29
Mar
When it comes to car accessories, there are quite a few things that are often overlooked. Seat covers rarely feature on anybody’s optional list when getting the car off the showroom floor, but with a few miles in, you’ll soon be scratching your head as to why you didn’t spend the extra cash or haggled them in the end price. Covers hide spills and stains, prevent fading in the seat cloth, offer extra padding for extra comfort on longer trips, and add more visual appeal with different colour schemes and designs.
The good news for all car owners is that aftermarket variants, either as universal or custom seat covers, are on par and even exceed OE types when it comes to quality. Moreover, custom-fit types are cut exactly to the proportions of each seat, so fit like a glove. Possibly the hardest part is choosing the materials that best suit the conditions and weather the car will face daily, and any extra features that help with safety and convenience.
Several reasons will make you rethink why covers are an absolute necessity:
The benefit of going with custom covers, over standard universal sizes, is the exact fit that caters to each seat separately. Cover makers use advanced tech, like computer-aided scanning and design for the highest precision. They additionally take into account the differences between seats in the same models, but different trim levels. The aim is to prevent wrinkling and crumpling, often seen in universal types and which makes them uncomfortable or causes slipping. Precision cuts also help get them on and off quicker, for instance when they need to be washed. If you have kids or pets, or like your coffee while driving, then you’ll appreciate custom seat covers that much more.
There’s an abundance of materials. They determine how durable the covers are, how long they last and how much work they need to keep looking good. Comfort is also a factor. Here are the main choices:
Neoprene seat covers are made from waterproof synthetic fabrics like you’ll find in wetsuits. They’re very durable, stretchy for the right fit, and very comfortable. They do well in hot climates, being breathable and UV resistant, so they won’t fade and keep cool. A prerequisite for cars with heated and/or ventilated seats. A bonus is that they’re some of the easiest to clean, with many models being machine washable.
Choose canvas covers when going for outright durability. These are based on cotton and will last in heavy-duty uses, such as off-roading. They’re also good at keeping stains and spills at bay and thicker varieties with more padding are also decently comfy. They may have utilitarian looks when compared to neoprene variants, but will last longer. Just be patient when cleaning and washing them.
If you need covers that keep cool in summer and warm in winter and also have upscale looks and unmatched comfort, sheepskin is the way to go. They’re made of fleece, which is inherently breathable and moisture-resistant, so does also do well against minor and major spills and stains. The downsides are the high prices and effort they need in cleaning.
Other choices include genuine leather or leather-look covers, polyester and jacquard types, and seat covers made of Nylon. Apart from leather, all are low-cost options, and do well in most driving conditions.
To ensure covers fit the seats in your car, besides custom options, look for design differences that deal with seat specifics. Half-back seats make way for rear pockets while full-back types cover the whole length. For universal types, consider how they accommodate headrests. And if you’ve already decided on colours, get a matching console, dash and rear armrest covers to complete the look.
