Is a car cover worth the trouble and expense?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I will be getting a new car soon but will not have space in the garage to keep it out of the weather. So I’m considering buying a car cover to protect the finish, interior (from sunlight and “greenhouse” effect), and keep it cleaner. I live in an area in California where it never snows, infrequently rains but is subject to hot weather in the summer. In warm weather here the interior of a car gets really, really hot and does great damage.

I used to own a 1972 Mercedes in mint condition that I drove daily. I did not have room in the garage for that car either so I kept a car cover on it as much as possible. The first car cover I used on it had plastic tape covering the seams on the inside. After about six months I noticed that I could see in the finish where these seams had been. So over time they must have rubbed micro-scratches into the finish. These would disappear when I waxed the car but re-appear after awhile. I replaced the car cover with the more popular waffle type material which does not have any plastic over the seams. As far as I could tell the second car over did not damage the finish of the car.

Any opinions about car covers?

2

It depends on the cover, the conditions, and the paint.

Water-based paint is more delicate. Since this was a pre-environmental-concerns car, that shouldn’t be an issue.

If your car might come into contact with tree sap, bird poo, or acid rain, get a cover. A good-quality car cover won’t scratch the paint - look to a quality anal-retentive car care company for a cover.
Or get a car port.
For around town, not at home - well, that’s too anal even for me. Skip it.

3

When I moved to Georgia (long ago and for lived there for 2 years) I brought my car cover with me thinking much like you are.

It was stolen within 3 days. Something to think about if you don’t live in a SF home.

4

Off to IMHO forum with you. That’s the best place to ask for advice vs factual information.
Jill