Seat cover is a car accessory that protects the interior of the vehicle against dirt and stains. It is available in different materials and styles, and can be tailored to fit the owner’s preferences.
Key mechanical attributes for seat covers are fabric tear strength, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. These properties can be enhanced by proper fiber type selection, yarn structure and fabric construction. The selection of a fabric with desirable stretch also improves abrasion resistance. Woven fabrics have good abrasion resistance, while knitted fabrics offer better stretch.
Most automotive seat covers are trilaminates consisting of a face fabric, foam layer and scrim backing. The face fabric provides an attractive appearance, while the foam layer gives a comfortable feel to the driver. The foam is usually PU with thickness ranging from 1 to 10 mm. The scrim backing fabric controls the stretch properties and dimensional stability. The fabric cover may be treated with additional coatings to improve abrasion resistance, soil resistance and flame retardancy.
The choice of a seat cover depends on several factors including vehicle use-case scenarios, temperature preferences, usage, personal aesthetics and budget considerations. The price range can be significantly higher for custom-fit seat covers than universal covers, but the additional cost is justified by the improved finish and fit of a made-to-measure cover that will not only look good but will keep the seats more secure against accidental shifts in position.