The Hidden Costs of Not Using a Car Cover – What You Need to Know

Is a car cover a good investment?

The Cost-Saving Benefits of Using a Vehicle Cover

The automotive industry has really changed in the last 5-6 years. The average cost of both new and used vehicles on the rise, it's not surprsing that costs associated with vehicle ownership are also going up. About 80% of buyers finance their vehicle, with the average monthly car payment being $725 for new cars and $533 for used cars. Vehicles typically depreciate by 15-25% in the first year and lose around 60% of their value within five years. Annual regular maintenance costs vary by make and model, but on average, drivers spend around $1,200 per year on maintenance and repairs.

1. Paint & Exterior Damage Prevention

The exterior of your vehicle is the first thing people see, and greatly affects the value. A paint or clear coat issue can greatly impact it's depreciation. Constantly being exposed to UV rays, rain, bird droppings, tree sap, and airborne debris, your vehicle's paint job is taking a beating. Over time, these elements cause fading, oxidation, and even permanent staining.

Potential Savings:

• Repainting a car costs between $1,000 - $5,000.
• Minor paint touch-ups between$150 - $600 per panel.
• Annual savings with a cover installed: 93.33%, equating to approximately $900 annually.

Paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coatings are excellent for preserving a vehicle’s exterior finish, shielding the paint from wear and tear like scratches, rock chips, and UV damage. However, they only protect the paint, leaving the rest of the vehicle—especially the interior—completely exposed to the elements.The costs of ceramic coating and paint protection film (PPF) vary based on vehicle size, quality, and coverage area:

• Ceramic Coating: Typically costs between $500 - $2,000 for professional application. High-end ceramic coatings with multiple layers and extensive prep work can reach $3,000+. DIY kits are available for $50 - $200, but they don’t offer the same durability or longevity.
• Paint Protection Film (PPF): A full-body application ranges from $5,000 - $8,000, while partial coverage (e.g., front bumper, hood, side mirrors) costs between $1,000 - $2,500. High-quality PPF, such as self-healing or ceramic-infused film, can push prices higher.

While both options protect the exterior, they don’t prevent interior damage from UV exposure, dust, or extreme weather—something a car cover can provide at a fraction of the price. Using a car cover protects your vehicle's paint and exterior, reducing the need for costly repaints and detailing services.

2. Interior Protection

Your vehicle's interior is just as vulnerable to damage as the exterior. Sunlight can cause dashboards to crack, upholstery to fade, and leather seats to dry out and deteriorate.

Potential Savings:

• Dashboard repair can be between $200 - $1,000.
• Leather seat reupholstering between $1,500 - $3,500.
• Annual savings with a cover installed: 90.62%, equating to approximately $475 annually.

A vehicle cover blocks harmful UV rays and significantly reduces interior temperature fluctuations, preserving your car's interior for years to come. Without a cover installed, direct exposure to the interior of a vehicle can cause damage, even through a windshield, privacy glass, or tint. Over time this exposure can make hard surfaces like your dash, brittle and more prone to cracking. Fabric and leather seats also feel this effect, but are much more directly used, and therefore tend to wear out faster.

3. Battery Maintenance

Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can shorten the lifespan of your car battery. Cold weather can cause starting issues, while excessive heat speeds up battery fluid evaporation.

Potential Savings:

• A replacement battery costs between $100 - $300. (depending on the type of vehicle
• Annual savings with a cover installed: 58.33%, equating to approximately $125 annually.

A cover helps regulate temperature extremes, prolonging battery life and reducing the need for premature replacements. I would recommend that you have a reminder to annualy check the life of your battery, most auto parts stores have a device that can do this, and will provide the health check at no cost. Even if you have not experienced this situation first hand, just the thought of not being able to start your car when you have somewhere to be, can be anxiety inducing.

4. Rust & Corrosion Prevention

Moisture and road salt exposure lead to rust, which can cause severe damage to your vehicle's frame and undercarriage. Repairs can be extensive and costly.

Potential Savings:

• Rust repair costs range from $500 - $3,000 per affected panel.
• Annual savings with a cover installed: 95.00%, equating to approximately $1,150 annually.

