While the cost of a new economy car continues to follow inflation, the prices on luxury sedans, coupes and sports cars is going through the roof. More than ever, proper car care and protection is a necessity in order to retain as much residual value as possible. Come trade-in time, every luxury car owner will face a thorough evaluation of their vehicle before the purchase or trade. If you have not taken the proper precautions you will face expensive reconditioning services or a lower resale value. Why not start protecting your vehicle from day one with a car cover? It helps avoid all sorts of damage while the car is garaged or parked.

To understand how using a cover will keep residual value as high as possible, you'll need to realize how used car buyers rate vehicles. In almost all cases, the data published by Kelly Blue Book (KBB) will be used to determine the value. Kelly Blue Book rates vehicles by their condition. They developed a standardized grading system with four levels: poor, fair, good and excellent. Based on research I conducted using the KBB website, the monetary difference from one full grade to another is approximately 15% of value. Based on the exterior vehicle condition alone, the difference can be as much as 5% per grade.

Mercedes-Benz is a mark of excellence, so I'll use a 2007 S550 sedan as an example. When all other conditions are equal (e.g., mileage, interior, mechanical, etc), a 2007 S550 sedan in "excellent exterior" condition is valued $2,100 higher than the identical sedan in "good condition." While doing my research, I found many other models with higher variances, including the awesome CL65 AMG Coupe. In perfect condition the CL coupe has an estimated value of $98,530, however, that price falls by $4,900 (5% of the value) based on a "good" exterior condition. That's a big chunk of change for a few door dings or parking lot scratches.

Before you head off to your local auto parts store to look at covers, know this. All you will find are ready-fit products. The price is right, but I suggest you do your research before you even consider one. My personal experience with ready-fit car covers is that they can do more harm than good. I've had a lot of cars (thirty-two at last count) and all but my Bronco and trucks have had a Covercraft or Coverking. Let me explain why.

Not only are these the top two brands, but they are right here in the USA producing jobs. I like that. What you get for your money is quality, computer controlled construction, using only the very best fabrics. A perfect fit for your vehicle is guaranteed. A ready-fit hangs on a car like a sack. Custom-fit is pattern-perfect and snug so it shows off the beautiful lines of your vehicle. It's the snug fit that prevents the possibility of damage to the paintwork.

There is one alternative, and that's a visit to your car dealer. In most cases you can get a factory branded cover. It might even be made by one of the top manufactures. The problem here is that they treat it as if everyone has the same basic need. Don't take me the wrong way; I'm not suggesting it's inferior. It's just that your car dealer can only offer you a single choice. If we all lived in sunny San Diego, California where the humidity is low and the rainfall is lower, what the factory offers would be okay. I say that because factory covers are light weight fabrics made for basic protection from the sun and dust.

For your luxury car you need a custom-fit Coverking or Covercraft cover. It's the right choice and I know you will be thankful for the incredible selection of fabrics. You can choose a material for indoor, outdoor, waterproof or a mixture of conditions. And, let me tell you, the fit and good looks are second to none. If you're a car enthusiast, you might even want to color coordinate or take advantage of special features, like racing stripes. It's all possible when you go custom.

Hey ladies, a custom-fit car cover also makes a wonderful gift. I know, because I received one as a holiday gift more than ten years ago and I still have it today. If a special man in your life is a car guy, and loves to pamper his vehicle, pamper him with this special gift for his car. He will think of you and appreciate it with every use.

If you're considering giving one as gift for Christmas, Valentines Day or even a Birthday, think about where and how he will use it. If your guy pampers his car and tucks it away in the garage before going to bed, what he needs is an indoor car cover. If he drives a two door coupe or sports car, remember that storage space is tight, so a heavy 4-layer cover will be an issue. If he needs protection for outdoor parking, be sure to compare fabrics that work both indoors and out.

In all cases, consider a locking cable and a storage bag. The locking cable helps with theft protection. You will sleep better at night knowing both car and cover are safe and sound.

If your car's long term value is important to you, invest in the only car accessory that will keep it in excellent condition. Luxury cars, including BMW, Cadillac and Infiniti, loose 5% or more of their value when the exterior condition drops from "excellent" to "good". The difference is as minor as a few preventable paint scratches or door dings. By keeping it covered, you can avoid the common hazards that chip away at your excellent finish.