Keeping your car seats in good shape depends on many factors such as how often you clean your car, if you have kids or pets, and whether you use car seat covers. Nowadays, many drivers choose custom-made options to ensure their seats stay in pristine condition. However, this feature isn’t the only thing you need to consider when looking for automotive seat protectors.
Choose the Materials First
Neoprene
If you have kids or tend to spill liquids in your car, neoprene is a fantastic option. It’s waterproof and perfect for off-road adventures. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t allow the seat to breathe.
Leather
If you’re looking for classy and luxurious automotive seat protectors, leather is the way to go. It offers good protection and can last a long time with proper care. Just remember that it can get hot in places like Perth during the summer and it doesn’t absorb liquids.
Sheepskin
For ultimate comfort, sheepskin is the way to go. It’s a bit pricey but incredibly cozy. However, it’s not recommended for drivers in Australia unless it’s winter or you’re in colder climates.
Suede
This is a great choice if you’re on a budget. It’s highly durable and even provides UV protection. However, some people find it a bit uncomfortable to sit on.
Saddle Blanket
If you want a Western look, saddle blanket covers are perfect for winter. They offer warmth and durability. The only downside is that they may not be widely available for all car seats.
Velour
If comfort and style are your top priorities, velour covers are a great choice. This material has a similar feel to velvet and is exceptionally comfortable. Just keep in mind that it’s not water-resistant.
Canvas
Popular among those with active lifestyles, canvas covers are durable and attractive. They can resist water and mud splashes and fit snugly on the seat, preventing wrinkling and bunching.
Universal or Custom-Made?
When it comes to seat covers for your car, you have two choices: universal or custom-made. Universal covers are a safe bet, providing a quick and convenient shopping experience. Just make sure you have your vehicle information on hand to ensure compatibility. On the flip side, if you want the ultimate seat cover, opt for a custom-made fitted cover.Sure, they might be a bit pricier, but you’ll get a tighter fit and have a wide range of options when it comes to texture, colour, and pattern. Custom-made covers can even cater to your specific needs, such as accommodating children, pets, or built-in features. The only limit is your budget. Whichever option you go for, don’t forget to consider your airbags. If you have side airbags, ensure that the cover won’t interfere with their deployment. In most cases, the cover will have an open space to allow for easy airbag activation.
Consider Your Car Seat Type
Rear Seats
The back seats of cars are often the ones that require special fitting. In the past, they used to be simple with a flat bench backrest and base. Universal covers could easily fit these types of seats. However, nowadays, rear seats come with adjustable headrests, side bolsters, fold-down armrests, and split-fold base and backrests. To properly cover each piece of these complex seats while still allowing for adjustability, custom-made covers are necessary.
Racing Style Seats
As vehicles become more powerful, seats are also becoming more contoured and designed to hug the body. Most modern cars have seats with contours and wings to keep the driver and passenger in place during sharp turns. However, these features also make it impossible to use universal covers.
Extra Large Seats
Large 4WD vehicles have bucket seats in the front. If you try to use universal covers on these car seats, you’ll find that they are far too large. To properly fit these extra-large seats, custom-made covers are the way to go.
Special Seat Features
Car manufacturers are constantly adding more features to their vehicles, and this includes the seats. It’s not uncommon to find extra features in your car seats that make it challenging to use universal covers. These features can include trays underneath the seat, electric seat controllers, front seat armrests, cup holders, and fold-down tray tables, among others. To accommodate these special seat features, custom-made covers are necessary.
Consider the Material’s Durability
Leather is known for its long-lasting nature, standing the test of time. On the other hand, vinyl may not be as durable. Neoprene and polyester yarn fall somewhere in between in terms of durability. When it comes to stains and water damage, leather is resistant and practical. Vinyl, neoprene, and polyester yarn may not offer the same level of resistance, so keep that in mind if spills are common.
Maintenance
Maintenance is another factor to consider. Leather can be easily wiped clean, while vinyl, neoprene, and polyester yarn may require more effort. Depending on your lifestyle, this could be an important factor in your decision.
Comfort
Comfort is key when it comes to seat covers. Leather is often praised for its luxurious feel, while neoprene provides a snug fit. Vinyl and polyester yarn may not offer the same level of comfort, so consider your preferences here.
Covering All Things 