Keeping your car clean, dry, free of ice - and hidden from vandals - is a challenge if you don't have a garage. However, the price of good quality car covers, that protect your car without allowing condensation to build up, has reached a new low thanks to online parts supplier Carparts Direct www.carparts-direct.co.uk

Tybond covers are strong, waterproof and breathable. They are available in different sizes to suit all models of car for 69 and are also available for caravans, though caravan covers being much larger are around three times the price.

We've been trying out car, MPV and caravan covers and can confirm that the car covers are a good fit, with ample, strong elastic at the ends to pull them well under the vehicle and reduce the tendency for wind to get underneath. The underside is soft and harmless to paintwork - provided, of course, that your car is clean when you put the cover on. On our caravan, the cover was excessively wide and a bit flappy, but that's better than being skimpy and, once tied down, it is very effective.