Empire Covers Blog

With the summer approaching (only 35 more days!!!) mother nature will indeed be throwing a mixture of nasty weather conditions our way.  Protecting your vehicle from these conditions is a must to help prolong the longevity of your car, truck, SUV or RV.

Summertime is a notorious season with variations in weather. Sunny days, rain, and thunderstorms are all common, and can easily damage your car, particularly the bodywork and paint.  The sun and its UV rays commonly fade paint, while rain and thunderstorms can lead to rust and discoloration.

No one wants their vehicle to look less than 100 percent.  If you do not have a garage or somewhere to protect your vehicle, it is important to invest in a quality cover to prevent damage and deterioration.  To help prevent fading, make sure the material of the cover features UV protection to restrict damage from those dangerous rays.  To prevent rusting and discoloration, invest in a cover that is either a 100% waterproof cover or one that is water resistant and breathable.

Now you might be thinking, what is the difference between a 100% waterproof cover and a water resistant breathable cover?  A 100% waterproof cover prevents all types of moisture from entering; while a water resistant breathable cover may let some moisture in, however the breathable features allows the water to evaporate and helps avoid mold and mildew growth.

Also important is to make sure your cover features non-abrasive material.  This will prevent any scratches appearing on your car from using a cover.

You may be thinking, “Taking a cover on and off my vehicle is such a hassle! I do not have the time nor energy to do it!”  However, using a car cover is actually simple, quick, and safe.  Watch the following video, made by Empire Covers, to show how easy it really is to use a car cover.

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-Stephanie

If you cannot keep your vehicle in a garage or other fixed shelter that provides all round protection for your car, truck or boat then you need to consider covering your vehicle to give it the protection it needs.

Bodywork paint is susceptible to a range of environmental factors including the weather with rain causing rust and general discoloration and the sun in particular is a major cause of faded paint work. It is not just the weather that you have to be aware of when you are looking to protect the appearance of your car as there are other factors that contribute to the deterioration of paint and bodywork. Bird droppings are highly acidic and will actually eat away at paint exposing the bodywork so that other agents can create damage, particularly water. Even if no bodywork is exposed, the chemical components will react with each other causing the development of ugly discoloured spots on your car as well as damaging the shine you are able to produce from waxing and cleaning.

Many times you will see a vehicle parked up in the yard or on the drive in front of the garage and a host of kids running around with bicycles and toys; all of these things inevitably result in some form of collision with your car and create scratches, dings and indentations. You need to ensure that your vehicle has enough protection from the elements, from wildlife and animals and simple things like a ball bouncing off the hood as the children are playing.

The best form of outdoor protection for your car is a quality car cover. Modern materials are able to provide a waterproof protective layer which will minimize the impact of rain on your paintwork and the effect of rust which can develop under the paint work and remain unseen until substantial amounts of damage have been caused. You should also ensure that the car cover is made of materials which will prevent the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun penetrating and causing that faded look you so often see on older cars or indeed, any vehicle that has been left out in the sun too long. (more…)

If you cannot get your vehicle under cover in a garage then your options are fairly limited when it comes to protecting the look of your vehicle. Paintwork is especially vulnerable to the elements and needs protection from rain, sun, animals and people so it makes sense to look at a car protection cover to provide a robust layer of all round protection for your pride and joy.

Modern car protection covers are made from durable and flexible materials which perform a variety of protective functions. They will be waterproof and so keep your bodywork from coming into contact with water which will cause discoloration of your paint job and if left unchecked, rust which will ravage the look of your car very quickly and cost dearly to put right. They will also be able to block out the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet or UV radiation; the same rays which cause sunburn in people also cause damage to your paint job and the sun is the major cause of a faded paint job which always looks unsightly and there is nothing you can do to remedy it once it has happened.

Prevention is definitely better than cure in this instance!

It is not just the weather that you need to deal with; there are a host of other things that can damage the look and body of your car such as children playing near the car; the cat deciding the hood is a great place to sunbathe; or a tree shedding leaves under which you have parked the car. All of these and many others will contribute to your car becoming scratched, discoloured, dented and acquiring the odd ding or two depending on how much in harm’s way you have parked the vehicle.

Make sure the car cover is therefore strong and robust enough to deal with minor scrapes and hits from animals, trees and people. (more…)

No matter where you live your car is going to experience the weather and that means several major contributors to the deterioration of the look of your automobile’s bodywork can get to work; the sun and the rain are the two major ones but there are also instances of frost damage too.

Obviously, the best place to house a car when it isn’t being used is inside a garage or fixed shelter but that is not always possible and in fact most cars and vehicles are kept outside in the elements often for months at a time. This is not good news for your bodywork or the car generally so at least make an effort to get the vehicle under cover which means you need a car cover that is both rain and sun resistant.

There are many car covers available on the market both readymade in pre-defined sizes and custom covers made specifically for that make and model of vehicle; whichever you choose you need to make sure they protect your pride and joy. Just because you have purchased a rubberized cover does not mean it will prevent the harmful UV rays of the sun. Just as UV rays harm your skin and can do so even through clothing, so the sun’s harmful impact can be felt through an otherwise waterproof covering.  You must have protection from both elements so it must be waterproof and able to block the sun’s rays.

