I have a 09 Fx4 that will be weekend driver. Ok to use a basic car cover for it? I have old one for my 1970 F250 that fit, barely. Bought it from LMC truck a few yrs ago and never really used it. Heard from some people that car covers can scratch the paint. Thanks

 

Unless the paint is clean and dust free, them people are correct.

Car covers also tend to hold moisture (humidity, rain). I've seen them cloud the paint when they get wet and dry on the vehicle.

 

My simple rule to keep paint looking new is that generally nothing touches the paint except for water, soap, and wax. No car-wash brushes (ick!!!), towles, hands, covers, or squeegees.

 

A car cover is good for preventing garage rash when you store a vehicle for the winter or whatnot. If you are constantly removing and putting a cover on the vehicle you have a much higher possibility of scratching the vehicle. Also, covers do not keep the dust out. A good cover is breathable so it will not trap moisture.

If I were in your shoes, I would get your paint in shape by stripping off any contaminants with dish soap and then use the clay bar. After that use your favorite products on the paint. When you keep the vehicle clean it is really easy to take some quick detailer and a micro-fiber cloth to remove any dust. I am a fan of the Zaino products and their quick detailer but that is just me. Find what works for you. My Mustang usually gets dusty sitting in the garage and it takes all of 5 minutes to hit it with the Zaino Z6 and a micro-fiber towel to take care of any dust. The quick detailer also makes it really shine.

 

So, do you have a climate controlled bay where your truck gets parked and never moves? How does one wash a vehicle without using hands, towels, or a car-wash mitt?

Seriously, it's a TRUCK... it's supposed to have some scratches...

 

Well the cover blew off yesterday and since it will come off and on a lot and the concensus is that it will scratch the paint then I will keep it off.

Black truck sitting outside in driveway equals dirty truck. I will get it waxed with clay bar.

 

Too much of a PITA if you drive the truck everyday. If you drive it once a week, then a good breathable cover that doesn't flap around in the wind is good. Your protecting against UV damage. With any cover on any car, you will get minor scratches from taking it off and putting it on. Show cars, collector cars, etc. suffer the same problem. Nothing you can do about it. Hell hand washing causes minor scratches-although miles less than brush car washes. Clay, polish, wax once or twice a year and your fine.