Cover for my 2009 Vibe

[Banjovibe]

Hi all. I am moving to Maine (from N. Carolina..brrrrrrr). I will not have a garage, but I won't be driving the car that much during the winter since I will live very close to where I work. Does anyone know of any custom covers for this car? Thanks much.

[Whelan]

One thing to note when buying a car cover in colder climates is that you can get ice and stick. Where snow/ice form on the cover and moisture that forms under the cover freezes essentially sticking the cover to the car, much like frozen hamburgers stick to the paper in the package. Invest $$ into a good cover that offers the right protection. Or I saw at BJ's the other day for like $180 a car park tent. Just be knowledgeable and be sure to keep it cleaned off whatever you get.

[kowell]

If snow and cold is a worry for you, might I recommand a winter garage? It would be much better suited than a cover

[Banjovibe]

Hmmm...thanks folks for the great advice...I will look into both suggestions. Boy...that's some snow around that winter garage, Kowell. Is there a danger of the snow/ice getting too heavy and collapsing the roof? Thanks again.

[ajb812]

I actually just got one myself from California Car Cover Co. (www.calcarcover.com). My Dad has been getting covers from them for years for his classic cars. I'm just waiting on getting it back from them as they had to sew in pockets for the radio and OnStar antennas, but the test fit I did before was perfect! I told them when ordering it that I needed the pockets, and they did it no charge (they even covered all the shipping charges). I got the superweave one, it's a little pricey, but it's worth it (espically for me in FL with all of the rain and sun) and it's really light. Another one may be better for you since you'll be in a cold weather climate. You can always call them and see what they recommend - they're really nice and easy to deal with (have been for me at least)! If you decide to go with the cover, they may be worth checking out!

[kowell]

Quote, originally posted by Banjovibe »Hmmm...thanks folks for the great advice...I will look into both suggestions. Boy...that's some snow around that winter garage, Kowell. Is there a danger of the snow/ice getting too heavy and collapsing the roof? Thanks again.The side wall should never collapse but you need to take the snow off the roof once in a while. Of course that's just a random picture I took online to get a good view of a winter garage (which appears to be from Ontario judging from the car's plate). I'm not sure how many snow Maine gets. The 2 biggest issues with a winter garage is to secure it down well so strong winds don,t blow it off and to take the snow off the roof once in a while (usually you just need to hit the roof gently with a shovel handle from inside the garage and it will slide off)ah winter...

[bull77]

Quote, originally posted by Banjovibe »Hmmm...thanks folks for the great advice...I will look into both suggestions. Boy...that's some snow around that winter garage, Kowell. Is there a danger of the snow/ice getting too heavy and collapsing the roof? Thanks again.my neighbour uses one of these in his driveway, saves him some shovelling.If you do go this route, make sure you clear the roof after a snowfall. A teenager died last winter b/c of the roof collasping.

[kowell]

Quote, originally posted by bull77 »my neighbour uses one of these in his driveway, saves him some shovelling.If you do go this route, make sure you clear the roof after a snowfall. A teenager died last winter b/c of the roof collasping.People often don't realise that these garages can sometimes be quite cheap and weak. There is a reson prices can range from 150$ to the local HomeDepot to 4000-5000$ for a custom made, reinforced, gigantic one.

[vibedrivermatt]

hello I bought a californiacarcover for my vibe as well. I kinda wrote a little review and took some pictures. You can find that post if you do a search for "hey I got a cover for my vibe". Ditto on the car canopy for winter snow and ice. They do really work to keep your car out of the weather. That combined with the cover is a very good solution for protecting your car although buying both is expensive. I keep my other sporty car in one of those canopies but lately that car has been invaded by mice!! ahhhhgh!! I've heard people still get that problem in actual garages too. its hard to keep them perfectly sealed. Its prob more of an issue for cars that sit for long periods of time without being driven though. my plan of attack is to buy another thing from california car cover that basically hermetically seals the car in bag made from plastic tarp... uhh hope that works..

[djkeev]

Sounds like you are a tad afraid of snow??I've grown up in and lived in snow my entire life except for a year in Miami which I HATED!!! Now I'm in Jersey, snow but not overwhelming.The thought of going out on a cold morning, knocking the snow off the cover, dealing with the frozen pockets, piling the cover in a heap or worse yet knocking all the frozen debris off and trying to fold it, would simply overwhelm me!Maine is COLD!! It can be more temperate along the coast line with the warming effects of the Bay but if you are inland at all you have a nice dry COLD. Get a good SOFT broom. Plastic coated or wood handle, no metal on it at all and soft bristles. This is your snow brush. Keep it by the door with your coats and boots (get a pair of MUCK boots, soft warm, water proof, the boots it took me a lifetime to find after decades of wearing heavy uncomfortable ill fitting boots. It's not a wear your shoes in the boot type but just a heavy sock and they are Comfy and Warm!! A little spendy $100 or so but well worth the investment).When it snows, just go brush it all off before it has a chance to warm, soften and then freeze at night. By brushing it off in the AM the warmth of the sun (such as it is) will clean up the car while you are off at work. Don't ignore the roof, do clean off the roof each and every time. If you don't do this you will have a giant chunk of ice sliding around on your paint and in many States you've just broken the law by NOT cleaning off your car.Use this broom ONLY for the car, not cleaning the dirty floor and you'll have no worries about scratching.When you are ready to go, there sits the car ready to simply drive away. It will become a task much like making coffee is in the morning, just part of the daily routine as you will find is shoveling your walk, every day, just a little snow. Don't put off the task of cleaning up a small amount of snow for if you walk on it before you clean it you now have ICE. Depending on the weather patterns, the ice will be there for the season. Rock salt only works to 20 something and chemical deicers down to zero but it is far better to not have the ice in the first place.My advice? (as if you haven't figured it out)Dump the car cover idea, it's just stupid and you'll soon abandon using it.Dave

[Banjovibe]

I really appreciate all the thoughtful input in this thread! You guys (and gals?) are great. I have decided to forgo the cover and garage idea and go with the poster who suggested getting a soft broom and Muck boots (already ordered-along with their gloves- I hope they're good. Though I moved to Maine a couple weeks ago, I don't fear the snow- I come originally from St. Louis..not as long of a season but we've had wopper snows over the years. Plus I'll be working right where I live- minimal driving, if I don't have to get out. Thanks again to all for your thoughtfulness.

[Kincaid]

In case it's not obvious, I recommend a mini push broom, not the kind of broom that the witches ride on Halloween. I got one at Home Depot and it is about 12 inches wide with a stout handle (I have garage and snow is not an issue - I got the broom specifically for sweeping debris away from the pool during the summer).

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by Kincaid »In case it's not obvious, I recommend a mini push broom, not the kind of broom that the witches ride on Halloween. I got one at Home Depot and it is about 12 inches wide with a stout handle (I have garage and snow is not an issue - I got the broom specifically for sweeping debris away from the pool during the summer).Just make sure it is SOFT and no metal on it. I have a "scrub" brush that does the job wonderfully.Never had the Muck Gloves, let me know how they are. Their boots are truly a wonderful thing!Dave