Custom Vs. Universal

Which is the better cover? The "Universal Cover" or the "Custom Cover"? It increasingly seems that the custom variety is winning and that too by a huge margin.

The fact is that, what is cheaper may not necessarily be the better. For example the clothes we wear that are mass produced may come for less but then the sleeves may be longer or the length shorter. And is that happens the costs involved in alteration would actually make them costlier than the customized ones. Besides, the 'readymade' suit gets 'un-ready' in a short while, both losing its color or its fit and needing replacement much earlier than the tailored stuff.

It is much the same for car covers too. Above all, a car cover is meant for protection from the sun, rain and the other elements that can damage the body of the automobile and its interiors too. The sun comes with harmful UV radiation, and then there are birds, which perhaps make it a point to leave their marks on the dazzling paintwork through their droppings. These bird droppings are acidic too and this compounds the problems.

So to protect the automobile from all this the need is for a material that is durable enough to withstand the fury of the elements, is soft so that it can offer an abrasion-free touch to the body, comes with UV inhibiting properties to block the ultra violet rays, has pores so that the cover can 'breathe' during precipitation and is also a close fit so that the entire vehicle can be covered properly.

It is essential that the cover fit well because otherwise through the gaps dirt and dust will penetrate and rainwater and the UV rays too can get in through the seams.

Universal or Semi-Custom Car Covers

So it is established that you need a car cover - but which one, the universal or the custom. Universal or semi-custom car covers that are available two or three sizes are mass produced. They can fit all cars - a claim that is completely unrealistic.

Try such a cover in the Jaguar and then try it on a BMW. It will never fit precisely. Either it will be too baggy or too tight, and both of these are bad. The bumper and other parts of the car might remain uncovered and UV radiation, moisture, rock, salt and snow are sure to go in.

There are other problems too in the Universal or Semi-Custom Car Covers. Very often they are made of poor materials that are not durable and are also not treated properly so that the UV rays can be blocked effectively. Cutting costs is a major thing that many of their makers look for and often the fabric used is not breathable as well. Not having the micro-pores, these fabrics cannot allow the heat and the moisture to escape and this can cause harm to the body of the car. Semi-custom covers are also often patchworks where many small pieces of cloth are used and they are all sewn together. As the seams begin to come off, water starts to leak through.

When it comes to dash covers, the Universal or Semi-Custom is even worse. A dash cover that does not fit properly can obstruct the view of the automatic light sensors. The semi-custom seat covers on the other hand can barricade the opening of the air bag. These days the automobiles are designed with a lot of thought and most makers want their designs to be unique - and so there are quite a few differences between the various makes.

A semi-custom floor mat for a BMW may leave half the floorboard uncovered or may come in the way of the brake pedal in another make. And this can be dangerous too. Actually, the word 'Semi-Custom' is a misnomer - can there ever be a "semi cure"?

Custom Car Covers

Custom car covers on the other hand are completely different. Made using materials that have already been thoroughly tested for UV-resistance, durability, color fastness and breathabilty, these are also made by skilled craftsmen for your specific make and model. The most modern machines and the latest technologies such as the CAD/CAM principle is used and that too after getting accurate specifications from the automaker.

Custom car covers from Coverking keep the seams as few as possible and never use patchwork materials. And since these covers are all made specifically for different models, you can be sure that the fit will be exact. No portion extra tight to the point of bursting out or saggy enough not to reveal the superb bodylines of the vehicle.

These custom car covers are so well designed that sometimes people mistake them to be the original ones that were supplied by the automobile maker. And this is achieved by the perfect combination of man and machine. This perfect combination takes efficiency to the next level.

Protection, Snugness and Attraction - these are the basic principles of custom car covers.

Protection is the main work of the custom car cover and it is ensured by the use of integrated computer software and the guidelines from the automakers themselves. Then there are CAD/CAM program that offer their support too and make these covers truly great.

Semi custom or universal covers on the other hand are always a generic fit, and their makers claim this as well. They come in 3 sizes - small, medium and big. But the fact is, they do not fit properly and do not look good too.