How Can You Make Your Car's Leather Upholstery Last Longer?

How Can You Make Your Car's Leather Upholstery Last Longer?

Caring for leather upholstery involves several steps, including regular use of a car rear window shade, especially during summer. Considering how leather gives your car interior that soft, luxurious, and premium look, it's only right to maintain its optimum condition for as long as possible.

Understanding Common Threats That Shorten a Leather's Lifespan

Knowing what you're up against is key to helping you better care for your vehicle’s upholstery.

●        Sunlight's harmful UV rays can cause fading, drying, and cracking. With proper UV blocking protection, however, leather can survive.

●        Body oils and perspiration may be good for the body, but definitely not for leather. They cause the material to break down, leaving dark spots and causing cracks and flakes where they accumulate.

●        If spills and stains are bad for carpet, they're just as harmful to leather upholstery. If you don't apply a liquid-repellent barrier, discolouration and odour can happen.

●        Daily use can cause wear and scratches on the surface and edges of the leather upholstery. But because a car is designed for regular use, an abrasion-resistant coating is required.

Now that you know the cause of leather wear and tear, it's time to take protective measures that will save you from having your car upholstery fixed. Along with regular car maintenance, your vehicle will serve you for a long time.

How to Protect Leather Upholstery

●        Park in the shade

Just like when people get sunburnt after prolonged sun exposure, your car's leather upholstery will also suffer sun damage.

1.       Make it a habit to park in the shade or in a garage to minimise, if not eliminate, damage caused by harmful UV rays.

2.   Add another layer of protection by using a sunshade over your windows and windscreen. It doesn't cost much but does a great job in protecting the leather seats and keeping the interior cool.

●        Clean and protect

Follow the two-step protection system to make your upholstery last longer.

Step 1. When cleaning your car interior:

●        Vacuum thoroughly and make extra passes around the scenes and stitching.

●        Wipe the seats with a damp microfiber cloth and allow them to dry completely.

Step 2. When adding a protective barrier:

●        Use the right leather protectant and apply as instructed.

●        When in doubt, do a product test on an inconspicuous area.

●        Use an applicator if provided and make sure to apply in thin, even layers.

●        During the one to two-hour curing time, cover the seats to promote better absorption of the conditioner or protectant.

●        Lastly, wipe off any excess product using a soft microfibre cloth.

Specialised Care

●        If you have light-coloured leather upholstery, apply an abrasion-resistant product that prevents dye transfer.

●        Apply a second coat of conditioner or protectant on more vulnerable areas, such as the surface where the car or bolster seats are attached and on the edge of the seats where you slide in and out.

●        In high-traffic zones like the driver's seat, layer a quality leather conditioner and then a protectant.

When to Seek Professional Help

Despite your efforts, there may come a time when having the car upholstery professionally fixed is the best option.

●        When stubborn stains and fading just won't go away, even with regular care.

●        When you see deep cracks or damage that are gradually progressing.

●        When any of your efforts for colour correction failed.

●        There are also instances when a specialist can identify problems you might have missed.

Caring for leather upholstery doesn't have to be expensive and complicated. Snap Shades window shade, for example, can easily be your first line of defence. Along with the tips listed above, your car’s leather interior will definitely last longer.