Making sure the car cover fits your vehicle is also an issue to ensure the most effective protection you can provide.  Remember, your car may be left for weeks or months (and in some sad cases, even years) and making sure that the covering is going to stay in place owes a lot to how well the cover fits and is secured.  The material must be durable and able to continue providing protection for years despite being exposed to the elements itself.  There is no point in using a car protection cover which ends up becoming semi-detached from the car because the wind has blown it loose and exposed parts of your car to the ravages of sun and water! (more…)

This past weekend was a scorcher! Personally, I think one of the most uncomfortable feelings ever is driving is a stuffy overheated car. I was walking around the streets of New York City, and the times I had to take a taxi to where I needed to go, I wanted nothing more than to just fly down the street in a convertible. As a Nancy Drew reader when I was younger, I’ve always wanted a convertible, but at the same time, I’ve been a little bit nervous from all those stereotypical scenes you see in movies when it’s pouring rain and the character can’t get the roof up. Even through this fear though, I think it would be worth it to have a convertible because I don’t think the chances are high of my roof not going up. Besides, now there are things like car covers to help protect your car when not in use! So, even if I can’t afford my dream convertible right now, at least a cover will help my car from getting so hot!

The rain as arrived, and with it the hope of turning barren branches into lush green foliage. Although we all love the arrival of spring flowers, we must first endure the pain of spring showers. Rain can do damage to roads and limit visibility, making it difficult to drive during storms. It can also cause damage to the exterior of your car and lead to rust. A little paint chipping here, a dent there exposes the metal to the elements of nature and what initially show up as tiny bits of rusting soon eats into the metal. Considering the ease with which the car rust could be prevented, this just seems unpardonable. Covering it with waterproof car covers is an easy and effective way to prevent rust damage, but there are a few other things you can do to protect your car during spring showers.

Make sure the exterior of your car is clean. Salt speeds the spread of rust, so make sure you clean your car of any salt left from the winter. Other debris such as mud and sand can break down your car’s finish, so make sure anything that’s been picked up from the road while driving is cleaned off. Once you have cleaned your car, it’s a good idea to wax it to protect the paint. Wax helps rain from building up on your car and damaging the finish. Rain-X products are also something that you can use to prevent water from pooling on your car.

The following are some additional steps you can take during every day use of your car:

• Avoid parking direct sunlight, but rather park in the shade or under a tree.
• Wash your car at least twice a month and leave the doors open to ensure proper draining.
• Check for holes, tarnishes, and scrapes that can become a target for rust.
• Use gentle, car specific, cleaners that will not harm your paint.
• Jet-wash your car once a month with a hose or sprinkler.
• When in humid or coastal areas, wash your car frequently.

Although it rains all year around, April can bring some of the most rain of the year. It’s a good idea to take the time now to prevent damaging instead of paying for your car to be refinished later. At empirecovers.com, we have a number of covers that protect against rain including a 100% waterproof cover. All of our covers are breathable and non-abrasive so you can be sure your car is being taken care of when using one.

Although most winter storms don’t produce this much ice, it is still a hassle getting ice off your car, especially early in the morning when it’s the coldest outside.  There are ways, however, to help make this process a little easier for you.  First, turn your car on and your defroster on low but high heat.   Then, clear the car of any snow.  After that, spray a defrosting solution on the surface of the car.  Lastly, scrape the ice off with a scraper or a credit card.

If scraping is not for you, there are other easier and less time consuming alternatives to this.  A car cover is a great way to prevent ice from building up on your car.  At EmpireCovers.com, we sell covers that will protect specifically from water and snow.  If a layer of ice does build up on the car, you can pour some hot water on your car to melt it.  Check out our selection of covers at Empirecovers.com and end your ice problem today!

The time of year is upon us for holidays and family gatherings, which can mean long trips in the car. The day before thanksgiving is the busiest driving day of the year, when millions make the pilgrimage home for the holiday. Although we all enjoy spending time with love ones, a lot of time on the road can be stressful and even dangerous. There are a few things you can do, however, to make your long road trip this winter safer and more enjoyable for you and your family.

The first thing you should do is make sure your car is prepared for winter driving. Change your oil, check the pressure of your tires, flush your cooling system, replace antifreeze, and clean your head and side lights. You can do these things on your own, or you can take your car into your local mechanic and they can do it for you. Preparing your car for the winter can save you a lot of time and help prevent an accident. These are simple things you can do to ensure you get where you need to be without any road bumps!

Once your car is in shape to make the trip, make sure the roads are too. Check in advance to see if there are any road closures or traffic delays. This is often the first week of real winter weather, so roads can be unprepared and slick. The federal highway administration is a great resource for checking traffic and road conditions. Check their site, www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm, for traffic information and links to other traffic sites. Check the weather forecast before you go, and try www.drivecast.com for the weather along major interstate highways.

