09/20/2024
COVERSEAL: BEFORE THE WINTER WINDS BLOW
A CoverSeal is not the same-old car cover. Outdoor protective vehicle covers have had the same format since harried drivers no longer had room in their garages. Apartment and condominium car owners are at more of a disadvantage if there is no off-street parking.
I have bought and evaluated many car covers, and most outdoor car covers fall loosely to the ground, flapping in the breeze. CoverSeal rethought the concept and created weighted covers that reach from the ground up. The unique covers have a weighted tubing at the base that encircles the vehicle.
CoverSeal claims that the weighted bottom can help deter rodents from making a home and eating wiring in the vehicle. Rodents are sneaky about finding ways into a vehicle, but these covers weigh 45-50 pounds with the weighted lower portion.
The weighted bottoms are comprised of black water-resistant polyester fabric with what CoverSeal calls a sealing tube. The corrugated sealing tube looks like a flexible landscape drainage hose. The 2-inch tube is packed with powdered sand and secured in the baseline tubing with heavy-duty PVC-coated polyester. An enhanced heat seal closure prevents sand leakage, CoverSeal says.
I am particularly interested in how the covers will block sunlight from baking tires and causing premature stress cracks. The rubber in tires absorbs UV radiation from the sun, which causes the rubber to dry out and harden. This process is called photodegradation.
For drivers in northern climates, the heavy-duty covers shed water and prevent snow buildup.
HEAVY DUTY “DENIER”
The best and most long-lasting car covers I have bought were made of Sunbrella fabric. CoverSeal does not use Sunbella fabric for a couple of good reasons.
“We provide a 1-year warranty for materials and workmanship,” a spokesperson wrote in an email. “Sunbrella fabrics are made from acrylic. They tend to be more coarse and more waterproof. Sunbrella covers usually have a softer laminated layer to overcome the coarse fiber. If the cover traps moisture, it can oxidize the paint. Rayon and nylon do not hold up to UV and sunlight. We use polyester at 420D (Denier). It is a nice middle ground between durability, softness and water resistance. We do not need a soft laminate layer as we can treat the fabric with various coatings.”
According to online sources, “Denier” is defined as the weight of 9,000 meters of nylon fiber in grams. Coated in polyurethane, polyester 420D is also water-repellent and mildew-resistant. The fabric was originally developed for military parachute backpacks.
CoverSeal covers cannot be secured with a lock and cable. Adding grommets was considered but voted down for two reasons: First, it gives rodents an ingress path. Second, if someone wants your cover and clips the cable or, worse, really pulls it, you might still have your cover, but it will be severely damaged.
COVERSEAL VEHICLE FITMENT AND PRICING
CoverSeal vehicle covers are not designed specifically by make and model. However, there are sizes of large, full-size, midsize, sports cars, pickups, and small SUVs.
Of special interest will be CoverSeal pricing when compared to a Sunbrella cover. A typical Sunbrella outdoor car cover can cost $300 to $600. Pricing for CoverSeal vehicle covers ranges from $330 to $390.
CoverSeal has heavy-duty covers for short- or long-bed pickups, $410 or $620.
Light-duty indoor vehicle covers are all-weather and breathable for long-term indoor storage. The cover design is loose-fitting to protect the paintwork while making the model unrecognizable and secure. There are two sizes, midsize and full size, for $160.
CoverSeal also has a range of patio furniture covers. There are choices for large or small tables and furniture groupings. These range in price according to size, about $150 to $180.
There also are covers for propane-powered barbecues, which range in price from $110 to $130.
CoverSeal also makes heavy-duty outdoor tractor covers, $375.
SIZING GUIDE
Tips for selecting a CoverSeal: As the dimensions listed are of maximum fit, it is necessary to confirm the vehicle’s size before purchasing a car cover. Check vehicle dimensions online for year, make, and model. Also, consider upgraded tire sizes, if the vehicle is lifted or has a roof rack and crossbars.
CoverSeal car covers are made in Tijuana, Mexico, and also marketed in China.
Order and learn more at www.GetCoverSeal.com/ . When ordering, use COVER24 for 15 percent off your order.
