Best Car Covers (2023 Guide)

Reviewed By: Charles Noyes

An extremely-durable, UV-reflective car cover that's lightweight and easy to use.

A waterproof and breathable car cover with taped seams, tie-down straps, and a 10-year warranty.

A lightweight indoor car cover made from a high-quality stretchable material.

A multi-layer car cover with scratch-resistance.

A high-quality, inexpensive car cover designed for indoor storage.

Windproof, water-repellent, and UV-resistant car covers can keep your paint job protected. This helps preserve the appearance and resale value of your vehicle. But the best car cover will vary depending on the size of your car, local weather, and if you keep your car indoors or outside.

We’ll explain the ins and outs of car covers and recommend some of our favorite options for auto enthusiasts.

To select the car covers featured in this buyers guide, we consult our network of experts for their thoughts on vehicle covers. These experts have over 100 years of combined experience in aftermarket auto fields ranging from detailing to accessories to tires, and everything in-between. These experts helped us identify the qualities that would be most important to someone looking for a car cover and the standout brands in each category.

Our team then combed through dozens of resources such as DIY mechanic and auto enthusiast forums, manufacturer and cover-specific websites, instruction manuals from manufacturers, and reviews from online retailers. We pay particularly close attention to quality reviews and recommendations that highlight the quality of warranties, customer service support, build quality, materials, and overall reliability.

We also factored in the quantity and quality of online retailer reviews from websites such as Amazon, RealTruck, Advance Auto Parts, and more. We looked at factors such as notable customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility. We did the research so you don't have to.

Since 2020, we have published over 200 auto product reviews in an effort to make shopping for auto products easier. Our team of writers, editors, researchers, and product experts collaborates to thoroughly vet top products. We try to perform in-house testing on real vehicles whenever possible before making our recommendations.

When testing is not feasible, however, our aim is to make your life easier by doing all the online research for you and presenting that research in the form of easy-to-read product comparisons and buyers guides, rather than outright recommendations. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

Car covers are seemingly simple by design, but this isn't the case for all high-quality covers. A surprising amount of engineering and design goes into these products, making the process of figuring out what works best for you more complicated.

Below are a few factors that we believe are worth considering before you buy a new car cover.

Indoor covers are drastically different from outdoor covers. The features of each type of cover vary, as does the way the car cover should be used.

If you’re looking to purchase an outdoor cover, that cover will need to handle a variety of weather conditions.

"People don't realize [car covers] are not supposed to be waterproof," according to Kyle Marker, a parts manager at Leith Lincoln in Raleigh, North Carolina. "[W]aterproof […] turns into mold."

Marker added that some cheaper, low-quality car covers tend to be thicker, which retains moisture and can contribute to mold formation.

"They’ll keep moisture in and you want moisture to flow in and out," he says. "That's sort of the downside, people say ‘I want it to be waterproof.’ No, you don't. You want there to be some transfer."

When it comes to using a car cover, Marker says the best situation is when you store a vehicle outside and do not drive it daily.

"They’re not hard to put on," Marker says. "You can put them on by yourself in five minutes. It's extra time that most people don't want to spend."

The CarCovers.com Platinum Shield is one of the best-fitting car covers that we tested. All covers are model-specific and constructed of high-quality, UV-resistant material. We think this cover is unmatched when it comes to overall protection and ease of use.

The lightweight material is not only durable but safe on your car's paint. The inner fleece layer is soft and breathable to protect paint and prevent mildew and moisture buildup. The outer layer is a light, reflective color, which helps with UV resistance and keeps your vehicle cooler.

We think this car cover excels in every important category: it's made from a durable material, is easy to install, and fits like a glove (due in part to model-specific sizing).

The Platinum Shield car cover is not available on Amazon.com and does not have an Amazon review score. There are user reviews on the CarCovers.com website that are consistently high. Despite the lack of verified customer reviews, we feel confident recommending the Platinum Shield car cover, having tested it ourselves and compared it directly with several other leading options.

*Valid through 12/31/23.

The Seal Skin Supreme Car Cover offers excellent weather protection. It is designed to be 100 percent waterproof and breathable. This is accomplished by utilizing as few openings as possible (no antenna hole or mirror sleeves) and using taped seams. The SEAL-TEC fabric design is specifically engineered to offer the best waterproofing.

This cover also comes with an impressive 10-year warranty against rips, tears, and breathability.

Like the Platinum Shield, we were impressed by the material quality of the Seal Skin Supreme cover. While this cover is better designed to repel water, it is less reflective and is not quite as easy to install because it requires using underneath straps.

