I'm going to be leaving Reno for the summer and my car will be left outside in my parent's driveway for about 2 and a half months. What's a good one step wax/protectant I can put on tomorow before I leave to protect the paint. Also, should invest in a car cover, I will be leaving for Spain in Sept. for 5 or six months, so it will be left out again relatively soon. Any advice on what to do?

 

I'd suggest a quality car cover. It'll keep the sun, dirt, rain, bird droppings, pollen, etc off the paint.

 

looked at some on ebay and these two look good...
COVERCRAFT INDUSTRIES MULTIBOND BLOCK-IT 350F SERIES for $110
or this one
COVERCRAFT INDUSTRIES MULTIBOND BLOCK-IT 200 SERIES for $70
Any advice on a car cover to get?

 

car cover

 

Skip those two, they're cheap but I like these two covers but can't decide between the two...
I can get a custom fit, has mirror pockets etc., Covercraft Noah or a general size Covercraft Evolution for $50 less. Which would you do...?

The Noah
The Evolution
Comparing the two (and the ones I mentioned before too)

 

Not a big fan of car covers- moisture under and may blow off in the wind? they also break down in the sun and rain. May be your best bet? I would make sure it's not parked under any trees. And I would get a sun shade - one that covers the front windows as well. I have one called the "winged shade". I think it was desinged for vans. For a long time I would put it up on jack stands, drain the gas tank or add dry gas. Any chance of your P's giving it a bath every now and then? Or taking it out for some exercise? gook luck

 

give the keys to your parents and tell them to drive it around once in awhile. wax it good now .. it'll be fine for two months in the elements.

 

Why don't you rent a garage at a local storage facility?

 

I have to park outside all the time. I left a car cover on over winter and when I returned from school I found that it was ALL WET underneath, even though the cover exterior seemed dry. LESSON? Don't use a car cover in an wet area or if there is a chance of dew forming. Unless you WANT to mess up your paint...

 

there are car covers that are designed to breath, to stop the moisture from staying there, just a matter of researching them and finding the best price on it, but i agree with the other guys, find someone to drive it around, more then just the paint to worry about.

 

He said Reno, it doesn't rain in Reno from May-November. In Cali, I kept my Bimmer under a cover during the hot summer. For those two summer months it should be fine. Also, place a sunshade in the front windshield under the cover.

During the winter months you might want to inquire about storing it in a rented garage. The cover will trap the winter moisture and you will have clouding in your paint.

You may also want to fill up with some super 93 octane or add gas stabilizer to your tank.

Or just have your parents drive it a few minutes each week.

 

Buy a real car cover which might run a couple hundred bucks but there are ones that do breathe and protect the car very well and even come with a lock so it can't be removed or blow away easily.