Car leather seat covers are associated with quality, taste, and largely the pinnacle of car comfort and luxury. 

For vehicles that come in multiple specifications, normally the top specification comes with seats dressed in leather to announce that the owner spent a little more than one with a base specification. 

There are leather-draping parts of the interior, like dashboards, steering wheels, and roof linings. However, with fabric seat covers, it is a little easier to hide wear and tear, which is a result of age, but also because of handling. With leather, wear and tear scream. It is not possible to conceal the fact that a leather car seat is tired.

How to protect your leather seats

Sunlight is one of the greatest enemies of leather car seat covers. It torments, batters, and rips into the fine detail with heat to the point where it is unrecognisable. 

To protect your leather seats from damage, avoid open parking spaces that expose the car’s interior to direct sunlight. Shades provided by buildings are options, but car parking shades and canopies provide much more reliable protection of the seat covers from direct sunlight.

Ronnie Kyazze, an automotive technician, says exposure of leather to high temperatures damages the leather, but also very cold temperatures do the same. 

“When you park the car in a cold place for a long time, leather can develop mold. So, you have to maintain it; it should not be on the extremes of both sides. Sometimes it can survive heat, but moulds can eat into the leather,” he explains.

You can invest in a sunshade that is attached under the windscreen. Because it reflects the sun, it also protects the car’s interior from overheating. As a result, the leather seats and dashboard are protected. 

Derrick Lwanga, a mechanic, says sunshades protect the interior of the vehicle from direct sunlight and heat buildup. 

“Depending on where you are, you can buy them for as little as sh50,000 or sh100,000,” Derrick says.

Cleaning and maintenance are also key 

That shiny look of leather can be achieved by mixing vinegar and olive oil. Spray it on the leather seat cover and leave it for about 10 minutes. Thereafter, you can wipe it off with a piece of clean, soft cloth. 

“Avoid cleaning your leather seats with abrasive material. It might not get torn, but it will not look good. Leather is strong, so it can be protected and maintained using restoration dye,” Kyazze adds. 

If your car is parked in a safe area, let the interior breathe. Lower the windows a bit to ensure proper airflow and manage heat buildup inside the cabin.