Parnelli

I'm know it is not recommended....but is it really that big of deal? Say the car has not been washed for a few weeks. I keep some of my cars in a storage area that gets dusty, hence the need for a cover if sitting for a couple weeks

timothymoffat

Dirt is abrasive. Cover-dirt-paint. Cover-paint is best.

lopro

sand is abrasive as mild grit sand paper, After you put it on once its hard to shake all the dirt out so everytime you slide the cover over your nice finish its subject to scratches.

Spokes

My view and experience the car should be reasonably clean. Also roll the cover off / on and avoid the sliding lopro warns. I only use my garage cover (slightly padded) when I know I won't use the car, like now during winter, and the kids are walking their skis by the car!

RacerX1166

If I want to throw the cover on my car, but it's got a bit of dust etc., I'll dust it then use quick detailer to get the paint as clean as possible. Much less time involved than washing if you're pressed for it.

rlme36

Ok enough with the tap dancing. NO! is the answer for the above reasons.
its better to wash the car and then put on the cover on a clean car or just not use it at all.

autobonrun

No, not if it hasn't been washed . If only dusty, I always use California duster first.

SPD YLO

then you have a dirty cover for the next time you wash.
Doesn't make sense.

Paul902

This thread got me wondering how dirty my cover might be. So, into the tub for a couple of hand washes and rinsing. The water got pretty dirty! Must do this more often.

Spokes

excellent, my wife would have a fit!