In a message dated 11/22/03 9:53:09 PM Central Standard Time, louie@xxxx writes: > I think a lot of owners on here forget that some people live in the South. > We don't have snow... we never see road salt. Thus we can and *DO* drive our > cars year round. We don't put our cars into storage in the winter, and the > need for garages is less down here. For some perspective, I was out driving my > car with the A/C on in 75 degree sunny weather today... and it's late > November. Point taken, and no intent to offend on my part about a lack of garage space. we northern owners are probably just jealous that we can't drive our cars year-round. what i was incredulous of was why someone would choose to buy a car cover (not a carcoon) to keep a car outside during snow and ice storms all thru the winter. for the amount of money you save on cancelling liability and collision insurance during the non-driving months, you can rent a self-storage garage or a space in a warehouse to keep it safe, covered, and minty-fresh for your return in springtime. this year i found a place for only $30/mo which is even climate controlled. i could have gotten a place for $90 for the entire winter but i wouldn't be able to get the car out before a car show in late march next year. otherwise, you can get self-storage in prices ranging from $45-$75 a month, depending on how early you call about them (start in early oct.). most of these places have a light bulb in the garage which is easily converted into an 120V outlet with a powerstrip for some late December car work, as well as 24-hour access and security patrols. leaving it outside during the winter is a great way to give rodents and other creatures a free place to find shelter, with or without a car cover. just my 2 cents! Andy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]