Topic: Using plastic tarp for car cover indoors?

[Slow_lane]

For the 1st time I will be storing a car for 3 months inside. It is a rented space in a heated apartment garage. It is a space dedicated to long term storage.

The fella who coordinates the space walk me through and showed me how cement dust builds up on the cars there after a couple months. He said he has heard that the dust can be corrosive to the paint.

I was considering getting a car cover. It would protect it from dust and maybe the odd accidental scrap here and there. As it will be indoors and heated I was wondering if I could just use a plastic tarp. No wind to contend with. Just lay the tarp over the car and anchor it will elastic straps.  As I am bring car in mid Jan it could be wet from snow and ice. I am hoping heated garage will dry moisture out from under plastic tarp.

Secondly if I was to buy a tarp, can I get one that would fit both a BMW 328 sedan and a Kia Forte Hatchback (not at same time  ).

Thanks

[Ex-airbalancer]

Just buy car covers   

[Davep]

I don't have any experience, but I think even though it is heated, humidity could be a problem. A Plastic tarp doesn't breath. During really damp weather, could condensation form under the tarp? That said, when I lived in a condo years ago, there were three levels of parking, (drive-in ground plus two lower levels.) The lowest level was always bone dry in the winter.

IMO, if you're willing to pay for heated parking, I'd spring for a proper car cover.

[Firm]

Don't use a tarp. Like others have said, moisture rises up from the cement and will get trapped in the tarp...Better off with nothing on the car than a plastic tarp.

Since it's indoors you should be able to get away with a cheapo indoor car cover for well under $100. Get one of those and your set.

Alternatively, just leave it uncovered. I've bought cars that have sat for years in cement undergrounds, yes it accumulates lots of dust, but in my experience a good wash takes care of it with no lasting damage.

[Slow_lane]

Thanks for the feedback. Never thought of moisture come up through cement.

The tarp idea is officially scrapped!!!

I may get a car cover more for protection from people and prying eyes. Now to find one that will fit either of my 2 cars. One being a sedan and the other a hatchback.

[rrocket]

Thanks for the feedback. Never thought of moisture come up through cement.

The tarp idea is officially scrapped!!!

I may get a car cover more for protection from people and prying eyes. Now to find one that will fit either of my 2 cars. One being a sedan and the other a hatchback.

Which car?

[Slow_lane]

Thanks for the feedback. Never thought of moisture come up through cement.

The tarp idea is officially scrapped!!!

I may get a car cover more for protection from people and prying eyes. Now to find one that will fit either of my 2 cars. One being a sedan and the other a hatchback.

Which car?

As I am not sure which car I will store in the rented spot I wanted a cover that would suit both my BMW 328 XI and Kia Forte 5 hatchback. So the answer is both.

[Firm]

A standard 'midsize' car cover should do it....Unless you get into the pricey fitted stuff, they're fairly universal. Fitment isn't a big deal if it's inside either since there's no wind to deal with.

[Railton]

A standard 'midsize' car cover should do it....Unless you get into the pricey fitted stuff, they're fairly universal. Fitment isn't a big deal if it's inside either since there's no wind to deal with.

My RED OEM Camaro indoor cover just arrive in the mail today. 

Got in online in the states and saves $200 on what they were asking for here.

Railton

[rrocket]

Looks nice framed. Perhaps a better picture of it?

[Firm]

Sweet poster, and cover. I have a similar cover (same material) for the slk...it's great. I've recently bought a few of the semi-fitted outdoor (platinum shield) covers from carcovers.com. For about $200 they are the best outdoor cover I've used...nearly totally waterproof (only gets a bit damp underneath where water pools and sits) and very breathable,  it dries in no time.

[Weels]

Looks same as mine - also came in a small duffel bag
The mx-5 one was ~$220 iirc

[johngenx]

I have an original Miata one that the original buyer bought with the car, super nice that it's fitted, but DAMN, it's nowhere near as nice as those!!

[rrocket]

I have a car cover at home not being used.  I had it for my Lexus GS.  If it's just generic fit, you can use it for cost of shipping.  I'll check when I get home...or let me know if interested.

[Weels]

Good taste looks exactly the same

Was curious who mfr. was of mine

Coverking.

Yours the same?

[Weels]

^ Cool - it is an excellent cover