A seat cover protects the original upholstery of your car’s seats from dirt, dust and other elements that would otherwise damage it. They are available in a variety of materials and can enhance the look of your vehicle. When choosing seat covers, it is important to consider your vehicle needs, material choice, proper seat measurement, balancing style with functionality and ease of cleaning and maintenance. With careful selection and care, seat covers can last for years.
Fabric seat covers are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, giving you the option to personalize your car’s interior without spending a fortune. Some are padded for extra comfort and others are waterproof or breathable to keep your car’s seats cool even in hot weather. They are usually easy to slip on and off the seat and are machine washable for quick, simple cleaning.
Woven fabrics such as cotton, polyester and terry cloth are the most common for car seat covers. Many are printed for aesthetic appeal and special performance characteristics such as flame resistance, abrasion resistance and soil-repellent qualities are added (Sen, 2000). Some woven fabrics also use a scrim backing fabric to control stretch properties and maintain the integrity of the fabric structure.
Most seat covers are made by aftermarket companies and come in universal and custom-fit styles. The latter are designed to fit a specific make and model of vehicle, similar to how a tailor can tailor an off-the-rack suit to a precise fit. When shopping for a set of seat covers, be sure to consider the compatibility with your vehicle and whether the manufacturer offers a warranty. It is also a good idea to read customer reviews and testimonials to get a sense of other people’s perspectives and experiences.