What Causes the Paint to Turn White When a Car Cover is Used for a Long Time?
4 Answers
Long-term use of a car cover causing the paint to turn white is due to oxidation of the paint under the enclosed cover. Below is some extended information related to car covers: Car Cover: Also known as an automobile outer cover, it is an outer garment made of cloth or other flexible and wear-resistant materials tailored to the car's dimensions, serving as a protective accessory for vehicles. It provides excellent protection for the paint and window glass. Especially for high-end cars, frequent use of a car cover can extend the lifespan of the paint, keeping it shiny and new. Advantages of Car Covers: They offer good protection for the paint and window glass, particularly for high-end vehicles. Regular use of car covers can prolong the paint's lifespan, maintaining its glossy and new appearance. The front strap is closed, allowing the cover to be slipped on from the front, while the rear strap is open. Then, the spring hooks on both sides of the cover can be attached to the lower edge of the car body to secure the cover firmly in place.
Long-term use of car covers causing the paint to turn white is something I've personally experienced multiple times. As a veteran car owner, I believe the main reason lies in the material of the cover itself - low-quality plastic or synthetic fibers can release chemicals under high temperatures, gradually eroding the paint surface. Additionally, since car covers are not breathable, moisture gets trapped inside, forming water droplets, which over time oxidize the paint, making it appear whitened. I remember how particularly hot it gets under the car cover in summer, and the repeated temperature fluctuations can exacerbate micro-cracks in the paint, intensifying discoloration. To prevent such issues, I now regularly lift the car cover for ventilation and opt for breathable types of covers, which helps reduce moisture accumulation and protects the paint from fading.
I've been in the auto repair business for several years and often encounter cases where prolonged car cover use leads to whitening of the paint surface. The core issue lies in environmental isolation: the car cover blocks air circulation, causing internal humidity to skyrocket, especially in humid areas where moisture directly contacts the paint surface and triggers oxidation reactions, lightening the color. On the other hand, dust and dirt seep through the gaps in the car cover, accumulating on the surface and acting like an abrasive layer that rubs against the paint. Over time, even high-quality car covers can't completely prevent this whitening effect. I usually recommend car owners to check the cleanliness under the cover every two to three months and opt for multi-layer UV-resistant fabric covers that provide both dust protection and heat insulation.
I also experienced the paint turning white after leaving the car cover on for too long when my car was new. The key issues are friction and dust accumulation from the cover: the wind causes the cover to shift constantly, and over time it acts like sandpaper, wearing down the paint layer and revealing the white base coat. Additionally, stagnant air inside traps dust and insect residue, which oxidize and discolor the paint. Simply put, the longer the cover stays on, the higher the risk. So now, I only use the car cover for short periods during extreme weather and leave it uncovered the rest of the time to let the paint 'breathe'—this helps maintain the paint's color much longer.
