Blog posts of '2022' 'August'

To some a car cover may seem like an unnecessary purchase. However, even if you store your car indoors or enjoy cleaning it, there are still reasons you should cover it up. In the long run, it can even save you time and money. Check out our list of 5 reasons you should purchase a car cover.    

UV Damage

                Making the inside of your car hot is not the worst the sun can do to your vehicle. UV light can cause serious damage to the interior of your car. Faded dashboard, chipped vinyl, cracked leather upholstery – all of these issues are victim to prolonged sun exposure. Not only can your interior be damaged, but the rubber weather stripping around your doors and windows can also begin deteriorating due to sunlight. This can potentially cause water and debris to enter the cabin of the vehicle. UV damage is not just a summer issue either. In the winter, sunlight reflects off of snow which results in your car being exposed to even more UV light. 


     

Animals

                Depending on where you live, animals can also be an issue for your car. Animals such as squirrels and cats can scratch up your car when walking on it. In the colder months, these animals also like to find their way to your car engine for warmth. If you aren’t using your car much during these times, squirrels may also use the engine space to store food. A securely fit car cover will not only protect your car’s surface from being scratched by these animals, it will also make it more difficult for them to find their way into the hood of your car. You’ll regret not getting a cover when you realize you need to replace chewed up wires and clean out food and nests around your engine.

Weather

                Rain, snow, sleet – all types of inclement weather can cause potential damage to your vehicle, not just when it’s precipitating but also when trying to clean it off your car. A good water-repellent cover will cause water to roll right off the cover. To remove snow off of your vehicle you simply just have to remove the cover. This will also keep ice from freezing directly on the surface of your car. Budge’s water resistant covers are also breathable, so moisture does not get trapped between the cover and your car. This is why it is important to get a cover as opposed to a tarp. Tarps will keep moisture trapped underneath them; this can cause ice to form directly on the surface of your car in cold weather, and in warm weather, the humid air can accelerate rusting if it is not taken care of.

Plant Life

                Sunlight and precipitation are not the only damaging elements that nature can throw at you. Plant life holds a slew of potential annoyance and damage depending on the season. The spring brings pollen which will buildup on the surface of your vehicle. Not only is it a hassle to clean, but in the height of pollen season you might need to wash your car every few days to prevent the pollen from causing any cosmetic damage to your car. In the early summer, tree sap becomes another concern for your car’s paint. Tree sap is not only more damaging to your car’s finish, it is also is much harder to clean than pollen. If the tree sap dries on your cars exterior, trying to peel it off may damage your cars paint, so you have to resort to using mineral spirits or other cleaning agents to safely remove it. Lastly, the autumn brings falling leaves that can cover your car. Leaves can seem harmless and just an annoying thing to clean. However, leaves contain acidic compounds that can cause damage to your vehicle’s exterior if left there for too long. A car cover can protect your vehicle during all the seasons, and ensure your car’s paint job looks just as good as the year before. 

Indoor Protection

                A car doesn’t have to be stored outdoors to have a use for a cover. Cars stored indoors also need protection. While it is safe from the elements, dust and debris can collect on your car when it is stored inside. It may seem like a minor inconvenience to deal with, but the collection of dust and debris can act like a fine sand paper when rubbed off. This will cause damage to your vehicle’s paint job. Budge offers that will keep dust particles and air-borne pollutants out. The cover also features a soft fleece-like lining to add an extra layer of protection to your car’s finish. 

                No matter what type of climate you live in, the elements will always be a threat to your car. A car cover can provide you car with different levels of protection. A good car cover will also save you time and money in the long run when it comes to cleaning and re-detailing your car.

Ever since Budge invented the car cover in 1940, we’ve defended vehicles from everyday elements like wind, rain, sun, mud & snow.

 

The winter may be full of holiday cheer, but it can also bring doom and gloom for your vehicle. If you car is not properly maintained then one winter is all it takes to expose any issues with your car. We compiled a short maintenance checklist to make sure your vehicle is properly prepped to the cold season.

 

Test your battery

 

                Cold weather and your car’s battery don’t get along. In the cold winter temperatures, your car battery can lose 35% to 60% of it’s strength. If your battery is already old and struggling to hold onto a charge, one harsh winter is all it takes for it to stop functioning. It is important to get your battery checked before the winter season begins to avoid running into issues mid-winter. If you do need a new battery, get it replaced sooner than later. You’ll thank yourself when you have working seat warmers and aren’t stuck on the side of the road in freezing temperatures.

 

Cover up

 

                Winter brings all sorts of inclement weather: - snow, sleet, hail, and more. If your car is stored outdoors during these conditions then it can face costly damages. Snow and ice can scratch and damage your car’s finish, even when trying to clean it off of your vehicle. A weatherproof car cover will protect your car from these hazards. Budge’s premium covers feature a fleece-like lining to protect your car’s paintjob and water repellent technologies that shield against rain and now. The elastic hems and strap system give the cover a secure fit to your car so it doesn’t come off during winter gusts.

 

 

Check your tires

 

                It is incredibly important that you check your tire pressure during the winter months. The cold temperatures can lower your tire pressure which will cause wear and damage to your tires when driving on them or cause a potential accident. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, consider switching to winter tires which do a better job at maintaining pressure in the cold and offer better traction for snowy conditions.

 

Replenish your fluids

               It’s always smart to make sure your car’s fluid level are full. New washer fluid will be extremely helpful as your window gets covered in snow, dirt, salt, and other debris in the winter months. Replenishing your anti-freeze is also important. Anti-freeze will prevent your engine from freezing in the cold temperatures. You will also want to change your oil to ensure your engine runs smoothly. Old oil will thicken up, even more so in cold temperatures, and cause issues while driving.

 

The winter can be tough on any vehicle, but following these tips will ensure your vehicle survives the season.