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…)

Although we all love to have a clean and shiny looking car on the outside, it’s important not to forget to clean and maintain the inside of your car as well. Spring is a great time of year to check up on your car to make sure it’s working properly and running well. Winter can take a toll on your car, especially if you live in an area with snow, ice, and road salt. Now that spring is finally here and your car has had a chance to thaw, it’s time to pop the hood and get your (or a mechanic’s) hands dirty. Make sure your car is up to speed this spring by taking the following steps.

Check your tire pressure. When the temperature changes in the spring, the pressure of your tires will decrease. Proper tire pressure is essential for automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Check your car’s manual or with the manufacturer to see what your optimum tire pressure should be.

Get an oil change. It’s recommended that every 3,000 miles you drive or every three months, you should get an oil change. This helps prevent sludge from building up in your engine and clogging it. Automotive repair shops and mechanics offer this service, but it’s easy enough for someone to do it on their own. Since you probably own a car, you understand this process very well. Spring is a good time to do it as your engine has taken a beating from the harsh winter conditions.

Flush and refill the cooling system. This increases your vehicle’s life expectancy and fuel efficiency, especially during the hot summer. It’s a good idea to check the condition and concentration of the coolant to make sure it’s up to standards. Also, replace your air filter in preparation for the summer heat use of your car’s air conditioner.

Some other things you can do include lubricating locks and hinges and inspecting underneath your car for winter damage. Use a petroleum-based lubricant on door and trunk hinges to fix any creaking that may have developed during the winter. When checking under your car, look for suspicious areas and have them fix immediately. Also, take a look at your brakes for sticky calipers or corroded brake line and your exhaust system for rusted clamps, crumpling tailpipes, or holes forming in the muffler.

Spring cleaning can be a tedious task, but it can significantly increase the life of your vehicle and make your car a lot safer to drive. Preventive care is always safer and more cost efficient since you will be catching things before they become an issue. As always, Empirecovers.com is here for you and your car. Check our site for new products and promotions to get your car in shape this spring.

Daylights savings time is almost over, which means it will be lighter out later in the morning and into the evening. Although this time can bring some of the best weather of year for us, your car can become damaged by the sun’s harmful UV rays caused by extended hours of sunlight. Over a period of about six months, usually March-September, your car’s exterior and paint can corrode over this time due to the long periods of sunlight it is exposed to.

Your car’s paint finish breathes and even has pores. In the hot sun the paint’s pores expand and can absorb more dirt and moisture. Imagine having to stay outside all day in the beating sun without any sunscreen or shade. Our skin burns, dries out, and takes days or weeks to heal. Similar to skin, over time the exterior of a car can wear down, fade, peel, and rust when exposed to water. There are preventative steps you can take however, to ensure your paint and exterior lasts to its potential.

There are a many products on the market that you can use to both prevent and treat sun damage. One of the most popular products is a rubbing compound used to polish out blemishes. It’s used to remove fine scratches, oxidation, coarse swirl marks, and water spots. There are also polishes and waxes you can use on a regular basis to prevent sun damage from happening to your car. In the case of extreme sun damage, you can re-paint your car, which costs thousands of dollars.

The interior of your car can also be greatly affected by the sun. The sun is attracted to dark material and can severely damage materials like leather. Collapsible sun shades are the most popular type of interior sun protection. They can significantly decrease the temperature of your car and block harmful sunlight. Car window shades are also popular and can be used while driving.

If your car spends a significant amount of time outside, no matter what climate it’s in, you should consider protecting it with a car cover. Not only will a cover protect your car from sun, it will protect it from rain, bird droppings, dust, and mold. By covering your car, you can prevent all kinds of damage at a fraction of the cost it would be to fix it. At Empirecovers.com, our best covers for sun protection are the Max and the Premier. They are both UV treated and will protect against sun for many years. The max comes with a lifetime warranty and the Premier is covered for 5 years. Buy one at Empirecovers.com today and take advantage of our Sun Covers Sale!

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!

Although this is dirty car is being turned into a work of art, most filthy cars don’t make it out so well.  If you are concerned about your car getting dirty, or if want to make sure your paint stays in good condition, then a car covercar cove is for you.  Protect your car in all kinds of weather, whether you need it from snow, rain, or dust like this car, we’ve got you covered.

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!