Before covering your car in the garage: 4 essential steps
Share
Whether you have just returned from a holiday, finished a weekend drive or simply parked your car back in the garage, a few minutes of preparation before fitting an indoor cover can make all the difference. A cover works best when it is used on a car that is clean, dry and ready to be stored.
It is tempting to park the car, unfold the cover and move on. However, dust, insects and moisture collected during recent journeys do not disappear once the vehicle is indoors. Here are the four steps we recommend before covering a car in a garage or private parking space.
1. Clean the bodywork before fitting the cover
After several journeys, the bodywork often carries a mixture of dust, insect marks, sand, pollen, road residue or tree sap. Even when the car looks clean from a few metres away, these particles can still be present on the surface.
An indoor cover rests directly against the bodywork. If hard particles are trapped between the fabric and the paint, the movement created when fitting or removing the cover can cause friction. The cover itself is not the problem: the dirt left underneath it creates the risk.
A thorough wash is therefore preferable before a period of storage. Use products suited to automotive paintwork and pay particular attention to areas exposed to road spray. For more complete care after a long journey, you can also read our guide How to care for your car after the holidays.
2. Allow the car to dry completely
A washed car is not necessarily a dry car. Water can remain around the mirrors, seals, handles, grilles, lower bodywork or wheels, and may continue to drain for several minutes after washing.
Before covering the car, dry it with a clean microfibre towel and allow enough time for it to air. A short drive can help remove water from certain areas, provided the bodywork remains clean when you return. Then check the places where moisture tends to collect.
A breathable cover never removes the need to dry the vehicle properly. It supports storage in suitable conditions, but it should not be used to trap moisture that is already present.
3. Check and air the interior
Preparation does not end with the paintwork. After a holiday, the cabin may still contain damp towels, clothing, open bottles, wet floor mats or items left in the boot.
Remove anything that can retain moisture or cause odours. Check the mats and boot, then air the car for a few minutes before closing the doors. If a floor mat is damp, it is better to remove it and allow it to dry separately.
This precaution is particularly useful when the vehicle will remain in the garage for several days or weeks. It reduces the feeling of stale air when you next use the car and allows it to be stored in a healthier environment.
4. Choose a cover designed for garage storage
Once the bodywork is clean and dry and the interior has been checked, the cover can be fitted. For a dry garage or private parking space, choose a cover designed for indoor use rather than a heavier outdoor cover intended to withstand the weather.
The My Roadster® Stretch™ indoor car cover is made from 180 g/m² stretch fabric. It follows the lines of the vehicle, while its soft fleece lining helps care for clean paintwork. It creates a barrier against dust and also helps limit light scratches and minor scuffs while the car is parked indoors.
To fit it, first identify the front and rear, position the cover without dragging it unnecessarily across the paint, then gradually unfold it around the vehicle. When removing it, fold it carefully so that the outer surface does not come into contact with the inner lining.
The four steps to remember
- Clean the bodywork to remove particles and residue.
- Dry the vehicle completely, including hidden areas.
- Check the interior and remove any damp items.
- Protect the car with a cover suited to indoor storage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cover a car immediately after washing it?
Yes, but only once it is completely dry. Pay particular attention to the seals, mirrors, handles and areas where water may continue to drain.
Can I fit a cover over a dusty car?
It is not recommended. Particles trapped between the cover and the paint can cause friction when the cover is fitted or removed.
Does a breathable cover allow me to cover a car while it is still damp?
No. Breathable fabric is not a substitute for thoroughly drying the vehicle before fitting the cover.
Which cover should I choose for a car parked in a garage?
In a dry garage or private parking space, a soft, breathable indoor cover is the most suitable option. An outdoor cover is designed for different conditions, including rain, UV exposure and bad weather.
Is your car clean, dry and ready to return to the garage?
Discover the My Roadster® Stretch™ indoor car cover, available in several sizes to protect your vehicle from dust while it is parked indoors.