Your automobile is one of the most important investments you will make aside from your house. So it only follows that you would watch over this prized possession as a mother would her child. While singing it lullabyes, you will want to keep it from getting scratched or stained. This is where a good car cover comes in. Without this simple but highly effective protection, you are sure to have your baby sporting dents and scratches in no time. If you're looking for a good guide to choosing a car cover for your vehicle, you have come to the right place.

Imagine the dread when you find the first dent or scratch on your new vehicle. Unfortunately, it's a fact of life. Unless you are considering covering your vehicle in plated steel, chances are you will be seeing more of these dents and scratches in your life. However, a good car cover can, at the very least, keep your car away from many of the needless scratches it could endure.

Birds, trees, and dust all pose a scratch hazard to your car. They may seem harmless, but looks can be deceiving.

Birds Don't you just hate it when those birds just can't seem to let loose their bombs unless there are right over something important? Jump the gun! Get protection for your car! Bird droppings are acidic and could cause discoloration or even corrosion to your paint finish. Most outdoor car cover fabrics are designed to keep those droppings from harming your car.

Trees We all love them for the shade. But trees have a deadly sense of retribution. Falling branches, nuts, fruits, and sap can all put scratches and stains on you car. And don't forget our friendly neighborhood birds (where else would they be found?). If you're really unlucky, a large branch might come crashing your way. So always be careful which tree you choose to park under.

Dust You might think that your car paint can weather dust storms. Unfortunately that armor of paint you talk about is only .006 inches thick. Dust that settles on your cars surface could cause tiny scratches if it gets rubbed in. Indoor car cover fabrics and Outdoor car cover fabrics are designed to keep that dust away from your vehicle.

Thieves! That thin lining of cloth might not look like it can repel large hazards to your car. But, look again! It could even save your car from thieving fiends! Thieves usually bypass covered vehicles because they take more time to get into. Since their goal is to get the car out of there in the least amount of time, they usually look for those that are easier to get in to. Add a lock and cable to your car cover, and you will keep those pesky thieves scrambling for a different quarry.

Rain Rain is usually harmless. But a strong downpour could assist dust and other debris in scratching the surface of your car. A good outdoor car-cover gives your car a much needed raincoat.

Sunshine Harsh UV rays and the intense heat of the Sun can bleach the color right out of your car. A car cover makes sure these harmful elements are deflected. It also keeps the interior of your car cooler.

Winter Your car's finish will have no problem with the cold. It will, though, have a problem with the moisture and the salt. Both elements can wreck havoc on your paint job. Keep your car cover on to prevent this.

Things to Consider in Choosing the Right Car Cover Consider the following when choosing a car cover:

1. The places where you park and how frequent you use your car

2. Weather in the places you often drive to

3. What color will work best in the weather you drive. For sunny areas a light color helps keep the vehicle cooler. In area with snow, a high contrast vehicle makes for better visibility.

4. Parking areas. Make sure you know the hazards of your parking area. And be prepared to choose a car cover that addresses this.

5. The number of people and the crime rate at your parking lot. This will decide whether you will go for a car cover lock to discourage any thieves.

Choosing car covers might sound trivial to some. But for the well-informed person (that's you), an investment in a good car cover could decide the lifespan of you precious vehicle.