How to maintain a garageless car in Texas?

[Sully]

What about a carport?

[BillY2KFRC]

Mine will also be outside as my GFs car and my Z06 will occupy the garages.

My tips are:
- Always keep a few coats of a good polish/wax on it. I am a Zaino guy, but any of the other higher end polishes will do the job. Once a week is probably overkill, at least a coat or two per month should do the job. But more coats never hurt, will just give you a deeper gloss. Those dealer installed UV protection plans are a scam, stay far away.
- Stay away from the sprinkler. Besides the hard water stains, being in the Texas, the water beads work like magnifying glasses for the sun and will cause etching into your paint that can be impossible to remove.
- If you daily drive the car, or drive it on a regular basis, stay away from car covers. You can only put a cover on a 100% clean car or it will work like sandpaper and scratch the hell out of your clearcoat. So unless you plan to wash and dry the car EVERY TIME you will put on the cover, you are better off without it.
- SWP is a smart choice, should hide dust and swirls nicely. Bird crap will probably be your biggest enemy.

Hope this was helpful, good luck!

[bestwheelbase]

I have never heard good things about anybody's HOA.

The sprinkler is your biggest enemy. Other than that -- basic paint care will keep your car looking good for many years. Waxing every week is overkill (though, if you're like me, it's a zen-like thing to wash/wax a car so you do it for personal enjoyment).

[maxeveland]

Originally Posted by prest1ge

-A car cover isn't an option. My neighbors will definitely report me to HOA for "ruining the neighborhood image"

So you can't cover your car if you want? I didnt know that was a law in this country

[Turbowned]

As far as the tint, I know you mentioned it already but 3M has a UV-blocking tint that's essentially clear, if you're not into the whole dark-tint thing. Not sure how much it costs relative to what you were talking about, but I'll probably look into it for my car.

[ashtray]

Originally Posted by maxeveland

So you can't cover your car if you want? I didnt know that was a law in this country

HOA's are above the law. They can tell you what color your front door can't be, or that your lawn is too high, or if you've broken any of their self-imposed rules. Not sure what happens if you don't comply - but I think you sign a legal doc when you buy the house saying you will comply with their rules and pay their annual fees.

[bestwheelbase]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

a UV-blocking tint that's essentially clear, if you're not into the whole dark-tint thing.

I think Huper makes a tint like this too. Barely visible but still cuts down cabin heat and interior fade. Great idea - since not everyone enjoys the limo-tint look!

[itisthumper]

I too dont have the luxury of a garage. For this reason, I got an Opti-Coat job done last week. About to get me some ONR as well since there is no hose I can use here. I do have access to a few self service washes 15-20 mins away.

[jmaryt]

isn't it enough to just protect the car with a good coat of wax?
just curious as to the benefits of this "opti-coat?" what is the cost of this process,and is it permanent?

[itisthumper]

It protects better than wax supposedly

[BRZfan]

Yes to paragraph one below. Also, talk with neighbors, get on the Board of the HOA. Are you sure the HOA would disaprove? I've been on a HOA type of board in my previous community. Goto meetings and get a feeling for each board member. Take the issue up. (not all of my suggestions in order of importance). There are lawyers who specialize in HOA issues. Again, are you SURE the HOA would disaprove? I think you have a valid reason.

You don't mention a garage other than you don't have the 'opportunity' in using one but I must ask: Do you have an attached garage? Many of us may have a garage but too much 'stuff' in it or the spouse's car takes up the room of a two-car or one-car garage.

Originally Posted by myshofer

i think you have the right to protect your property(car) with a car cover as well. there is no such law which prevent you to do this. share it with your lawyer.
if you dont want these compications then keep waxing it, save it from water sprinkles by covering with a plastic sheet and apply tints to save the car of your dreams.