Should You Use a Car Cover During a Typhoon?
4 Answers
Protecting the paintwork is crucial in any season, under any circumstances, and in any natural environment, as it provides a direct protective effect. However, during a severe typhoon, the effectiveness may be limited. For example, a friend parked their car under the shade of a tree outside a restaurant, thinking it was a foolproof plan. Yet, upon returning after the meal, they found the car 'kissed' by bird droppings and tree resin. Another scenario involves sandstorm weather—a freshly washed car on the first day might end up covered in a 'sand coat' by the next evening, not only affecting its appearance but also posing a significant risk as fine dust particles can infiltrate car components, leading to potential damage. Additionally, cars exposed to intense sunlight, especially after washing, can suffer if water droplets aren’t wiped dry. These droplets act like convex lenses under the sun, causing harm to the paintwork comparable to scratches from a knife. The impact of natural environments on vehicles is multifaceted.
When it comes to covering your car with a car cover during a typhoon, I think it depends on the situation. If the wind isn't too strong, a car cover can indeed help protect your car from rain and flying debris, preventing small dents or water from seeping into the car. However, if the typhoon is particularly fierce, the car cover can easily be blown around, scratching the car's paint and causing more damage. A friend of mine learned this the hard way—his car was parked outside with a cover, but the strong winds tore it apart, and he ended up having to pay for paint repairs. Overall, if the wind is mild, you can use a waterproof, securely fastened car cover, but if the wind is too strong, it's better not to take the risk. A safer approach is to move your car to an underground parking lot or a sheltered spot under a tall building. If there's no such place available, make sure to check that all windows are tightly closed—this is a more secure and worry-free option. For typhoon prevention, it's best to develop a habit of parking in a stable spot. A car cover is just a backup option and shouldn't be relied on too heavily.
Covering your car with a car cover during a typhoon doesn't seem very reliable to me. Strong winds can lift the cover, causing it to rub against the car body like sandpaper, scratching the paint or even damaging the side mirrors or antenna. I've seen many cases where the car cover was blown away and ended up tangled on someone else's car, causing additional trouble. It's much better to park your car in an indoor safe spot before the typhoon hits or find a higher ground to avoid flooding. If you must use a car cover, choose a thicker material and secure it tightly with ropes around the wheels or chassis, but even then, strong winds might still cause issues. Safety first, prevention is key—don't forget to clear the surrounding area of debris to prevent branches or other objects from scratching your car. Every time a typhoon approaches, I remind my friends and family: if possible, avoid using a car cover. Putting more thought into where you park is more effective than covering the car.
Using a car cover during a typhoon is quite risky. In strong winds, the cover can easily come loose and flap around, not only failing to protect the car but also potentially scratching the paint or causing water to pool. I recommend avoiding it altogether: it might offer some rain protection in light winds, but during a strong typhoon, it's best not to use one. Parking the car in an indoor garage is the safest option. If that's not possible, choose higher ground to avoid flooding and ensure all doors and windows are securely closed to prevent water seepage. If you must use a car cover, secure it properly, but its effectiveness is limited, and the cost may not justify the effort. Simple precautions are better than unnecessary hassle.
