How to Install a Car Cover

Reviewed by Jason Shackelford

Last Updated: October 4, 2024

Car covers are a great way to protect your vehicle from things like water, bird droppings, tree sap, and even theft. But sometimes installing them can be confusing and hard.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Installing the Cover

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Use this to determine the front and rear of your cover.
Once you’ve identified the front of the cover, secure this area of the cover around the front bumper first, then pull the cover over the top of the vehicle and secure under the rear bumper last.

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If your custom cover has mirror pockets, be sure to place the cover over the side mirrors first before the ends of the cover are attached to the bumpers.
If your vehicle does not have an antenna that can be removed or retract flush with your vehicle, you should have received an antenna patch.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Removing the Cover

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4
Finished.

Community Q&A

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Question

I weigh 120 pounds, and I'm over 60. Can I put on a car cover alone?

Community Answer

If you have a small car, then, yes. If you have a truck or a larger vehicle, then it might be better to have someone help you.

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Can I use a plastic cover for long time storage?

Community Answer

I don't see why not, but I guess the most important question is, what are you trying to protect it from? I think sun, rain, pollen, dust, etc. would be the most common answers, and the cover would protect from all of those even on a longer-term basis. However, plastic doesn't fare well under hot and cold shifts and probably wouldn't do well under intense sun. For example, one side of my house gets >12 hours of sun pretty much every day and it has really oxidized one of my vehicles' paint on the sun-facing side. To avoid replacing the cover every so often, you might want to consider a fabric or vinyl cover.

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Question

What is the average cost of a car cover?

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I just bought one today (02-27-2019) from Pep Boys and the list price was $59.99. There was a 25% off sale on parts and accessories, so I go an additional $15. off the price for $44.99. I looked it up on Amazon and the price was about $50 there too.

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Tips

Feel free to reinforce the inside of your cover with duct tape for any areas that will be in direct contact with sharp places on your vehicle, such as a hood ornament. This ensures your auto cover will last as long as possible.

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Warnings

Use care in installing the cover on a car which has just been driven to be sure the material does not come in contact with hot exhaust pipes.

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