Nothing says class and sophistication like a classic leather interior. Stylish and luxurious, upholstery of this kind immediately contributes a sense of opulence to your car. However, a leather interior does have the potential to be a double-edged sword. The smallest tear or faded area can turn an otherwise elegant vehicle into a ride that feels dishevelled, unloved and unimpressive.
The smallest tear or faded area can turn an otherwise elegant vehicle into a ride that feels dishevelled, unloved and unimpressive.
This is why the upkeep of leather-clad seats and steering wheels is incredibly important. Understanding this type of interior's biggest threats and knowing what you can do to prevent them will go a long way in keeping your upholstery pristine and maintaining that new-car feel, even if you've owned your vehicle for years.
What are the most common ways that leather upholstery is damaged?
Daily habits that we don't give much thought to can be extremely detrimental to a cushy leather interior. Sharp objects such as keys and pens can cause rips and tears while food and drink spills can leave permanent marks.
Even something as basic as close contact with the natural oil from our skin can have adverse effects on leather, as this encourages a buildup of fibres at an atomic level. Cigarette smoke is another thing that degrades the makeup of leather. The negative impact of our blazing Australian sun also cannot be stressed enough. A cracked, faded leather seat that is the result of sun damage is exceptionally unsightly.
Cigarette smoke can have a hugely damaging effect on a leather interior.How can you keep your leather interior looking good as new?
The best defence against tarnished leather is prevention. Be careful with food and drink, keep your keys away from seats and never smoke in your car, even if you've got the windows rolled down.
There are also a number of things you can do to protect your car from the sun. Useful car accessories include items such as Window Sox and sun shades, which absorb 80 per cent of UV rays, minimising summer's impact on your leather upholstery.
Regular cleaning is immensely beneficial. It may be a good idea to invest in steering wheel or seat covers, as these physically provide an extra layer of protection that will take the brunt of any permanent damage that is likely to occur. All it takes is a small amount of care and patience to keep your leather interior in its best condition.
