26
Sep
Your vehicle’s factory seats might be holding just fine, but as time goes, they’ll slowly but surely start to experience wear and tear. This can come as a result of everyday use, accidental spills, dirt, sun damage or pets. This can make them look dull and feel uncomfortable. In order to prevent all of this, aftermarket car seats in Australia have become the go-to solution for drivers around the country.
Car seats provide protection for your car seats, as well as a completely customised look. They can hide the damage that’s already on your seats, and ensure your vehicle looks clean for years to come. In other words, car seat covers can be considered an investment to protect your larger investment. Getting your seats damaged or dirty can be difficult if not impossible to fix or clean. You’ll have to use cleaning supplies to do so, and if you have a furry friend, you’ll have to frequently vacuum them to get pet hair off. Moreover, your pet can poke through your seats with their nails and damage them.
All of this makes aftermarket car seats in Australia a must for most drivers. You get a personalised look, and a protective barrier from all the aforementioned issues. As a result, your car’s resale value, should you ever decide to sell it, will stay higher than it would without seat covers.
Neoprene seat covers feature high-pressure, temperature and moisture resistance properties. They’re generally made from the same materials as scuba suits, so you can rest assured they’ll provide maximum protection against water, dirt, debris, and UV rays. Neoprene seat covers are ideal for those who venture off the beaten trail, and tend to get their vehicles somewhat messy.
This fabric looks similar to plush knitted fabrics. Velour seat covers are made of polyester or cotton, and are quite similar to velvet. As you can imagine, seat covers made of velour provide a ton of comfort and feature a very soft finish. On the downside, they don’t offer much protection against spills, but are perfect if you’re after style and comfort.
Canvas seat covers are ideal for people who live an active lifestyle. They’re hard-wearing and long-lasting, making them a set-and-forget type of accessory. If you venture off the beaten trail, or if your vehicle is constantly exposed to rough conditions, these covers are just the ones for you. Aside from being extremely durable, they’re also comfortable and look good. They’re tight-fitting, as they can stretch over the seats perfectly, preventing wrinkling and bunching.
Leather seats are mainly used in colder areas. Having leather seat covers can be problematic for most Australians, as it doesn’t absorb spiils, and you’ll get a sweaty bum. Moreover, spills will sit on top of the surface, which will keep the seats safe, but cleaning them can pose an issue.
No matter what type of material the seat cover is made of, you’ll find universal and fitted models. Universal seat covers are designed to stretch so that they can fit virtually any seat, whereas fitted seat covers are designed for a specific type of vehicle, or even model and make. It’s important to ensure the cover fits and works with your seat without blocking the adjustment controls and to allow your seats to slide or fold. Moreover, you have to make sure the covers are airbag compatible, and allow for easy access to the seatbelts.
Universal seats are typically more affordable, but the price will depend more based on the material and the quality of the cover. Furthermore, you can install the seat covers yourself easily, so typically, the price tag you see on the cover is the only cost you’ll have to pay. Fabric covers are machine-washable, and all you have to do is pre-treat stains with enzyme presoak, then wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle. Leather covers can be cleaned with soap water and a microfibre cloth or sponge, then you can wipe them dry. There are also commercial cleaners meant for leather and vinyl.
Seat covers are one of the most affordable accessories for your vehicle that provide a ton of value in terms of looks and preventing interior damage. They’re available in a wide range of materials, all of which are suitable for specific conditions. If you don’t expect to heavily abuse the covers, you can consider the more stylish option – velour. Otherwise, you should consider canvas or neoprene.
Leather is typically reserved for colder climates, as it can get sweaty and sticky. Universal and fitted covers are available, so no matter what type of car you drive, you’ll find a suitable one that fits it perfectly. Installation is easy and doesn’t require any special tools, but you have to make sure you don’t block out your seats’ functionality and safety features.
