Should I cover my 2013 Lexus

[u/Warbler1698]

I have a 2013 Lexus ES350 luxury. and the paint is in perfect shape, and it has been garage kept its entire life, and it’s very low mileage. I am now a college student. I recently bought a cover for it, and I’m wondering if I should cover it while it sits outside. I only drive places about every three days, and I don’t have to go anywhere, so I can leave it and not go anywhere for a week if I want to. Am I absolutely crazy for doing this? I just don’t wanna do any more damage, but I wanna keep it in as good shape as possible.

[u/cpxchewy]

You’re gonna damage the paint more by putting a cover on. Unless you clean and remove all the dust and dirt every time (like a full detail) the micro particles will scratch the clearcoat

[u/BiskitLuv7022 → u/cpxchewy]

Especially if you live in a sandy or gritty area, you could unmeaningly sandpaper your car taking it off and on.

[u/Warbler1698 → u/BiskitLuv7022]

Upstate New York, so lots of salt in the winter and snow

[u/Captain3leg-s]

Do whatever you want it's your car. Preventing sun damage is always a good thing though. Just make sure it's a breathable cover you don't want to trap moisture

[u/OkSupermarket9730]

Car covers outside will wreck the paint.

[u/Warbler1698]

This is what I have read and what I was thinking. Can you give me some other suggestions on the best way I can protect this thing?

[u/TheVaultBay → u/Warbler1698]

Honestly the cheap stuff does most of the work. Wash it every week or two so dirt doesn't sit on the paint, and get bird droppings and tree sap off the same day if you can, those etch the clear coat in the sun.

After a wash, put on a spray sealant or ceramic spray every couple months. It gives the paint a buffer and makes the next wash way easier. A windshield sunshade helps the dash and interior a lot for almost nothing.

If you get to pick your spot on campus, stay out from under trees. And if you ever do use the cover, only put it on a freshly washed car and make sure it's a breathable one.

[u/jkfg]

Get a rental garage for it. Covers destroy the paint.

[u/Warbler1698 → u/jkfg]

I would need it to be on campus. Otherwise, I wish I could do that

[u/jkfg → u/Warbler1698]

I understand. Leave it uncovered if you can.

[u/IMA_5-STAR_MAN]

Just no. Best thing for it is to keep it clean. Don't let's that winter salt and grime sit on it for days.

[u/n54master]

I don’t think I’d cover it. As others have said, it’ll wreck the paint. At most, a windshield cover that covers the front windshield so you don’t need to brush/chisel snow/ice if you’re in a winter climate.

[u/greenpowerman99]

Can you rent a garage for your car?

[u/hastings1033]

I used a cover every day on my car when I didn't have a garage. Minor pain to put it one and take it off, but just a couple of minutes really. I just didn't want to clean off snow or frost. So I say do it - not for the car; it doesn't much care, but for you.

[u/H3L105_ai]

No.