I've been debating on whether to get a car cover for my roadster. I of course would like to keep it out of the UV rays, bird poop, pollen, elements, etc, but I wonder if moisture would be trapped underneath and could mildew my softtop.

Anyone experience anything like this?

 

Moisture and condensation can cause mildew. Overall a car cover will help protect the surface from a lot of moisture but it can trap some moisture/condensation under the cover. Overall I would say it helps but it has the potentially cause mildew. Clean your top before storing it and protect it with the 303 Fabric Guard. Just spray it on and you're all set. It will help protect the fabric from moisture build ups and help preserve it.

Greg @ Detailed Image

 

Don’t use the fabric guard!!!!!! Our tops are made of vinyl!

Use 303 aerospace protectant after using the 303 convertible top cleaner.

Then get a weathershield (Nissan OEM) car cover. It lets less then 2% of condensation through, one shake and its dry, BUT it will NOT cause mildew. It lets moisture out/in; doesn't trap it in.

 

I do use the 303 aerospace protectant about every 3-4 weeks. Since I don't have a garage, the car is exposed all day...all year.

I'm really considering storing the Z in a storage unitthis winter. Reason being...I attribute the ice buildup in tearing the seam edges of my soft top this last season.

Anyways, I think i'll get a Nissan OEM car cover and just use it only on sunny days. When I get home from work, I'll take it off before dusk to prevent any collection of condensation underneath.

 

If your car is clean and it's going to rain, go ahead and throw that cover on it. Two shakes and its dry and ready to fold up and put in the trunk. It's a excellent cover.

 

An inexpensive cover like PVC would trap condensation under the cover. Most likely if you are paying $175 plus for a cover it is a permeable material.

 

Solution = Don't buy a cheap cover. The nissan OEM is going to run you $200ish. It DOESN'T trap moisture. I own one and use it all the time, but hey, wtf do I know.

 

PS weather shield is what the Nissan OEM is made of.

 

Sorry about that I assumed you were referring to a soft top. The vinyl tops are much more resistant to mildew build up and shouldn't have problems under normal conditions. The 303 Aerospace Protectant would be my product of choice for protection.

Greg @ Detailed Image