back to articles | July 30, 2024 | Taylor McKnight

Categories: Useful Automotive Information

5 Ways You Can Use Truck Tarps With a Car

Truck tarps serve a multitude of purposes, but did you know that you can also use them for your car?

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If you've ever driven on a highway, you've seen a truck tarp. On large trucks, they are the shiny piece of plastic that goes over some of all of the back of the truck. Truck tarps serve a multitude of purposes, but did you know that you can also use them for your car? Here are five ways you can use truck tarps with your car:

1. Don't be a bird brain - protect your car

If you park outside, or even drive outside, bird droppings are simply one of the joys of car ownership. What many people don't know though is that bird poop is more than just annoying, it can actually be incredibly harmful. Bird droppings are very high in uric acid, making them acidic. Over time, these droppings will start to ware away at the paint and body of your car. By adding a truck tarp over your car when you park, you will save yourself the hassle of scrubbing your vehicle clean or facing the long term damages of bird poo. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run - though you may need to wash the tarp every once in a while.

2. Protect the Metals on You Car

Even the most perfect drivers are prone to a knick, a ding, or a scratch here and there. Over time, these bumps on your car can oxidize and eventually rust. This is where a tiny inconvenience can quickly develop into a real issue for your car. When you regularly cover your vehicle, you can slow down the oxidation and therefore the rusting process. This will help you preserve the value of your car for longer. This can also help keep you and your passengers safe from any injuries that result in contacting rust.

3. Hide Your Valuables

While we do not recommend keeping valuables in your car, especially for extended periods of time, keeping a tarp on your vehicle can help protect it against theft. Many criminals, especially car burglars, are looking for crimes of opportunity. It is much easier to break a car window, grab the goods, and run, when a car is not covered up. It is much more unlikely that a thief will take the time to take off a car's tarp to break into it when there are likely much easier cars to steal from without tarps all around. Investing in a truck tarp to go over your car when you park, especially for long periods of time, can help you avoid getting robbed and losing your valuables.

If your car should be broken into, a tarp is also a great alternative for a door or window while you wait to get yours fixed. No matter what the circumstances, having a tarp easily available on hand will keep your car and your valuables safe.

4. Prevent Mold Contamination

You know your shower is prone to mold, but did you know your car is as well? The interior of your car can retain moisture, which allows mold to grow and flourish. This can be dangerous for anyone who rides in your vehicle and is exposed to this mold. By covering up your car, you limit the amount of humidity that the interior is exposed to, therefore cutting down on the amount of mold that is able to grow. This will do absolute wonders not only for your car, but for everyone who takes a turn riding in it.

5. Roadside Safety

A truck tarp is not only great for preserving your car, it is also good to have in handy should there be an accident. God forbid you are driving along an abandoned road and something happens to your car. Having a tarp on hand can help in many ways. It can be used to create a tent like shelter to keep you safe from the elements. It can be fashioned into a hammock for sleeping if you need a place to rest. It can also be used to collect rain water if you need a source of hydration. Tarps are also very helpful to protect you against the wind and can also help trap in heat if you are stuck in cold weather. Because tarps are versatile and because they can withstand the elements, having one on on hand will help you be prepared for any circumstance.

As we'e discussed, truck tarps have a wide array of uses. If you are a vehicle owner, having a car tarp on hand is a great idea when it comes to keeping your vehicle safe, protecting your belongings, and to use in case of an emergency. Car tarps come in a wider variety of sizes, styles, and price ranges, so you will have plenty of options when choosing the right one for you and your vehicle.