.
PART: LXXXVII
MY ALBUS: CAR BODY COVER
My quest for a car body cover began, to get the best –if not at least the better one!
There was no need in the past as I am allotted an exclusive parking lot as Head of the Institution. But, now our staff college undergoes major renovation and repairs …
ALBUS is in need of getting protected from the swarm of dust.
I know, car body covers equally have disadvantages based on the fabric / material we choose and the way we handle it while covering and uncovering the car.
I remember my first cover for Premier Padmini which was of Tarpaulin material – all weather proof, but very heavy and only a Bayilvan (Muscle Man) can lift it, caused maximum damages to the paint surface. The second one meant for my MATIZ was a parachute material, very thin and easy to handle but bloated even during normal wind, required heavy weights on it to restrain: rubbed beautifully over the paint surface while flagging and torn into pieces within 4 months.
![[frustration]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Frustration.gif "Frustration [frustration]")
My exploration began for ALBUS.
I wanted less expensive, VFM, a better one.
Honda ASS told that they had no stock for the older generation and they would buy from outside and give @ OE price.
I have decided for my own choice.
Indian market is flooded with local, Chinese and some of the best Desi Brands (who are exporters). Some of them are notable – Polco, TPH, COVERWELL, Champion, Challenger etc.,
Please note, it is not only the brand is important, their individual successful product is also important. Not all of the products of a best Brand will also be the best. Example, SONY is a best brand but they too have unsuccessful products.
Even the best brand cover makers have inexpensive, cheap quality product, VFM product and the most expensive product to suit different segments of customers.
Car body covers starts from Rs.600/- (Cheapest polyester material) to Rs.20000/- (New technology polymer materials like TPH Microlite , Dupont Tyvek etc.).
INFORMATION THAT I GATHERED & ANALYSED:
1. Quality of the covers depends for indoor use, outdoor use or both indoor & outdoor use.
2. Fabric Available for Car Covers: a. DuPont Tyvek b. Silver coated Polyester c. Cotton Flannel d. Polypropylene
3. Car covers either tailored to suit specific cars or an universal fit to suit different segments like A,B,C,C+, D etc.
4. No belts required to tie the covers as Neoprene elastic sewn in front and back take a better grip.
5. Special theft proof Kit is available in the market which includes vinyl-coated steel cable, padlock, non-scratch plastic snap together grommets and iron-on reinforcing patches. (But, I doubt as our thieves will have high-tech cutters!)
A GOOD CAR COVER SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES:
1. High Performance Non-Woven Fabric with good stiches but fewer bits or Joint less panels.
2. Breathable – Allows any moisture or heat under the cover to easily escape & Dries easily – Moisture is not absorbed by the fabric fibers.
3. Maximum UV Protection, Dust proof and Soft-to-Paint Inner Layer (like Polypropylene fleece-lined car covers)
4. Preferably a light color cover as dark colors is likely to bleed & stain the color of the car.
5. Weightless but strong and durable.
TIPS FOR USE AND MAINTENANCE:
1. Dust off the car before putting on the car.
2. Dust off the cover first while removing the cover from the car.
3. Whether putting on or removing from, always roll the cover as folds and never drag them over body, avoid rubbing the cover against the paint.
4. Never place the cover while engine bonnet is hot, particularly while covering the hot silencer muffler ends.
5. Always know the front and rear side of the cover, have some identification, mirror pockets is one easy way if no mark is available.
6. While removing, simply fold each side up onto the roof and refold it as necessary so the material ends up about 2 feet wide. Then, starting at the front of the vehicle, fold the cover towards the back in increments of about 3 feet. This way you don't drag the cover over the vehicles surface, and it's easy to reverse the process for installation. In general, always cover the front and rear bumpers as the last step.
WHAT CAR COVER I PURCHASED:
Most of the Indian online sellers are not clear in their description, especially the material. The picture is not indicative of the box and contents. They use the same pictures for different variety of covers. Getting a cover for 3rd GEN ANHC is also not clear and they mentioned as New and Old CITY.
I wanted a custom fit to match exactly the contours. Brands like Polco who was the supplier to HONDA as OE cover for 3rd GEN ANHC never produce a custom design and they make universal size and C+ is the size for the car, for that matter for any ANHC Models.
I wanted a cover without any time and I decided to check with my local car accessory seller and he suggested a Brand – Challenger, first I was reluctant but on my analysis of their website about quality and my personal touch (soft and strong polypropylene , of course not a fleece lined inner layer), I felt that this is the cover for me. The MRP is Rs.2400/- and got it for Rs.1800/-.
The Brand quality is same like COVERWELL Brand. The antenna pocket has a hole to make the OE antenna safely protrude out which I have to close as mine is a Shark fin.
The best car cover is the one that fits your budget and your protection requirements. It’s really a matter of personal preference.
I am happy,
my ALBUS would also be happy.
![[glasses]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Glasses.gif "Glasses [glasses]")
READ MORE HERE:
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...new-honda-city-white-albus-13.html#post358537
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...new-honda-city-white-albus-13.html#post358610
![[:)]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Smile.gif "Smile [:)]")
