What Is a Seat Cover?

A seat cover provides a barrier to protect factory seats from spills, stains, and wear that may detract from the appearance of the vehicle interior. They are often designed to be easy to clean by wiping down or putting in the washing machine, which will help preserve your car’s interior and reduce the amount of depreciation when it comes time to sell. Some are quilted or constructed of other special materials to provide comfort for passengers in addition to protecting the original seat fabric.

Fabrics used for seat covers must be durable enough to withstand the conditions that passengers and their belongings subject them to, which includes abrasion resistance, strength, and elasticity. Various printing processes are employed to achieve these properties, and some fabrics are coated either to improve certain performance characteristics or as part of the manufacturing process. Coatings used for seat covers typically have a low viscosity and are applied in a thin layer to minimize their effect on fabric permeability and breathability, as well as their impact on the mechanical properties of the material.

A variety of different styles are available for seat covers, and the most suitable one depends on the type of passengers you carry in your vehicle and how often they get messy. A fabric blend is inexpensive and comfortable, while a sheepskin or neoprene cover looks elegant and is a good choice for drivers with pets or young children who tend to spill things. For the best durability and longevity, opt for a cover that is made of leather; however, this option is also the most expensive. Sewing cut parts is an important factor in determining how long your car seat cover will last; it should not only be secure, but the seam should have the same initial properties as those away from the seam.