Car seats aren’t always easy to keep clean, especially when kids are involved. Between stains, spills, sun damage and granola and snack crumbs, seat covers help prevent damage to the fabric. They also provide a comfortable and clean environment for your passengers. These covers are available in a variety of styles, colors and materials to complement your vehicle’s interior design and style. Some cover the entire seat, while others protect just the front or rear of a bench or bucket seat. Some are designed for specific makes and models, while others are universal fit.
Aside from protecting the original seat fabric, a good quality cover must provide comfort and a snug fit to avoid rubbing or chafing on sensitive areas of the body, particularly on the thighs and buttocks. It must be easy to clean, resistant to abrasion and able to be stretched without losing its shape. It must also have excellent breathability, a high level of soil resistance and be flame retardant. Most covers are trilaminates consisting of a face fabric, foam layer and scrim backing fabric. The face fabric provides the appearance, the foam layer gives cushioning and protection, while the scrim controls elasticity and stretch properties.
Choosing the right seat cover is an important purchase decision that requires some research and consideration. The best way to make that choice is by identifying what you want the cover to do for you. For example, if your vehicle is used for family transportation, you may prefer a more durable material such as neoprene (the same stuff that makes wetsuits). On the other hand, if you frequently haul heavy equipment or tools, you might choose a heavier duty cover made of rugged canvas.