tools and objects away from the PVC to avoid punctures.
- When not in use, store the bubble in a dry, elevated spot away from moisture and rodents.
Installation questions
How long does it take to install a car cover?+
Under 2 minutes once you’ve done it a couple of times. Start at the front, line up the mirror pockets, unroll to the rear, tuck the elastic hem and clip the straps.
How do I know which end is the front?+
The front is marked on the sewn-in tag, and the mirror pockets only line up one way. The shape of the hem also follows your bumpers, so a custom-fit cover naturally guides you.
Can one person install it alone?+
Yes. Our covers are light enough for one person: start at the front and walk the cover back over the roof. For larger vehicles like RVs, a second set of hands makes it faster.
Should I use the straps and cable lock every time?+
The elastic hem alone holds the cover in calm conditions. Use the buckle straps daily if you park outside, and add the cable & lock through the grommets in windy or theft-prone areas.
How long does the inflatable car bubble take to set up?+
First-time setup takes about 15 minutes: lay the base, drive on, zip the canopy, fit the two fans and let it inflate for 10–15 minutes. After that, it’s just drive in, zip, and switch the fans on.
Do the bubble’s fans need to stay on?+
Yes. The fans provide the continuous airflow that keeps the capsule inflated and circulates clean, charcoal-filtered air around your vehicle. They’re designed for continuous, low-power operation.
Don’t have your cover yet? Browse our custom-fit car covers or truck covers, or read our guide on choosing the right protection grade and washing and storing your cover.
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