Looking for opinions on the Mazda soft car cover, or recommendations for a better one.

It took my new 8 to make me realize just how dusty my garage is...

I've searched for the better part of an hour and can't find much on the OEM soft cover. If someone knows of an old, existing post or thread, please post it.

Many thanks!

-J.T.

The only Mazda cover I've seen is the all weather one. If you only plan on using it in the garage, try the Covercraft Tan Flannel. It's thicker to provide protection from dings as well as dust.

I have the OEM car cover and all I can is is that it is VERY TIGHT fitting! IF your car is dusty, do not use it because you'll just scratch the paint.

I've got the appearance package and MS wing so it doesn't fit. The back part leaves the exhaust tips exposed. :)

I have the OEM car cover and all I can is is that it is VERY TIGHT fitting! IF your car is dusty, do not use it because you'll just scratch the paint.

I've got the appearance package and MS wing so it doesn't fit. The back part leaves the exhaust tips exposed. :)

How exactly will it scratch the paint, by dragging the dust over it?? I don't think so...

I bought my all-weather OEM from a fellow8 owner for 100 bucks. Barely used, what a steal over 250! I use it constantly since I don't have a garage at the moment. It IS very tight fitting, but its easily done by one person, and VERY easy to put on with two. The only concern is a front license plate. If you've got one, it tends to snag the front and might rip it after repeated use. Still, its totally worth it.

Not long ago I came across something onlne called the "Car bag" or "Car blanket", its basically a double car cover that you drive over, then sip it shut, completely encasing the car. Seems more for long term storage, but its the best option I think if you're in a dusty garage. let me see if I can find the link.

How exactly will it scratch the paint, by dragging the dust over it?? I don't think so....
I do think so.
Long story short: Any time you touch your paint, be it with a microfiber cloth or a car cover, you will scratch it. Will the scratch be noticable? Probably not, but you get enough of those fine scrathes in there and they WILL start to show.

Add to that fact that the paint on the RX-8 is extremely soft compared to other cars and now you've got a problem. Especially if your car is black! (like mine)

When you apply a car cover without getting all the dust off first, you will in essence be moving the dust (as you're fitting the corners) and applying unwanted force to that dust (pressure of a tight fitting cover) all of that will eventually lead to scratches.

How exactly will it scratch the paint, by dragging the dust over it?? I don't think so...



Jedi is correct.


This problem is even more evident on darker colors.

Jedi = Zaino MASTER! c'mon, you guys gotta trust me on car detailing / maintenance stuff. :D:


For the record: I use my OEM cover, but usually it's after I've washed the car, and I'm not going to drive it for a couple days / weeks. It'll get all tucked in for it's extended stay in the garage. :)

Dominion had a thread about a cheapo cover from AutoZone. $30 bucks, maybe?? Search for threads started by DOMINION.


GO!

:lol2:

Jedi = Zaino MASTER! c'mon, you guys gotta trust me on car detailing / maintenance stuff. :D:


For the record: I use my OEM cover, but usually it's after I've washed the car, and I'm not going to drive it for a couple days / weeks. It'll get all tucked in for it's extended stay in the garage. :)


That's basically my situation. Typically a week or two elapses between driving sessions, and in that time the car gathers a surprising patina of dust, just sitting in the garage.

Does the OEM cover need to be used with the cable/lock, or will it close snugly enough without it, to keep the dust out?

Many thanks!

Jedi = Zaino MASTER! c'mon, you guys gotta trust me on car detailing / maintenance stuff. :D:


http://www.websmileys.com/sm/fingers/fing02.gif

Dominion had a thread about a cheapo cover from AutoZone. $30 bucks, maybe?? Search for threads started by DOMINION.


GO!

:lol2:



The stick up my ass prevents me from going with non-Mazda accessories, unless they just don't work...but good to know, as a back-up plan. Thanks!

That's basically my situation. Typically a week or two elapses between driving sessions, and in that time the car gathers a surprising patina of dust, just sitting in the garage.

Does the OEM cover need to be used with the cable/lock, or will it close snugly enough without it, to keep the dust out?

Many thanks!
Yeah, amazing how much dust collected on mine from just being parked. The mazda cover is a bit pricey but will work great if that's what you need it for. I just suggest you wash it before storing it and you'll be good. :)

http://www.websmileys.com/sm/fingers/fing02.gif

dang it! That reminds me... I claybarred my car and zaino'd my car a few weeks ago. I think it's my GREATEST zaino job yet...
I need to start a thread later tonight.

I think the best cover for in a garage (indoor only) is Covercraft's DusTop. Very soft, thick enough to withstand door dings, and it really does keep the dust off. Soft as a baby's diaper.

Jethro: act QUICK!! http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=120228

Jethro: act QUICK!! http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=120228

Thanks, Jedi, I've sent the seller a PM but I might have been late. Been off-line almost all day.

Jethro: act QUICK!! http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=120228

UPS says it should be here Monday. I also went to a local dealer and ordered the cable & lock ($10). I noticed on photos that the stock cover has a little "window" to display the rear license plate...wondering what that's about.

Hopefully this will eliminate or at least minimize the dust buildup between washings.

What's the best way to put this thing on? Start at the front, or the rear? I've never used a car cover before.

Also many thanks to Rix-8 for the great deal!

My guess is the window is b/c many states have laws about unregistered cars, so the plate is displayed even w/the cover on. Tho I doubt there are many cops rolling around asking people to uncover the car in the driveway so the can check the plates.

except maybe in california. :lol2:

How about just cleaning your garage?? :lol2:

How about just cleaning your garage?? :lol2:

Have you been talking to Mrs. Tull?? :lol2:

Looking at the overhead door though, I noticed that there is a gap on bottom, on one side when it's closed, due to uneven concrete. Closing that with a new piece of weatherstripping would probably help quite a bit.

I usually start with the front, making sure to get the mirrors as quickly as I can (since they'll help hold it in place) and then work my way towards the back.

yeah, thats an excellent technique.

start with the front and work your way to the back.

yeah, cuz it usually takes some time and reassurance to gain access to the backside.




cuz this thread didn't have enough filth, imo.

yeah, cuz it usually takes some time and reassurance to gain access to the backside.

cuz this thread didn't have enough filth, imo.

You haven't seen my garage... :)

It came on Monday. Nice cover, especially for the price I paid (thanks again Rix-8, and Jedi54 for the tip). It's the gray/black version, fortunately the same color I was interested in buying from the dealership. The storage bag is handy, I'll keep it in my trunk along with the mask.
My first impression is that it's HUGE! Unrolled in the living room for inspection, it reminded me of a parachute. Printed instructions answered all of my questions on install & removal, as well as the license-plate window question. Mazda says it is for local ordinances requiring plate visibility on covered cars. I'll not try it on until I can wash the car first, probably Wednesday morning (got the holiday off work).
It's funny that a $250 cover is secured by a $10 lock!