can you use a tarp as a car cover

[Clayton]

Using a standard tarp as a long-term car cover is not recommended. While it might seem like a cheap and readily available solution, a tarp can actually cause more harm than good to your vehicle's paint and finish. A proper, breathable car cover is a far superior investment for protecting your car.

The primary issue with a tarp is its lack of breathability. Tarps are typically made from materials like polyethylene or vinyl, which trap moisture and humidity against the car's surface. When the temperature changes, this trapped moisture condenses, leading to mold, mildew, and potentially serious paint damage like etching or rust. A quality car cover, on the other hand, is made from specialized fabrics that allow moisture vapor to escape while blocking water from entering.

Another significant risk is abrasion. A tarp has a rough texture and, if not perfectly secured, will flap in the wind. This constant movement acts like sandpaper, relentlessly scratching and swirling the clear coat. Even a seemingly clean car will have microscopic dust particles on it that become abrasive agents under a moving tarp.

For a very short-term emergency situation, like protecting a car from falling leaves or light debris for a day or two, a soft, clean tarp might be acceptable if placed over another soft layer, like an old bed sheet. However, for any extended period, the risks far outweigh the benefits.

Feature	Standard Tarp	Quality Car Cover
Material	Polyethylene/Vinyl (Non-porous)	Multi-layer Polyester/Cotton Blend (Breathable)
Moisture Handling	Traps condensation, promotes mold/rust	Allows moisture to escape, prevents damage
Inner Lining	Rough, abrasive surface	Soft, brushed fleece or flannel lining
UV Protection	Minimal, degrades quickly	Excellent, specialized coatings
Wind/Flapping	High risk, causes scratches	Secure fit with tie-downs, minimal movement
Durability	Tears easily, degrades in sun	Weather-resistant, long-lasting
Cost	Low initial cost	Higher initial investment, better value

[VonFelix]

I tried using a tarp on my old truck for one season. Big mistake. The wind whipped it around so much that by spring, the hood and roof looked like they'd been through a sandstorm. The scratches were everywhere. It’s a false economy. You save thirty bucks on a tarp but end up with a paint job that costs a thousand to fix. Just bite the bullet and get a real, fitted cover if you care about the paint.

[StEmmett]

Think of it like wearing a plastic bag in the rain. You'll get wet from your own sweat. A tarp does the same thing to your car—it traps all the moisture inside. That leads to mildew on the interior and rust spots on the body. The material is also stiff and will rub the paint raw over time. For a weekend project, maybe. For anything longer, it’s a recipe for damage. A proper cover breathes, which is the whole point.

[ArthurLee]

As a college student, I totally get the appeal of a cheap tarp. But after my dad explained it to me, it makes sense. He said the paint on a car is like skin; it needs to breathe. A tarp suffocates it, and the constant rubbing from the wind creates tiny scratches that ruin the shine. It’s better to use a dedicated car cover, or if you’re in a real pinch, an old, soft cotton bedsheet underneath the tarp to act as a buffer. But a real cover is the only safe bet.

[DelBentley]

The main difference is protection versus punishment. A car cover is designed for the job, with soft inner layers and breathable fabric. A tarp is designed for covering lumber or dirt. Using it on your car is like using sandpaper to dry your dishes. It might cover the vehicle, but the abrasive action and moisture-trapping properties will degrade the finish. It’s simply the wrong tool for the job. Invest in a cover that matches your climate—it’s a small price for preserving your car’s value.