Leaving your car cover unsecured is okay when there is no wind. But with first gust, you’d wish there had been some sort of protection to keep the cover in place.
On the bright side, it’s super easy to secure a car cover. Some models feature built-in straps or come with a tie-down system as an accessory. Of course, you can always get some extra straps or ropes from third-party vendors. Either way, the following sections will give you a quick step-by-step guide on how to do it.
How to Use the Tie-Down System
This is a simple securing system that consists of a cord, two clamps, and a friction lock. It works great on different types of cover and the tie-down is simple to install. Here are the necessary steps.
- First, you need to tie one end of the cord to one of the clamps. Pull the cord through the ring on the clamp and make a tight knot. The basic bowline knot does the job and it’s easy to undo if the need be.
- Now, you need to position the friction lock. Take the other end of the cord and pull it through the opening on the friction lock. Mind you, the rope first goes through the smaller opening on the lock and then through the larger hole. You need to get this step right or the friction lock won’t work.
- Place and secure the knotted clamp onto the car cover. You can position it in the middle of the cover or towards the back. Make sure the clamp’s locking mechanism is nice and tight. Then, pull the rope to the other side of the car.
- Secure the free clamp on the opposite side of the vehicle and pull the rope through the hole on the bottom of the clamp. Next, pull the rope through the friction lock and secure the rope within the lock. Needless to say, the rope and the lock shouldn’t budge when you finish.
Pros and cons of this system
As indicated, the major upside is that the tie-down system adjusts to different types of car covers. The set usually includes four clamps, two ropes, and two friction locks. And it is also suitable for larger vehicles.
The drawback is the securing mechanism. It might take some time to put everything in place so it doesn’t come undone. Plus, you need to double-check the clamps and the knots if you keep them on after removing the cover.
How to Use Straps
These may come preinstalled on the car cover or there are loops to secure the straps. Compared to the tie-down system this one is much faster to install and you don’t need to be a pro in tying knots. This is how to use straps.
- Position the cover on your car and make sure the straps are easily accessible.
- Start from the front of the car and place the male end of the plastic lock into the female. Now, repeat the process in the middle and the back of the car, then tighten the straps when you finish.
Pros and cons of this system
Quick setup is definitely a plus for the straps system. You can also keep the straps on without worrying that they might come undone and the entire system can be more durable than tie-down.
You’d be hard-pressed to find negative things about this system. But if there is no way to attach straps to your cover, you might need to use the tie-down method.
How to Use a Cable-Lock System
Given the name, it’s not hard to guess that this system comes with a cable and a padlock. As such, it provides superior safety and it’s by far the most durable. Check out how to install it.
- Take one end of the cable and pull it through a ring at the bottom of the car cover. Then, pull the other end through the loop on the cable and tighten it.
- Toss the free end of the cable to the other side of the car and pull it through the ring. Place the padlock into the cable loop, grab the cable from underneath your car, and lock the loop and the padlock together.
Pros and cons of this system
This system offers superior durability and safety. But what are the negative sides?
It might be hard to tighten the cable and it is a system that is a bit more expensive. Finally, you’ll need to carry and an extra set of keys.
Don’t Let It Fly Away
Before you get a system to secure the car cover, make sure it fits your needs. Durability and ease of use are a plus. But then, the system also needs to keep the cover tightly in place. Otherwise, dirt and debris might get trapped underneath.