Outdoor Covers - yes or no? - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

I cannot currently keep my (not quite yet purchased 718 Spyder) in my garage (too much, way too much other stuff). I need to consider whether it is worth getting an outdoor cover fro the worst of the UK weather over the next 2 or 3 months. It is ages since I have used an outdoor cover, and I am sure technology and materials used have changed since then. Should I? And if so, are the Porsche provided ones any good, or is better to go 3rd party? Thanks in advance!

I would never use an outdoor cover.

I would consider a half cover (so roof and glass), but not a full one unless garaged.

Will you be using it regularly, or storing over the winter? I got an outdoor carcoon which seems to be working well, but is more for winter storage.

Another one for the outdoor Carcoon. Wouldn't even consider a cover due to risk of scratches or trapping moisture. My 996T lived in one for two years and came out looking immaculate. (and dry!) So impressed I've now upgraded to the indoor veloce.

G111MDS said: Will you be using it regularly, or storing over the winter? I got an outdoor carcoon which seems to be working well, but is more for winter storage. I do expect to use it during winter months, but picking my days carefully! I have 2 other cars for mundane use. Can you tell me more about this carcoon?

Discombobulate said: I would consider a half cover (so roof and glass), but not a full one unless garaged. I was thinking about this - do you have any recommendations?

shantybeater said: Another one for the outdoor Carcoon. Wouldn't even consider a cover due to risk of scratches or trapping moisture. My 996T lived in one for two years and came out looking immaculate. (and dry!) So impressed I've now upgraded to the indoor veloce. I had the same concerns regarding trapping moisture, but are not the latest (good) ones breathable?

Tony B2 said: I do expect to use it during winter months, but picking my days carefully! I have 2 other cars for mundane use. Can you tell me more about this carcoon? I’m short on garage space too, so this was a perfect option. It’ll sit in there until spring. Very easy to assemble, and also comes in various sizes. This is a 3 L, and took a few weeks from ordering to it arriving.

....or....

Hell no - unless you go the carcoon or framed cover route. Claims of breathable/non-scratching etc are not to be believed, save yourself the expense.

julian987R said: ....or.... Wow! That is barely distinguishable from the Spyder's normal roof! So, no embarrassment at all if use one of them.......

For the first time ever I've put an outdoor cover on one of my cars for the winter as I've taken it off the road and can only store it outside at the moment. One thing I was told by a mate who stores a few cars outside with covers was to put a thick layer of wax on the car before putting the cover on as this will help protect it from moisture and micro scratches. One month in and I checked it was ok earlier (on the only sunny day we've had) this week and couldn't see any issues. My intention is to put it back on the road in March so we'll see if it's still ok once the wax has been taken off.

Tony B2 said: Discombobulate said: I would consider a half cover (so roof and glass), but not a full one unless garaged. I was thinking about this - do you have any recommendations? I've got a little half cover for my 981 - the 986 has a hard top. I think mine is from premium car covers or something like that and it does work well. The problem is once it's on the car I don't like removing it so therefore I drive the car less and its always under its little cover.

What problem are attempting to solve ? At trade in time a OPC will kick you in the balls and the figure will be disguised in the deal . If you buy a 90/day car , one’s that been stud in the show room 3 months then the SE isn’t gonna get a magnifying glass out .Indeed so thrilled that he’s hooked a buyer he will value your part ex from 10 feet or is it 10 yards . New cars just depreciation by the “ book “ values .

No doubt a Carcoon is preferable, but I have used the premium Classic Additions outdoor cover on my convertible car for years. Car is well waxed and the cover has a soft lining so no problems with scratches. Car is pristine underneath and well protected from winter weather but also sun damage.

The spyder sounds great. Maybe better to either get a skip, honestly appraise how much of the clutter you need and get rid. Other options include a storage unit or a new garden shed. You’ll feel so much better having your soft top garaged.

I’ve used car covers on lots of cars. Fleece lined, breathable outdoor covers work best or get a Porsche approved/designed one for your car making sure it’s for outdoor use. Also, make sure it can be fastened securely for those blustery days when the cover will be flapping about.

I used to use a Stormforce outdoor breathable cover on a couple of cars and I thought they did a good job. They are very breathable - in prolonged heavy rain the bonnet/roof/boot would get damp - and dry out quickly. Putting some extra wax on the paintwork sounds like a good idea for further peace of mind.

I have had both a storm shield and now a carcoon (although mine is an alternative brand) The Storm shield was good and didn't do any damage to my car over the year it was used. Carcoon is better! as once its up nothing touches the car The only down side to either is the car HAS to be clean before you put it away as both are "contact" and will rub the dirt over the paint. I also have a soft indoor car cover I use before I put the Carcoon over the car to inflate for that extra level of paint protection

Grantstown said: The spyder sounds great. Maybe better to either get a skip, honestly appraise how much of the clutter you need and get rid. Other options include a storage unit or a new garden shed. You’ll feel so much better having your soft top garaged. Each time I get a new garden shed, Mrs Wife finds many things to put into it, without actually removing anything from the garage - which, to be fair, would be a bit of a tight squeeze for any modern car. The simplest solution is probably to move house....and get a double garage...

Tony B2 said: Each time I get a new garden shed, Mrs Wife finds many things to put into it, without actually removing anything from the garage - which, to be fair, would be a bit of a tight squeeze for any modern car. The simplest solution is probably to move house....and get a double garage... I can definitely understand the predicament. The only thing further I could suggest is to always enter and exit your spyder with the roof down (in your narrow garage). Admittedly this is rather a wildcard though!

Tony B2 said: Each time I get a new garden shed, Mrs Wife finds many things to put into it, without actually removing anything from the garage - which, to be fair, would be a bit of a tight squeeze for any modern car. The simplest solution is probably to move house....and get a double garage... Agree! No to a cover.

Grantstown said: The only thing further I could suggest is to always enter and exit your spyder with the roof down (in your narrow garage). Admittedly this is rather a wildcard though! Yes leaving the roof down means you can basically climb in from above. Probably worse or harder with the buckets. With conventional Boxsters this means leaving the roof down all the time which is bad for the roof. I'd assume not a concern with the separate roof of the Spyder.

Surely the only solution is to sort out your garage. Build a decent shed in the garden for the good stuff, and as most of us know, we have far too much stuff that we will never use or need. Do the right thing and get your car into the garage.