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A good car cover is a worthwhile investment if you’re primarily storing your car outdoors. It’s a simple barrier that shields your vehicle from minor threats and the elements. It’s a great way to protect your investment and give yourself a little peace of mind when wicked weather is afoot.
One particular issue to keep in mind while you shop for outdoor covers is how well it will fare in a windstorm if they tend to be severe in your area. You want something that will hold tight when the wind really picks up, and won’t simply fly off. While reinforced anchoring points are a feature typically used to combat the issue, CoverSeal has another method in mind.
CoverSeal’s Heavy-Duty weighted outdoor car covers feature a unique weighted component that keeps wind from whipping the cover off, leaving your car exposed to the elements. This paired with the robust construction makes for a hardy cover on paper. It sent one my way to test for review, and I do think it’s worth putting on your radar if you’re after a premium outdoor cover that’s ready for extreme conditions.
The Bottom Line
| | CoverSeal Heavy-Duty Car Cover |
|---|---|
| Value | 6/10 |
| Weather Resistance | 9/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7/10 |
| Quality | 8/10 |
| Overall | 7.5/10 |
The Specs
CoverSeal’s Heavy-Duty car cover is an outdoor cover for extreme conditions. The cover I have here relies on 420D premium polyester water-resistant, ripstop weave fabric as the primary material. Special air ventilation pockets prevent it from trapping in moisture, and the cover itself reflects up to 90% of sunlight. It’s also heat resistant, and, according to CoverSeal, can withstand wildfire ash up to 300°F.
The unique characteristic of CoverSeal’s Heavy-Duty car cover is the 360-degree weighted bottom. It’s almost like one long continuous sandbag that runs around the lower edge of the cover. We’re not talking a few added pounds either; the particular cover in my possession weighs 45 pounds. The advantage is that it keeps wind and pests from getting under the cover and wreaking havoc.
I was sent the mid-size cover, which measures 189 inches in length, with a width of 75 inches and a 67-inch height. While it’s a touch too small for my ’69 Charger, it’s the perfect size for my Fiance’s Honda Civic. A total of five other sizes are available, with some specialty versions in the mix, making this an option for just about any passenger car.
Both premium and standard versions available for all sizes. For those of you wondering, I’m reviewing the premium version. Moving to the standard version switches to a 300D polyester fabric and does away with the ventilation pockets.
As for pricing, all of CoverSeals Heavy-Duty car covers are listed within the range of $300-$400. The standard version of this particular cover retails for $325, while the premium version lists for $350.
Testing CoverSeal’s Heavy-Duty Car Cover
The CoverSeal Heavy-Duty car cover showed up just in time to save me a serious scolding. Fall has arrived here in northeastern Pennsylvania, which means it’s time for my Fiance to start parking her car in the garage again. The problem is that my project truck is taking up one bay with some new-to-me garage couches in the other. I can’t squeeze the couches into the office just yet because the truck is blocking the only door they’ll fit through. So, she’s been using the car cover while I finish up the engine.
Pennsylvania, while hard on cars in its own ways, doesn’t pose much of an elemental threat to this cover. Even though the occasional tornado rolls through, it’s pretty calm here, and wildfires aren’t much of a threat. So, thankfully, I didn’t have to push this cover to the extremes. Though, I can confirm it does a great job of keeping water out, and the hardy materials used do instill confidence in CoverSeal’s claims.
We’ve had mostly mild weather for the past few weeks, with wind speeds being well within this cover’s range. According to CoverSeal, the weighted bottom holds firm in wind speeds up to 40 mph. Our winds have been nowhere near that, but the weighted bottom did come in handy several times while installing the cover. Good gusts always seem to come through whenever I’m putting it on. The weighted bottom keeps the cover from peeling back part way through, forcing me to start over.
That said, putting the cover on and taking it off is a breeze, despite the weight. I’d even say that the added weight is advantageous whenever you’re putting it on, even without severe wind. It keeps the cover oriented as you pull it over the car. And because it’s a universal fit that sort of drapes over the car. It’s on within seconds. The weight does work against you when folding it up and putting it into the storage bag, but that feels like a fair trade.
That universal fit is a deal breaker for folks who are after a cover with that fitted appearance, though. While this is premium in the sense that it uses quality materials and is resistant to extreme conditions, it’s not the most aesthetically appealing piece. It does sort of look like a tarp on your car.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the CoverSeal heavy-duty car cover is a killer solution if you’re parking a car where pests and harsh weather are serious problems. The weighted bottom and heavy-duty construction are going to offer protection that other covers simply can’t. That makes it pretty much irreplaceable in the right situation.
Which car cover is right for you is highly subjective, though. This cover will hit the mark for as many as it misses. $350 is a lot of money for a universal car cover. While it does have distinct advantages, it is overkill for the majority of people. I am stoked on the performance, though, and I think anyone would be. However, many are sure to agree that the price does warrant a tailored fit, so it does take a hit in terms of overall value.