SealSkin does not sell its car covers directly on Amazon. Some secondary sellers offer SealSkin covers through Amazon, though these aren't well-reviewed. Typical Amazon complaints mention that the cover does not fit well. This is likely because SealSkin covers are model-specific. Those ordering from a secondary seller likely receive the wrong-size cover. Be sure to order directly from SealSkin to ensure proper fitment.

The Budge RSC-3 is our product testing team's pick for the best indoor car cover available on the market. This car cover is extremely breathable, meaning the car cover will dry quickly to prevent the formation of mold or mildew. The high-quality car cover is designed for indoor use, but it can protect against airborne pollutants and also offers UV protection.

This indoor car cover consists of a soft inner liner, soft stretch outer layer, and full elastic hem. As the car cover isn't designed for outdoor use, it is unsurprisingly not waterproof, but it will hide any dings and dents from view. The cover is made from nylon and polyester material, meaning it is lightweight and can easily be stowed away even if you have limited storage space.

The Budge RSC-3 has everything you could ask for from an indoor car cover. The material is high-quality and durable, the cover fits well, and it's easy to install and remove.

Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 400 ratings

Reviews speak to the car cover's dust-proof material, while others note the stretchy fabric allowing for a snug fitment on the vehicle. Many reviewers sing the praises of the soft fleece on the inside of the car liner and how they don't have to worry about scratching or damaging their car's paint when using this quality car cover.

Built to handle any weather conditions, the Motor Trend SafeKeeper is our product testing team's choice for the Best Multi-Layer Cover in 2023. This six-layer car cover consists of an outer breathable film, outer ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), waterproof sealant layer, particle filter film layer, enhanced polyethylene (PE) compound foam comfort layer, and an inner scratch-proof fleece lining.

Providing heat and cold resistance, the breathable woven polyester also prevents moisture build-up. The exterior layer of this car cover is well-made and durable, it even includes reflective safety strips. This car cover is 100 percent waterproof and it offers protection from UV rays. Additionally, it includes wind-resistant safety straps to ensure a snug fit over your vehicle.

Although the number of layers that make up a car cover wasn't part of our testing criteria, it should be noted that the Motor Trend SafeKeeper is one of only two multi-layer covers that we tested. The multi-layer design certainly gives this car cover a leg up on the competition.

Amazon Review Score: 4.4 out of 5 based on over 2,400 ratings

Reviews mention the warranty that comes with the SafeKeeper cover, and others state the Motor Trend SafeKeeper is as good as any custom-fit car cover available on the market. Quite a few reviewers recognize the three buckles as very helpful and easy to fasten, while others note how heavy-duty the car cover is.

The Budge Lite is an affordable option for those looking to protect their vehicle without spending hundreds of dollars. This car cover is lightweight and is made from a single layer of spun-bond polypropylene. The indoor car cover is also fully breathable and features an elasticized hem and built-in grommets.

The elasticized hem guarantees the car cover won't fly off in the wind and ensures a snug fit. The sewn-in grommets act as additional reinforcement against the wind, and using a cable to secure the cover with the grommets can act as a theft deterrent. The seams are double-stitched for increased durability, and non-abrasive materials ensure that no damage will be caused to the car's paintwork.

Price wasn't one of our testing criteria, but it would be unwise to overlook the cost of a product. This car cover offers quality indoor protection at an affordable price. It should also be noted that the manufacturer mentions that the cover is somewhat UV-resistant.

Amazon Review Score: 4.2 out of 5 based on over 10,000 ratings

One reviewer notes that it fits their 2019 Toyota Avalon perfectly, while another appreciates the grommets that are included which can be used for tie-downs. Many reviewers rave over the elastic hem, as it gives the car cover a snug fit over their vehicles. The majority of negative reviews seem to be attributed to customer misuse, as even though this car cover is meant solely for indoor use, many customers complain about its outdoor use.

The OxGord Executive Storm-Proof is an outdoor car cover that's adept to handle a variety of weather conditions. This semi-custom car cover not only offers UV light protection but is also 100 percent waterproof. Featuring reinforced seams for added durability, the car cover is also highly breathable to ensure mold and mildew don't form.

This multi-layer car cover features seven layers, five of which are layers of spunbond polypropylene. The remaining two layers consist of one layer of micro-porous film and a soft layer of cotton. Additionally, elastic hems are included on the front and rear of the vehicle, making the fit notably better than it would’ve been without the inclusion of elastic hems.

The OxGord Executive Storm-Proof is a great option for those looking to purchase a car cover to protect their vehicle against the elements. Most car covers only feature a single layer, but this seven-layer car cover shows why multi-layer car covers are so sought after.

