Outdoor cover ?

[93 Mk1]

With motor tax expiry due at the end of the month and insurance having expired yesterday, I decided to declare the car off the road and not renew my insurance policy for a while. Quite frankly, I have more pressing motoring needs that require sorting first - too many vehicles, not enough banks to rob....you get the jist ! So, the other day I made inquiries about putting the car into storage, for maybe say, until the New Year. Which all went fine. But then I got thinking that it would be an inconvenience getting to the car (not that close to home) to do any winter work on it and no tools available on site. This lead me on to thinking about an outdoor protective cover and this would enable me to keep the car at home where I can tinker with it, when and as, time permits. So, have any of you used these covers ? If so, how did it work out ?

[Pops]

Covers in Lidl now €15 , daughter bought one for me (large) but it’s too big, still going to use it even though the car is now parked in the shed for the winter. If you’re thinking of using the same cover I’d say you might need to put blankets or something on the car first as the cover will move with the wind and rub the paint
https://www.lidl.ie/en/special-offers.h ... leId=12239

[mrges]

To be honest, I think it's worth investing (maybe take that word with a pinch of salt!) in a 'proper' cover, especially if the car is being kept outside. I bought a Stormforce cover for the Beetle, and although rather a tight fit, once strapped on it seemed to offer good protection - kept the car dry throughout Ophilia, the snow earlier this year, and also protected from the blazing sun this summer. It cost anout €150, so I guess you would hope (expect) it to be good. Also, it didn't mark the paintwork (despite strong winds).

I agree that blankets should reduce scratches from a cover, but I'd be worried that if they got wet/damp they would retain moisture whilst sitting on the car.

[93 Mk1]

Interesting perspectives, you two. I saw a purpose made cover online earlier in the week.....I think it may have been Autolink in the UK. Shaped perfectly for the MX-5. Perhaps this is the way to go. My original goal for this year was to erect a car port but thoughts of expanding the current garage have been going through my head this week. €€€€€€ !

[93 Mk1]

This is the one that I mentioned above:

https://www.autolinkmx5.com/car-cover-complete-mazda-mx-5-mk1--mk2-waterproof-9536-p.asp

[mrges]

That looks, and sounds, like it should be up for the ravages of the elements, especially if it's not sitting fully exposed. And it's not that expensive, considering it's a 'made to measure' job.

[93 Mk1]

That looks, and sounds, like it should be up for the ravages of the elements, especially if it's not sitting fully exposed. And it's not that expensive, considering it's a 'made to measure' job.

I was thinking that too. At least by not putting the car into storage, I can still do a few odd jobs when time allows. The cover also works out cheaper than storage costs so that's always a bonus.....more money to go towards the "coilovers fund"

[donegalgeordie]

Tried an Mx5 specific cover before I had the garage. Didn't stand up to the Donegal winds very well, but I do live in an exposed area.seemed to suffer from condensation when under it.

[93 Mk1]

Tried an Mx5 specific cover before I had the garage. Didn't stand up to the Donegal winds very well, but I do live in an exposed area.seemed to suffer from condensation when under it.

Hmmm, that's what I was hoping not to hear ! Mine would be sheltered a bit so that might help matters. The condensation, however, is another thing......

[Pops]

Good point about the blankets getting damp mrges, never thought of it as mine is inside.

[mrges]

I know the one I had was rather expensive, but it was elasticated and also came with 2 underbody straps to keep it in place, water rolled off it, and not condensation (seemed very breathable). And no visible scratches. Tgat said, if not sitting fully exposed, and you remove the cover the cover now and again to air it, I'm sure it would be fine and dandy - and cheaper than storage!

[93 Mk1]

Good points Graham. I'd be starting it and rolling up and down the drive periodically anyway to prevent calipers sticking etc so the cover would be coming off from time to time.
Oh to have a bigger garage.......
The garage was originally built to house my old E30 BMW. Then the bikes took over and pushed the car to the driveway !

[james]

Just read this thread and ran out to lidl.

For €15 the medium car cover is perfect.

IMG_20180928_183756_900.jpg

[mrges]

Good points Graham. I'd be starting it and rolling up and down the drive periodically anyway to prevent calipers sticking etc so the cover would be coming off from time to time.
Oh to have a bigger garage.......
The garage was originally built to house my old E30 BMW. Then the bikes took over and pushed the car to the driveway !

Just in case you are still considering a cover..... although these aren't cheap, they are reduced!

https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/covers-c-376 ... HR6,7AWX,1