Traveling with children can be also be stressful. Make sure they have enough to do so they do not distract you while you are driving. Games, music, and coloring books are great ways to keep kids occupied during long trips. Make sure they wear a seat belt at all times so they do not wander to the front of the car and distract you. Don’t let them get bored; write a list of things to do/bring the night before so you don’t have to scramble during the drive.

Don’t forget to take breaks. We often rush to get to places, especially if it’s a long drive. Taking breaks is important because it keeps us alert and responsive. Even a five minute break can make a huge difference. Also, don’t speed or rush to your destination. It is always best to take things slow to avoid unsafe driving. Getting there safely should be your top priority.

Make sure your car’s gas tank stays full. During long trips, this can be difficult. Avoid going below the quarter tank line if you can. This will make sure your fuel-line doesn’t freeze and that you don’t run out of gas in cold weather. Don’t take a chance with your gas tank; keeping it above a quarter will save you a walk to the nearest gas station in freezing winter weather!

A few other tips include using getting a good night’s sleep the night before, avoiding drug and alcohol consumption before diving, and keeping an emergency kit in the car. These are simple things you can do to help you arrive at your destination safely. Be cautious and take breaks often. Our cars have to battle the winter road so we don’t have to, don’t forget to give thanks to your car this thanksgiving!

Winter can be a wonderful time filled with holiday cheer and snowflakes. It can also be extremely harsh. Plants, humans, animals, and even cars feel the brunt of winter furry. Although it may not seem like it, Old Man Winter can be incredibly cruel to your vehicle. Aside from ice build up, fluids and hoses can freeze up, not to mention those cold leather seats at 7 am! There are a few precautions one can take in order to help prevent the damage that winter can do.

Most importantly, buy yourself a high quality, weatherproof car cover. We recommend the Empire Waterproof or the Max cover. Both of these car covers have high water resistance to block out snow and ice. (Note: In unusual circumstances, a layer of ice may form between your vehicle and the cover. This layer of ice must be thawed before removing your cover. You may expedite this process by pouring warm water over the cover and gently lifting it as the ice begins to melt. If any resistance occurs, repeat the process.) The cover can also be protected against wind by installing grommets that come with it. By tying it down, you can keep fierce winter winds from blowing your cover off.

Secondly, make sure your car is in working condition before winter sets in. A broken down car on the freeway in 30 below is never a pleasant experience. Also, be sure to ask your mechanic to flush your cooling system and replace the coolant. If you want to do this yourself, aim for a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water inside the radiator. This way the mixture won’t freeze in cold temperatures. The cooling system not only works to keep your engine from over-heating in the summer, but it works to protect the engine against corrosion.

Making sure you can see should be a top priority to ensure safety. Replacing your windshield wiper blades is an easy way to improve your visibility on the road. Experts recommend that you change them once a year. Also, make sure your wiper fluid is full and to make sure your windshield doesn’t build up ice during a storm, try adding some antifreeze.

Get your oil changed. The oil in your engine will change depending on how hot or how cold the engine is running. Due to the fact that outside temperatures will have an effect on the internal temperature of the engine, be sure you have oil that will hold up when it is cold outside. A mechanic or your owner’s manual may recommend using a thinner, less viscous oil in the cold months.

When was the last time your checked the pressure of your tires? It’s extremely important because the traction on the tires keep you from sliding on frozen winter roads. Traction can be vulnerable in wet, icy, or snowy weather. In colder weather, the air in tires decrease, making you more susceptible to sliding on the road. Check your owner’s manual for target tire pressures.

These precautions are important to preventing damage and ensuring safety on the road, but the most important thing you can do is drive safely. Slow down and be aware of everyone on the road. Don’t let the weather bog you down this winter, take these steps to ensure you and your car’s safety.

Daylight savings time is now among us, making most nightly commutes a dark one. This is can be dangerous for drivers due to decreased visibility on the road. In fact, most fatal accidents happen at night than any other time of the day. As with driving any time, alertness and common sense should also be used at night. Other than practicing safe driving skills, there are things you can do to your car to increase visibility and safety. The following are steps you can take to ensure your drive is safe in the dark.

Make sure your mirrors are clean and free of any scratches or abrasions. You should also check your mirrors for steam, frost, water droplets, or tarnishes before you start driving. Because we use artificial light sources to see at night, signs, pedestrians and other vehicles can be difficult to see. Keeping your mirror and windows clean allows you to see the road and others around you more clearly.

Your car’s light sources are crucial for driving at light. Make sure all of these lights are in proper working condition before you start driving. This includes headlights, tail lights, corner lights, signal lamps, and license plate lights. Often times we find out too late when a tail or headlight is out. After checking for functionality, make sure they are aimed correctly. Then, make sure they are clean of any debris and dirt. Dirty headlights can severely affect your visibility on the road.

A car cover is an easy way to make sure your car stays clean between uses. You won’t have to worry about cleaning before you drive because our covers keep dirt, dust and other contaminants from getting onto the exterior of your car. Follow these instructions for a safer night commute this winter!