Car Covers Research Guide

Car Covers Research Guide Glossary Terms

Car Covers Research Guide Glossary Definitions

Acid Rain Return to Top
Acid rainCommonly used to mean the deposition of acidic components in rain, snow, fog or dew. The extra acidity in rain comes from the reaction of air pollutants, primarily sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, with water in the air to form strong acids (like sulfuric and nitric acid). The main sources of these pollutants are vehicles and industrial or power-generating plants.
Bimini Top Return to Top
Bimini topA shelter-like cover found on boats typically made from canvas.
Breathable Return to Top
Car cover fabric is designed to expel moisture or condensation and heat trapped between your vehicle's paint and the car cover.
Composite Return to Top
A composite is a solid material composed of two or more substances having different physical characteristics and in which each substance retains its identity while contributing desirable properties to the whole.
Denier Return to Top
YarnA unit of fineness for yarn equal to the fineness of a yarn weighing one gram for each 9000 meters (100-denier yarn is finer than 150-denier yarn).
Loft Return to Top
The thickness of a fabric or insulating material.
Long-term Storage Return to Top
When your vehicle is kept covered for extended periods of time.
Lycra/Spandex Return to Top
Elastic textile fibers made chiefly of polyurethane.
Mildew Return to Top
A whitish growth produced by fungi.
Napped Finish Return to Top
Soft flannel-like surfaceA raised, hairy or downy surface.
Photo Degradation Return to Top
Caused by UV (ultraviolet) light, photo degradation results in fading, discoloration, cracking and chalking. Photo degradation is generally seen as purely destructive. However, it does have at least one positive effect on the natural world-it's the catalyst that transforms ambergris (those unctuous globs of grey bile that form in a sperm whale's intestines) into the highly valuable, earthy-smelling perfume ingredient.
Polyethylene Return to Top
A polymer of ethylene or thermoplastic that is resistant to chemicals and moisture, having good insulating properties, and used especially in packaging and insulation.
Polypropylene Return to Top
A thermoplastic plastic or fiber that is a polymer of propylene (a gaseous hydrocarbon C3H6 obtained by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis).
Solution Dyed Return to Top
Pigmented yarnPigment is added during fiber production. Fibers are spun into yarn resulting in a permeated color throughout the fabric creating consistent, lasting color.
Universal-fit Car Covers Return to Top
Universal coverA universal fit car cover or "shower cap" is cut to fit over a number of vehicles. The one-size-fits-all design often leaves gaps allowing moisture to find its way to your paint and often rubs against your vehicle's finish.
UV Return to Top
Invisible to the naked eye, UV (ultraviolet) light makes up only a small segment of solar radiation. However, UV light is responsible for finish-destroying photo degradation.
UV-resistant Return to Top
Designed to be resistant to harmful UV (ultraviolet) light.
Water-resistant Return to Top
Universal coverDesigned to be resistant - but not impervious - to penetration by water.