A weather-resistant vehicle cover protects against rain, snow, and humidity, reducing the likelihood of corrosion-related damage.

5. Engine & Mechanical Component Longevity

Temperature extremes and exposure to dust and debris can accelerate wear and tear on your vehicle's engine and other mechanical parts.

Potential Savings:

• Cold-weather engine problems can run $100 - $500 per year.
• Annual savings with a cover installed: 65.00%, equating to approximately $225 annually.

A cover helps maintain a stable engine bay temperature and reduces exposure to damaging external elements. Cracking rubber hoses, windshield wiper blades, and rubber belts all wear out faster especially in frigid temperatures, or climates where the temperatures fluctuate greatly with the seasons. One thing that is not thought about however, are fluids. Engine oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid can all get more viscous in colder temperatures, causing wear on internal parts of the systems that need these fluids.

6. Reduced Car Wash & Detailing Costs

Is your vehicle frequently exposed to dirt, pollen, and environmental contaminants? Regular car washes and detailing can add up over time.

Potential Savings:

• Car washes range between from $10 - $50 per visit or $250 - $1,200 per year.
• Annual savings with a cover installed: 83.75%, equating to approximately $625 annually.

A car cover minimizes the buildup of dust and debris, reducing the frequency of car washes and detailing services. Substances like tree sap (can damage the exterior when attempting to remove it) or bird droppings (acidic and can turn corrosive over time) or even dead bugs (acidic and can turn corrosive over time) from the last road trip, can add lead to damaged paint increasing the amount of depreciation. With a cover installed, the problem never makes it to the surface.

Annual Savings with a Vehicle Cover

When combining these potential money saving benefits, a vehicle cover is a great option that can help protect your property, and save you an average of $3,500 per year. Over five years, this translates to a total savings of $17,500, making a vehicle cover a wise and cost-effective investment for any car owner. One thing you can't put a price on, is the peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected from weather and other potential damaging situations, since it's safely covered. Making sure your property is retaining it's value, and is in good working condition is paramount to breathing easy.

Maintaining classic and luxury vehicles is significantly more expensive than standard cars due to specialized parts, labor, and restoration needs.

Classic cars often require hard-to-find or custom-made parts, which can be costly and time-consuming to source. Their older engines, wiring, and mechanical components also wear out faster and need frequent maintenance, with some owners spending thousands annually just to keep them roadworthy. Additionally, classic carpaint is more vulnerable to fading, chipping, and oxidation, increasing the need for professional refinishing, which can run $5,000 - $20,000 depending on the level of restoration.

Luxury vehicles, on the other hand, come with high-tech features, premium materials, and complex engineering, all of which drive up repair and maintenance costs. Parts like carbon-ceramic brakes, adaptive suspension, and high-performance engines require specialized service, with maintenance costs often 2-3 times higher than those of standard vehicles. A minor scratch or dent can require a full panel replacement due to the use of aluminum or carbon fiber, significantly increasing repair expenses.

Because both classic and luxury cars lose value rapidly from damage and wear, proper protection is critical.

A vehicle cover is a simple, affordable solution that protects your car from weather damage, UV exposure, corrosion, and more. With an average annual savings of $3,500, investing in a high-quality cover pays for itself many times over. Whether you're looking to preserve your car's appearance, extend its lifespan, or cut maintenance costs, a vehicle cover is essential for any vehicle owner.

Protect your car and wallet—invest in a high-quality vehicle cover today!

Find the right cover and fit for your vehicle and start saving money today using our cover fit finder.

A vehicle cover is an often-overlooked investment because it doesn’t generate profit immediate, tangible returns like other purchases might. Unlike a new gadget or accessory that enhances daily driving, a cover’s value is in the money it saves rather than the money it makes. Many drivers dismiss the expense as unnecessary, not realizing how much of their income they’ll spend over time on paint repairs, sun damage, interior fading, and even minor dings and scratches—all of which a quality cover helps prevent. While it may not feel like an urgent need, the savings add up, and those who invest in protection early will avoid the costly expense and depreciation exposure can lead to later.