Can You Put a Car Cover on a Hot Engine? (We Checked)

When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most common questions is whether it’s safe to place a car cover on a hot engine. 

This includes determining whether it is safe and practical to utilize something to conceal a hot engine. 

To figure it out, we investigated if putting a cover over a hot engine is a good idea. 

Here’s Why You Can’t Put A Car Cover On A Hot Engine:

Even after a car is switched off, hot engine components can continue to radiate heat, which can become trapped under the cover and cause overheating, damage, or even fire dangers. Allowing the engine to cool naturally before covering it is critical to avoid unwanted damage to your car.

Can You Put Car Covers on Immediately After Driving?

When it comes to the practice of covering your car immediately after driving, a little patience may go a long way toward protecting the well-being of your vehicle. 

Your car’s engine and other components are frequently fairly hot after a drive. 

Putting on a cover right away may seem like a quick method to protect it from the weather, but it’s not always the greatest option. Even after you switch off the ignition, hot engine components might continue to emit heat. 

Covering your car immediately may trap this leftover heat, creating an oven effect under the cover.

Paint damage, bent plastic components, and even internal damage to parts might result from this. It’s like catching steam in a saucepan – things may become hot.

Allowing the car to cool down before covering it up is a safer option. 

It allows excess heat to evaporate, lowering the chance of harm. Allow it some breathing room before applying that protective cover.

Does It Matter if the Car Cover Is Breathable or Waterproof?

In the context of vehicle protection, the topic of whether a car cover should be breathable or waterproof is fundamental. 

The gap between these two types of covers goes beyond superficial differences; it digs into the essential concerns of keeping the aesthetic and structural integrity of your car.

With its emphasis on air circulation, breathable car covers address an important part of vehicle care – moisture control. 

Allowing air to circulate beneath the cover reduces the possibility of condensation accumulation, which can lead to the formation of rust, mold, and other undesirable consequences. 

The permeability of these covers allows moisture to gradually escape that may build on the car’s surface as a result of weather conditions or temperature fluctuations.

Waterproof car covers, on the other hand, adopt a different strategy by prioritizing a barrier against external elements such as rain and snow. 

This degree of protection is especially important for people who live in areas prone to torrential downpours. 

The catch is that they tend to trap moisture that is already on the car’s surface. This trapped moisture may have negative repercussions comparable to those generated by condensation.

The best option is sometimes to strike a balance between breathability and water resistance. 

Some manufacturers sell covers with many layers to accomplish both functions. 

These coverings include a permeable inner layer that allows air to circulate while preventing moisture buildup. Meanwhile, the outer layer provides a strong barrier against rain, snow, and other exterior threats.

Ultimately, the choice is determined by individual demands and the current weather circumstances. 

If you live in a very wet area, a cover with excellent waterproofing should be considered. If you’re concerned about the long-term condition of your car’s exterior, a breathable cover could be a better option. 

Remember To Dust Off the Car Before Putting On the Cover

Before wrapping your vehicle in the protective car cover, there is an often-overlooked but critical step – cleaning your vehicle’s surfaces. 

Even if the car is parked in a presumably controlled setting – like a parking garage, dust, grime, and small debris particles have an incredible tendency to build on it. 

These seemingly harmless particles can cause microscopic scratches on your car’s paintwork over time. When you put a cover over these particles, it’s like putting abrasive sandpaper on the finish of your car – a formula for slow paint deterioration.

To reduce the risk of damage, give your car a gentle but complete wipe-down before putting on the cover. You can get rid of these particles with a delicate microfiber cloth or a specialized duster without harming the paint.

Begin at the top and work your way down, being sure to cover all surfaces of the car. This creates a clean base for the cover, allowing it to offer the protective covering it’s intended for without accidentally inflicting damage.

Regularly exposing your car’s paint to minor scratches can cause it to fade and wear over time. Furthermore, if you decide to sell your car, these small flaws might reduce its market value.

Therefore, this pre-cover dusting procedure isn’t only about keeping your car looking nice, it’s also about keeping its value and longevity. 

Other Things To Remember Before Putting On the Car Cover

There are a couple of essential things that every car owner should know before placing a car cover over their vehicle. 

These little but significant things can all contribute to the longevity and fulfillment of your favorite possession:

Cleanliness is Essential: In addition to dusting, make sure that the car is fully cleaned before covering it. When covered, lingering dirt or residue can cause abrasions, perhaps creating damage to your car’s exterior.

Place Antennas Down: Try to retract or remove your car’s extended antenna before placing on the cover. This prevents both potential antenna damage as well as stress points on the cover.

Secure the Cover Properly: Ensure that the cover fits firmly and securely on the car. A loose cover might flap in the wind, generating friction on the finish of your vehicle. Maximum protection is ensured with a snug but comfortable fit.

Mirrors: Remember to fold in your side mirrors before covering the car. This not only protects the mirrors from harm but also guarantees a more snug fit for the cover.

Check for Warm Patches: Even if you’ve been waiting for your car to cool down, it’s a good idea to touch different sections of the vehicle to verify there are no surprisingly hot spots. 

Cleaning the Cover regularly: Just like you clean your car every so often, remember to clean your cover regularly. Dust, grime, and pollutants from the environment might gather on the surface of the cover.

Appropriately Store the Cover: When not in use, store the cover appropriately to avoid mold or mildew formation and keep everything clean and dry.

Select the Correct Cover: Select a cover that is suitable for your demands. Climate, frequency of use, and whether the car is stored indoors or outside should all be taken into account.

Read Also: Looking for a Good Car Cover? 5 Things to Look for

These seemingly minor duties add up to a comprehensive approach to vehicle upkeep. 

You’re investing in your car’s long-term beauty, value, and overall health by going the additional mile to ensure it’s properly prepped for its protective cover.

Sources

Dusting Your Vehicle Before You Cover Can Preserve Your Car

Waterproof vs. Breathable Vehicle Covers

6 essential tips for car cover success

Was this article helpful?