Solution for protecting cars from the rain during monsoon

The cars (Rapid & Polo) keep jutting out and the rainwater falls on the rear of the cars.

BHPian sprocket recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Moved to a new place in Bangalore and the parking space is too small. The cars (Rapid & Polo) keep jutting out and the rainwater falls on the rear of the cars.

Do you know any reliable roof / shed / parking lot extension solutions or service provider? Would like to protect the cars before the monsoon sets in.

Here's what BHPian condor had to say on the matter:

One suggestion is:

Find a metal fabricator to fix 2-3 metal brackets perpendicular to the wall. Mount a 5 or 6mm acrylic sheet on top of this.

1" or 1.5" Square pipes can be used as the metal support. Or even 1.5"-2" wide, 5mm metal strip bent at a little more than 90 degrees (to get a slope for the acrylic sheet).

The mounting part of the bracket/pipe must have holes in it to be fixed to the wall. The supporting part of this bracket and the acrylic sheet must have matching holes.

Acrylic sheets can get be got in hardware shops dealing with this.

Fabricators can be those shops who fabricate gates

If the fabricator will only provide the brackets. Then get hold of the utility services people to fix the bracket to the wall, and then the sheet on top of this. These people should also have the drilling machines to drill the holes.

Here's what BHPian libranof1987 had to say on the matter:

There's a few suggestions already but an important note: do check with the Society Office/RWA on what will be permitted. External structures typically aren't permitted / would require explicit permission. Ensure you get approval in writing on your solution before commencing work.

I'd suggest getting a metal bracket + sheet rather than acrylic sheets or awning as it's sturdier. The acrylic sheets (esp if partially transparent) will start looking ugly once dirt/debris start collecting on top. Awning is a) not sturdy (and will sway when windy), b) once dirty starts accumulating, retracting it becomes messy.

If you get a sheet done, do ensure it extends more than you need in all the three directions and has a curve on the front face, to avoid spray when the rain isn't just falling down straight.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

I would go with a retractable awning for two reasons:

• In Mumbai, even the super-strict BMC is totally cool with it. Am sure it's a similar situation with Bangalore authorities.
• Retractable awnings are used by residential buildings, shops, godowns, restaurants and what not. Because of the wide customer base, good suppliers are easy to find.

Of course, that's only if you actually want to 'protect' your cars. I personally would have no problem with the heaviest rainfall on my cars. Manufacturers do rigorous testing, they are built for that and you shouldn't have any issues, unless there is a leak somewhere.

I am considering these awnings, but to protect my cars from bird poop & coconuts.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.