If you don’t have a garage, your car is exposed all year round to sun, rain, dust, bird droppings, tree sap and, in winter, ice or hail. A good car cover protects the paintwork, plastic trim and interior, and saves you from scraping the windscreen on cold mornings.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to find the right size, which material suits your parking conditions and which features really make a difference!

Step 1: Full car cover or half car cover?

• Car cover: Covers the entire car, from the roof down. It offers the most complete protection and is the right choice if the car is parked for days or if you want protection from hail.
• Half car cover: Covers the roof, windows and upper part of the bodywork. It can be put on and taken off in seconds, making it ideal for everyday use, mainly to protect against sun, dust and ice on the windshield.

Step 2: Find the right size

The cover should fit snugly around the car. If it’s too small, it won’t cover the bumpers and the seams will tear. If it’s too large, the wind will lift it and it will rub against the paintwork.

How to find the right size:

1. Find your car’s dimensions: length, width and height. You can find them in the owner’s manual or in the model’s technical specifications.
2. Compare them with the cover’s dimensions: most covers list length × width × height in centimetres. The cover should be slightly larger than the car in each dimension.
3. Pay attention to the height for SUVs and Jeeps: a cover with the right length but insufficient height won’t come down far enough along the sides.

To get started faster, use the category’s length filter:

The sizes S, M, L and XL are not the same across all manufacturers. One brand’s Large may be another’s XL, so always go by the measurements in centimeters.

Step 3: Choose a material based on where you park

For outdoor use

Here, the cover needs to withstand water, sun and wind.

• PEVA / PVC: Affordable and waterproof materials. However, they don’t “breathe,” so moisture can become trapped underneath the cover. They’re better suited to occasional use or when paired with an inner lining.
• Polyester (often with a silver coating): Durable, lightweight and waterproof. The silver coating reflects sunlight and helps keep the car cooler in summer.
• Multilayer materials: Combine a waterproof outer layer with a soft inner layer. They’re the most comprehensive option for a car that stays outdoors permanently.

Advantages: Protection from rain, sun, dust, ice and bird droppings.
Disadvantages: Cheaper materials don’t breathe and wear out faster in the sun.

For indoor use or a garage

Here, the aim is to protect against dust and scratches, not water.

• Cotton or fleece fabrics: Soft, breathable and prevent moisture from lingering on the paintwork. They’re ideal for cars that remain stationary for long periods or for classic cars.

For hail

Hail covers have thick foam padding that absorbs impact. They’re bulkier and more expensive, but worth it if you live in an area with frequent hailstorms. They provide very effective protection against small- to medium-sized hail, while in extreme conditions they reduce damage without ruling it out entirely.

Step 4: Features that make all the difference

• Waterproof: essential for outdoor use.
• Interior lining: a soft inner layer, usually cotton, protects the paintwork from abrasion.
• Mirror pockets: the cover fits better and won’t slip off.
• Elastic and fastening straps: the elastic hem keeps the cover snug, while straps that pass under the car keep it in place in strong winds.
• Storage bag: so you can store it cleanly in the trunk.

Skroutz Tip: How to use a car cover correctly

• Only put the cover on a clean car. Dust and sand trapped underneath can act like sandpaper and scratch the paintwork.
• Don’t leave it on a wet car for several days. Trapped moisture can leave marks on the paintwork, especially with non-breathable materials.
• Fold the cover from the sides towards the center. This keeps the dirty outer side tucked inside so it won’t touch the paintwork next time.
• Never put it over a hot hood immediately after a long drive. Wait for the engine to cool down a little.