Although the factory upholstery in your vehicle’s seats may be durable, years of driving will take a toll on its look and feel. Sunlight can fade the fabric, stains are inevitable (especially with kids or dogs), and rips and tears will show up eventually. Seat covers help to keep your car’s interior looking fresh and slow the depreciation of its seats by offering a durable, stain-resistant cover that can be easily removed for washing or cleaning.
Seat covers come in a wide range of materials, from basic cloth to more luxurious options like leather or neoprene—the material used to make wetsuits. Breathable materials like linen and canvas are also popular, but they tend to lack the durability of neoprene or leather. For people seeking a comfortable ride, some models include a foam lining that provides cushioning and insulation.
Most seat covers can be installed in a matter of minutes and are held securely in place by straps that run underneath the seat cushion. The most economical options, such as our top pick in this category, the Black Panther Seat Cover Full Set, are designed to fit a broad range of similarly sized vehicles. Those who want more precise fit should consider a made-to-measure or custom seat cover, which will cost more but be safer to use because they’re designed to sit tighter on the seats. Regardless of which type of cover you choose, the quality of the fit matters more than the material itself. A snug fit will prevent the cover from shifting during normal use and make it easier to clean.