Car Covers Glossary
Acid Rain
This terminology is linked to rain that is acidic in chemical reaction. As emissions of sulphur, nitrogen and other toxic materials react with the atmosphere and thus acidic scum is prepared. And when such acidic foam is mixed up with fog, dew, snow or low level clouds, it leads to acid rain. Captive power plants and heavy vehicular traffic are usually found responsible for acid rain, which is injurious to life forms.
Bimini tops
These are large canvas covers primarily used for marine purposes. Shelter for boats and ferries are preferable uses.
Breathable
A ‘breathable’ car cover fabric has a layer in it that contains innumerable small pores that allow the moisture and heat trapped under the cover to come into contact with the outside air and thus ‘breathe’. This ‘breathing’ effect allows the moisture to vaporize, leaving the car completely dry. It saves the costly paintwork of the car or the SUV.
Composite
This term denotes a combination of two or more substances that are mixed together to form a new substance where the original characteristics of each component are fully retained.
Denier
This term indicates the unit of fineness for yarn. The lower is the denier, finer will be the yarn and so, a 100-denier yarn will be finer than a 150-denier yarn.
Loft
This term indicates the thickness of an insulated material or fabric.
Long-term storage
Keeping a vehicle unused for extended periods of time is known as long-term storage.
Lycra/spandex
Lycra is an elastic polyurethane textile fiber.
Mildew
It is a white colored fungal growth usually found in damp dark corners.
Napped finish
A hairy, downy and elevated finish is referred to as a Napped finish.
Photo degradation
It is the destructive process in which harsh ultra violet ray (UV) from the sunlight causes fading, cracking, discoloration and chalking. Though it is linked with destructive processes yet there are few constructive processes as well. For example, it has the ability to transform ambergris (bile found inside the intestine of a sperm whale) into highly precious perfume ingredients.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a moisture resistant and chemical resistant polymer of ethylene that has fairly good insulating properties. It is used in packaging and insulation as also in car cover making.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is mainly used in organic synthesis. It is a polymer of propylene, which is obtained by breaking the hydrocarbons of petroleum.
Solution dyed
Solution dyed is a process in which you add the pigments during the production of fibers. The process gives steadfastness as the fibers are spun into the yarn while giving the fabric a uniform permeated color that last longer.
Universal car cover
Also known as “Shower Cap”, Universal car covers are supposed to fit many different automobiles but none correctly. Also, since its sales pitch describing the stuff as “One-size-fits-all” is an absurdity. These “Shower Caps” are never popular with discriminating buyers. Universal car covers are no good for the finish of the automobile.
UV
Ultra violet rays are part of solar radiation and is invisible to the naked eye. The rays might be invisible, but the damage they cause are certainly not so. Ultra violet rays are also responsible for photo degradation.
UV resistant
The term is used to refer to anything that can block the harmful UV rays effectively.
Water Resistant
There are some fabrics that can prevent the penetration of water and these are known as water resistant. |
