How do I keep my car safe from elements...?

Question

Ok, I have an 1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula that I am trying to keep in good condition. We have a 2 car garage, but unfortunately my parents wont let me use it (even though we can technically fit a third car in there), so I'm forced to leave the Fiero outside. The car cover I picked up hasn't done ****, so I'm through with it. What else can I do to keep my car dry and out of the sun?

Do those metal roof things I see at Pep Boys and Menards work well?

Answer 1

Not sure what roof things you're talking about but I'd check into them. If you can make sure they won't fall on your car in a good windstorm, then they are probably your best option.

The only other options are a car cover, which I don't like using on a car sitting out in the open, and just frequent washing and waxing (which I'd recommend anyway).

Washing will remove any contamination that gets on your paint before it really soaks in (acid rain, bird poop (usually highly acidic), dead bugs, chemicals, dirt, rail dust, etc.) and waxing will help with UV protection, paint oxidation, and keeping moisture/contamination away from the paint.

Answer 2

first off, several good coats of a top brand wax, like "mothers" ( which I use on all my cars and motorcycles as well as my 4x4's) will do wonders to protect the finish from fading, oxidizing etc. I don't like "car covers" because they rest against the paint, a wind causes them to move against the finish of the car and can cause excessive wear to the paint etc, I have seen them wear a spot thru the paint during a 3 day windstorm. Also, any dust that gets under them works like an abrasive to scratch the paint even more. And, if it gets wet, I've seen them freeze to the car when temps drop below 32 degrees. I've seen some simple "install it yourself" kits from home depot, sears, etc that are like you are talking about. I see them alot in areas with nasty weather, BUT, be certain that they are staked down really really well or they make great kites in high winds!!!

Answer 3

the largest thing that hurts paint is when it is wet at low temperatures.
so dirt on the paint when morning dew settles hurts the paint the most because the dirt holds the water on the paint.
so regular washings can really help.
the top car cover only will keep the dew from settling on your car, and its a really good solution.
the sun is not as big of an issue.

I knew all this when I got my new car, so I just drove it through a car wash every 2 weeks year round (yes I ignored if it was raining and washed it anyway), and it is 5 years later (no garage time) and the paint looks new.

Answer 4

Yes, those metal roof things, otherwise known as a carport do work well...however to provide added protection, you might use tarps and hang from the sides of that metal roof thing to keep rain from blowing in.