Classic Additions

Whether it’s just to keep the ice off the windscreen so you’ve one less thing to worry about on a workday morning or to fully cocoon your BMW from the worst excesses of winter, Classic Additions has got it covered with its wide range of car covers.

This includes its Heavy Duty car cover, which is 100 per cent waterproof and suitable for long-term outdoor storage, and its Lightweight Breathable car cover which caters for cars being used regularly and is great if the convenience of easy, quick removal is an issue – they’re available in eight different sizes and can even be custom-made to perfectly fit your car.

Classic Additions also sells a Half Car cover that protects only the cockpit area. It’s ideal for leaking roofs or just to keep the frost off.

Prices start from £100. You can find out more online (www.classicadditions.co.uk) or by giving Classic Additions a call on: 01938 561717.

Specialised Covers

If you’re after one cover that does it all and no price is no object then look no further.

Specialised Covers is the official supplier of car covers to Audi, Bentley and Lotus (to name just a few) and has recently developed the Tempest; an outdoor cover, which is hand-tailored to your car, waterproof and breathable, provides UV protection, protects against natural pollutants and can even be put on your car while it’s wet!

The fabric that shields your BMW from the elements is made up of three separate layers which are heat-laminated together to form one single protective barrier which is specifically designed with a soft-fleece backing that is gentle on bodywork. However, with prices starting at £209 it is most definitely a luxury item.

At least at this price you can have a say in how stylish your cover looks as you can choose your own favourite combination of colours.

Place your order online at: www.specialisedcovers.com or call: 01943 864646.

Halfords

Much like the Tempest car cover from Specialised Covers, Halfords’ Advanced All Seasons Car Cover has been designed to be a ‘one cover does all’ option. However, there are differences:

Although the Halfords option is certainly cheaper, it’s unfortunately not as versatile as the Tempest cover. This is because Halfords recommends that before you fit its cover you should ensure that your car is both clean and dry.

Halfords also advises against covering cars that have been painted within the past three months. Oh, and you’ll need to make sure to add a protective cloth to prevent abrasions to soft-top convertibles.

Still, it does have three layers of breathable material, which allows condensation to evaporate from cars’ windows or windscreens. The cover is also said to be easy to fit with elasticated panels that fit around your bumpers, plus an under-car securing strap. Best of all, prices start from just £39.99.

Buy online or find your nearest store by visiting: www.halfords.com

Hamilton Classic

We’ve chosen to focus on the Moltex outdoor car cover and the Supertex luxury indoor car cover from the Hamilton Classics range of covers.

The Moltex outdoor cover is said to be highly-luxurious and yet is still more affordable than the Tempest, which is being offered by Specialised Covers. The Moltex cover comes in 33 different sizes and is five layers thick with a super-soft inner fleece lining.

There are well-positioned perforations in each of the layers to make it breathable. This prevents moisture build-up, while still remaining waterproof. Sewn in under-body straps and elasticated hems are also said to make this cover surprisingly easy to fit.

The Supertex indoor cover is the perfect accessory for your garaged BMW and comes in 20 sizes; it’s three layers thick, which Hamilton Classics claim is 100 per cent dust-proof.

Both covers are available in blue, green or red. Find out more by calling Hamilton Classic on: 0118 973 7300