Is a carport really enough to protect vehicles year-round?

I’ve been debating for a long time whether a carport is actually a good solution or just a temporary compromise. I don’t really want to build a full garage — too expensive, too much paperwork, and honestly more space than I need. At the same time, leaving cars completely open feels risky, especially with hail, snow, and strong sun in summer. I’m curious how well carports hold up in real life.

Some people say they’re great, others claim they don’t last. It’s hard to tell who actually uses one long-term and who just talks.

After a lot of hesitation, I decided to go with a metal option, mainly because durability mattered more to me than looks. I spent time comparing different setups, reading real feedback, and thinking about space. Somewhere in the middle of all that research, I landed on https://www.uspatriotsteel.com/metal-carports/, and it turned out to be a solid decision. The structure handles weather well, keeps vehicles protected, and doesn’t feel like a short-term fix. For everyday use, it’s been way more practical than I expected.