Body Covers

About Body Covers

Body covers are essential protective solutions designed to shield vehicles, motorcycles, and other valuable equipment from the elements, dust, debris, and potential damage during storage or transportation. Whether you're a professional tradesperson needing to protect work vehicles on site, a mechanic safeguarding customer cars in your workshop, or a vehicle enthusiast maintaining pristine condition during long-term storage, the right body cover provides crucial protection against weather damage, UV degradation, scratches, and environmental contamination.

This comprehensive category encompasses a wide range of protective solutions, from simple universal car covers and motorcycle covers to sophisticated temporary garage structures and carport shelters. Professional-grade options include magnetic workshop wing covers that protect paintwork during maintenance, foldable garage extensions for flexible workspace protection, and heavy-duty vehicle storage shelters measuring up to 7.5 metres in length. Additional specialised covers cater for specific vehicle types including trikes, with transport covers designed specifically for secure protection during vehicle movement.

Leading brands like Sealey and Draper dominate this category, offering durable, weather-resistant materials with features such as reinforced seams, ventilation systems to prevent condensation, and UV-resistant fabrics that maintain their protective properties across multiple seasons. From compact windscreen shields to expansive domed roof portable carports, these products deliver reliable protection for both short-term workshop use and extended outdoor storage applications.

Jargon Buster

• Breathable Fabric: A material that allows moisture vapour to escape whilst preventing water ingress, essential for preventing condensation build-up that can lead to mould, mildew, and corrosion damage on stored vehicles.
• UV-Resistant Coating: A specialised treatment applied to cover materials that protects against ultraviolet radiation damage, preventing both the cover itself from degrading and the vehicle's paintwork from sun-related fading and oxidation.
• Carport Shelter: A temporary or semi-permanent structure providing overhead and partial side protection for vehicles, typically featuring a steel or aluminium frame with weather-resistant fabric covering, offering garage-like protection without permanent construction.
• All-Season Cover: A versatile protective cover designed to withstand varying UK weather conditions throughout the year, incorporating waterproofing for rain, UV protection for summer sun, and breathability to handle temperature fluctuations.
• Magnetic Workshop Wing Cover: A protective panel designed to shield vehicle bodywork during maintenance and repair work, featuring magnetic attachment for quick positioning and removal, often incorporating integrated tool pockets for convenient access to frequently used items.
• Transport Cover: A heavy-duty cover specifically engineered for protecting vehicles during transit, featuring reinforced construction and secure fastening systems to prevent movement and wind damage at motorway speeds.

Who Uses Body Covers?

• Motor Mechanics and Auto Electricians: Protecting customer vehicles during workshop repairs and using wing covers to prevent paintwork damage during routine maintenance
• Vehicle Restoration Specialists: Safeguarding classic cars and project vehicles during long-term restoration work and storage between work sessions
• Mobile Mechanics and Tradespeople: Providing weather protection for work vehicles parked on site and protecting tools and equipment from the elements
• Fleet Managers: Maintaining company vehicles during periods of inactivity and protecting stored vehicles awaiting deployment or sale
• Motorcycle Enthusiasts and Dealers: Preserving bikes during winter storage and protecting inventory from showroom dust and handling damage
• Caravan and Motorhome Owners: Protecting recreational vehicles during off-season storage to prevent weather-related deterioration
• Construction Site Managers: Creating temporary covered storage for vehicles and equipment on active building sites
• Vehicle Valeting Professionals: Protecting freshly detailed vehicles from contamination before customer collection
• Agricultural Workers: Sheltering machinery and farm vehicles from harsh weather conditions when barn space is limited

How to Choose the Right Body Covers

Vehicle Type and Size: Accurately measure your vehicle's dimensions, including height with any roof-mounted equipment or aerials. Universal covers suit standard car sizes, whilst motorcycles, trikes, and larger vehicles require specialised covers. For multiple vehicles or larger equipment, consider portable carport shelters ranging from 2.7 metres to 7.5 metres in length.

Storage Location: Indoor storage allows lighter, dust-protection covers, whilst outdoor applications demand heavy-duty, waterproof materials with UV resistance. If you lack permanent garage space, temporary garage structures and domed roof carports provide excellent alternatives, offering protection comparable to traditional buildings without planning permission requirements.

