A Case for Seat Covers

Since summer is here, the hot car seat is a dilemma faced by Valley drivers. Usually, the car may be parked in the garage, under shade, or someplace where it’s protected, but there is always that time, sooner or later, when it isn’t. 

The purpose of automotive seat covers is to protect the seats of the vehicle. Protection of the driver and passengers is a bonus. Whether the upholstery is fabric, leather, or something else, protection from further damage is a must. Here we offer some of those potentially destructive factors and options for various seat cover types and materials.

Sun damage

The sun’s harsh UV rays create microscopic cracks, which gradually grow to reveal visible drying, damage, and fading. It is a slow process, and the car owner may not realize what is happening. Think of automobile upholstery as a kind of skin for the seat--once the ‘sunburn’ is noticeable, the damage can already be extensive. The solution is seat covers.

Spills

In addition to the sun, seat covers will protect the seats from spills and drips. The family is going to eat in the car. Groceries melt. Sooner or later, something is going to ooze or drip or slosh onto the seats. No one wants a permanent stain or odor emanating from them due to the lack of a cover.

Wear and tear

Car seats take a beating. Kids, pets, groceries, that ballpoint pen left in a back pocket--all take their toll on the car’s interior. Even the simple act of sliding into and sitting in the seat cause a seat to become friction-worn. But, seat covers can take the wear instead of the upholstery.

Letting the upholstery wear out before you get seat covers is...backwards.

Seat cover materials

The type of material a family chooses for their vehicle should be a direct reflection of the kind of use and abuse specific to the seats. There are higher-end materials such as leather or neoprene, which is a waterproof option. Family vehicles are better suited to fabric, vinyl, mesh, or even microsuede. People with pets may want to get a pet seat cover.

Truck owners often choose canvas or saddle blanket seat covers, because they’re durable and can take some dirt.

For those who want a little more texture, velour or sheepskin are potential options. Be forewarned, though, that each material has drawbacks: velour isn’t highly protective, and genuine sheepskin can get expensive.

Custom-fit or tailor-made

Whether seat covers are purchased as a ‘one-size-fits-most’ or tailored to the precise seat in question, or something in between, will depend on the vehicle and the needs of the family. If the fit is essential, purchase seat covers for the exact make, model, and year of the car. Some seat covers fit a range. The preferred materials will determine which fit option is appropriate.

Seat cover shopping can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming, but the bottom line is that seat covers can save enormously on wear and tear of the seats. While seat covers can sometimes be pricey, a trip to the upholstery shop will be more so, so seat covers are a worthwhile investment as they will add years to your vehicle’s seats.

If you are in the Phoenix Metro area and want a no-hassle cash offer on an old, wrecked, unwanted, salvage or burned car, SUV, van or truck, give us a call at I Buy Junk Cars 480-771-8290.