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  4. Should I get a car cover for my soft top?

Should I get a car cover for my soft top?

Quick answer: Usually no for daily use. Universal covers trap grit and moisture and can flap in the wind, scuffing fabric and paint. If you must use one, choose a breathable, fitted, soft-lined cover; only put it on a clean, dry car, secure it properly, and air the roof regularly. Don’t use a cover to hide a leak—fix the cause first.

We advise against car covers in general. They have very limited and specific uses and are not a good solution for a convertible car.

The only car covers we advise are breathable dust covers, which are not waterproof and should only be used indoors. And only then with great care.

If you are thinking of getting a car cover to protect your car over the winter, to keep dirt off the roof and keep the car dry, a car cover brings its own problems.

Because these car covers are waterproof, they keep water in as well as keeping water out. It may be 100% dry when you put the car cover on, but condensation will form under the cover where it gets trapped. It won't dry because there is no air movement under there. When it does get some sun, it will warm up, creating a sauna. 

Cars are supposed to be waterproof, but they do have hidden air vents to let the car breath. Using a car cover prevents the flow of air. It also keeps out light and traps in heat. It's damp, dark and warm with still air, perfect for growing mould, mildew and fungus.

But the problems don't end there. A waterproof cover will be made of a flexible plastic, so it will contain lots of solvents and plasticizers. This creates the problem of solvent migration from the plastic into your paintwork if left for any period of time. 

Another problem we have seen is caused by wind. Car covers seldom fit perfectly unless they are custom made. This means you have loose bits which flap about in the wind and as they do so they rub up against your paintwork, which over a period of months can cause scratching, especially if dirt gets under it.

All-in-all, car covers are a bad solution. If you can't keep your car under a car port or in a garage (which we assume you can't otherwise you wouldn't be asking about car covers), we would suggest you get the hood serviced, so it doesn't leak, treat the hood with a weatherproof coating, and park it away from trees. Don't let the car sit for months, give it a run out every couple of weeks.

Written by . Last updated 09/09/2025 14:08