Duration of Coverage: Short-term protection during repairs suits lightweight workshop covers, whereas long-term storage necessitates robust all-season covers with breathable fabrics to prevent moisture accumulation. Professional-grade covers incorporate ventilation panels and moisture barriers for extended storage periods.

Material Quality and Features: Look for reinforced seams, elasticated hems for secure fitting, and soft inner linings that won't scratch paintwork. Multi-layer construction offers superior protection, with outer waterproof shells and inner breathable layers. Security features such as eyelets for locks and cable tie-down points prevent theft and wind displacement.

Ease of Installation: Consider how frequently you'll install and remove the cover. Magnetic workshop wing covers offer instant application, whilst full vehicle covers benefit from zip access panels and mirror pockets for easier fitting. Temporary carport structures should feature straightforward assembly without specialist tools, with clear instructions for one or two-person installation.

Weather Resistance Requirements: UK conditions demand covers capable of handling persistent rain, strong winds, and occasional snow loading. Check specifications for water column ratings (higher numbers indicate better waterproofing) and wind resistance capabilities. Windscreen shields offer targeted protection against frost and ice during winter months.

Popular Accessories

• Ground Anchors and Tie-Down Kits: Secure covers and carport structures against wind displacement, essential for exposed outdoor locations
• Cover Storage Bags: Dedicated bags for storing covers when not in use, protecting them from damage and keeping them clean and organised
• Cable Locks and Security Straps: Deter theft and prevent unauthorised cover removal whilst securing covers in high-wind conditions
• Moisture Absorbers and Desiccant Products: Control humidity levels beneath covers during long-term storage to prevent condensation damage
• Wheel Chocks and Vehicle Supports: Maintain vehicle stability during extended storage periods under covers or within temporary shelters
• Protective Padding and Corner Guards: Additional protection for vulnerable vehicle areas such as mirrors, aerials, and sharp bodywork edges
• Ground Sheets and Base Membranes: Provide clean, dry surfaces for temporary carport structures and prevent ground moisture migration
• Replacement Cover Panels: Spare fabric sections for extending the life of carport shelters when individual panels wear or damage occurs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a car cover on a damp vehicle?

It's best to ensure your vehicle is completely dry before applying a cover, as trapped moisture can lead to mould growth and paint damage. If you must cover a damp vehicle, choose a highly breathable cover and remove it as soon as possible to allow proper drying. For regular use in wet conditions, consider a temporary carport shelter which provides protection whilst allowing air circulation.

How long do temporary carport shelters typically last in UK weather conditions?

Quality carport shelters from brands like Sealey typically provide 3-5 years of reliable service when properly installed and maintained. Longevity depends on exposure levels, with sheltered locations extending lifespan significantly. Regular inspection of frame connections and fabric condition, plus prompt repairs of minor damage, maximises durability. UV-resistant covers better withstand British summers, whilst reinforced frames handle winter storms more effectively.

Will a car cover scratch my vehicle's paintwork?

Quality covers feature soft inner linings specifically designed to protect paintwork, but ensure your vehicle is clean before covering, as trapped dirt particles can cause scratching when covers move in wind. Proper fitting is crucial—loose covers that flap cause more abrasion than snug-fitting alternatives. Magnetic workshop wing covers offer scratch-free protection during maintenance work, with padded surfaces that won't damage even freshly painted panels.

Do I need planning permission for a temporary carport or vehicle storage shelter?

Most temporary structures don't require planning permission under UK permitted development rights, provided they meet specific criteria regarding size, height, and placement. Generally, structures should be genuinely temporary, positioned behind the principal elevation of your property, and not exceed certain dimensions. However, regulations vary by location and property type, so check with your local planning authority, particularly in conservation areas or for listed buildings.

What's the difference between a motorcycle cover and a motorcycle transport cover?

Standard motorcycle covers prioritise weather protection during static storage, featuring breathable, waterproof materials for long-term outdoor or garage storage. Transport covers are specifically engineered for securing bikes during transit, with heavier-duty construction, reinforced tie-down points, and tighter fitting to prevent movement at speed. Transport covers often incorporate additional padding and are designed to work with trailer or van attachment systems, making them essential for dealers, race teams, and anyone regularly transporting motorcycles.