Car Covers Glossary

Acid Rain
Acid rains affect life on earth. In areas around industrial belts emissions of sulpher and nitrogen are higher and they come in contact with the atmosphere producing acidic condensation, which then hit earth in the form of rain, dew, fog and frost. Acid rains can be caused by several sources like industrial power generating plants and vehicular pollution.

Bimini tops
Bimini tops are canvas-made marine covers.

Breathable
Fabrics that allow free circulation of vapor and heat are breathable fabrics. The trapped moisture damages the body of the automobile and also the paintwork. A breathable fabric does not let this happen.

Composite
Two or more substances make a composite. Each substance in a composite has different physical characteristics. An object is called a composite when each of these substances contributes properties to the whole while retaining their specific characteristics.

Denier
When the finesse of yarn equals the fineness weighing one gram for each 9000 meters, a denier is created. This unit of finesse is called a Denier. This means that a 100-denier yarn is finer than 150-denier yarn. The lower it is the finer it will be.

Loft
The term loft is used to mean the thickness of an insulated material.

Long-term storage
When you keep your vehicle covered for extended periods the term “long term storage” is used.

Lycra/spandex
A polyurethane, textile fiber with stretchable properties is called Lycra.

Mildew
White colored fungus is termed as Mildew.

Napped finish
A hairy, downy and elevated finish is known as napped finish.

Photo degradation
Fading, cracking, discoloration and chalking are all results of photo degradation. This is a destructive process but it has some advantages as well. It transforms ambergris (bile found inside the intestine of a sperm whale) into highly precious perfume ingredients.

Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a moisture resistant polymer of ethylene. This material is also chemical resistant with good insulating properties. The material is widely used in packaging and insulation.

Polypropylene
Used mainly in organic synthesis, Polypropylene is a polymer of propylene, which is produced by cracked hydrocarbons of petroleum.

Solution dyed
Solution dyed is a process by which uniform permeated colors are added to the fabrics. Colors are added during the production of fibers. The process ensures steadfastness spinning fibers into the yarn.

Universal car cover
Known as the “shower cap” this cover can fit many different automobiles. However the universal car covers are flawed. These covers are made for three different standard fits and can never fit the vehicle-pattern exactly. These covers are also often made of patchwork and have several seams that come off soon.

UV
Invisible to the naked eye, Ultra violet rays are solar radiations. However the rays cause glaring damage leaving indelible specks on the prized vehicle. The process of photo degradation is a result of Ultra violet rays.

UV resistant
UV resistant is a term that is used to refer to anything that can curb the harmful effects of the UV rays.

Water Resistant
Some materials can hinder water from penetrating into objects and these materials are known as water resistant.