Amazon Review Score: 4.2 out of 5 based on approximately 4,700 ratings

Specific customer reviews point to the high-quality material of the universal car cover and the soft underside of the cover, meaning that the car's paint isn't scratched. Many reviewers note the car cover's ability to handle extreme weather conditions. Negative reviews mention that the car cover will almost melt onto the car in very hot temperatures, leaving behind irreparable damage to the car's paint.

Designed for outdoor use, the FH Group C502-L rounds out our product testing team's top five picks for the best car covers on the market. This outdoor car cover is fully waterproof, UV-resistant, and can shield your car from airborne pollutants. The cover is made from breathable polyester material, meaning the car will air out and dry before mold has a chance to form.

The car cover's polyester material is treated with a special silver coating for increased durability. The inner lining of this cover is soft and scratch-resistant, which means you won't need to worry about damaging your car's exterior when enveloping your car with the cover. Additionally, it should be noted that this car cover is heat-reflective.

The FH Group C502-L will undoubtedly be a reliable outdoor cover to protect your vehicle from the elements. Our product testing team firmly believes that this car cover will perform as advertised.

Amazon Review Score: 3.9 out of 5 based on over 400 ratings

Reviews note that the car cover is easy to install and remove, and it protects cars from tree sap. Many reviewers sing the praises of this water-resistant car cover offering solid weather protection. Negative reviews complain that the cover is ill-fitting and looks like a storage bag rather than a car cover.

Need more options to consider? We haven't yet tested the car covers below, but based on our research think these would also offer top-notch paint protection.

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The WeatherShield HP is a high-grade custom-fit car cover. The breathable fabric allows moisture to escape while providing lightweight outdoor protection from UV rays and bird droppings. It is available in five different colors and even includes a four-year warranty.

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The Coverking Satin Stretch is soft on your paint job while being durable enough to guard against scratches. It has double stitching with waxed threads which help keep water out. This contour car cover is designed for indoor use and is custom fit to your vehicle.

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This five-layer cover is fully waterproof. The innermost layer is built from soft fleece to be gentle on your paint, while the outer Polypropylene layers guard against rain and snow. This heavy-duty cover comes in truck sizes and is fit specifically for your vehicle.

Using a car cover is a pretty straightforward process. Most manufacturers designate one side as the "front" of the cover, typically with a marking or label, which fits over the vehicle's front bumper. From there, you pull the rest of the cover across the vehicle and smooth out any bunched areas.

Many car cover manufacturers make their products machine washable, although you should always consult the owner's manual for the best way to clean your purchase. It's common for car covers to be sold with a storage bag as well/ Those bags are meant to help keep the cover from collecting dust and debris when not in use.

After making sure the size and fit of the car cover work for your vehicle, the next thing you should consider is placement. Will your car be outside or staying in a garage? If it's the latter, UV protection may not be as important. But if you are storing the vehicle outside and you live in a colder climate, a cover durable enough for harsh winters might be the appropriate choice.

The point is that for preserving a vehicle that is either valuable or you don't drive daily, car covers can be a critical part of your protective arsenal.

After testing a number of car covers in person, our product testing team felt that the CarCovers.com Platinum shield was the best car cover based on the strength of the material, model-specific sizing, and ease of use. If you only need an indoor cover, you might consider the Budge RSC-3.

Car covers are most certainly worth it for drivers who want to protect their vehicles from the elements. A car cover can protect your car from inclement weather, bird droppings, harmful UV rays, and more.

Quality car covers should not ruin paint when used properly, but as with most things, improper use means they have the potential to do so. This is mainly because of dirt, debris, and grime that can be caught under your car cover if you’re not diligent about keeping your cover clean.

As long as you purchase a high-quality, properly-sized car cover, there aren't really any downsides to using a car cover.

If you purchase a car cover that does not fit properly or is made with poor materials, it could damage your paint. Car covers that don't have proper ventilation can also cause mold and mildew buildup in certain climates.

Car covers can be stolen, though you can reduce the possibility of theft if you lock your car cover. Some covers include a special grommet and wire to secure the cover not only from wind but against thieves.

Darker colors, such as black or brown, absorb more sunlight whereas lighter colors disperse heat. If you’re concerned about the cover looking dirty, a darker fabric will be better at hiding grime.

Fabrics that are breathable and treated for UV protection usually make for the best outdoor car covers.

If you own a car that is not driven daily or you want to better protect it from the environment, a car cover may be a useful tool.

*Data accurate at time of publication.