Sit Down and Read Our Guide to Seat Covers

There are two primary reasons to invest in new seat covers. First, you might want to cover up stains, tears, and other imperfections in your current upholstery. Or, pick up a set of covers to protect the pristine condition of new upholstery.

Hide those flaws with a fresh set of seat covers.

Either way, seat covers are an excellent way to keep your interior looking great. They can rejuvenate your seats while providing extra comfort—without breaking the bank. Covers are available in a wide range of styles that exceed what’s available in factory seats.

• Most sets include what you need for all of a vehicle’s seats.
• Some include extra covers for the steering wheel and seat belts.
• Seat covers are available for both bucket and bench front seats.
• They can be installed in a few hours.

Slipping on a set of covers is relatively fast, easy, and inexpensive, as opposed to a costly professional reupholstery job, which removes the worn-out fabric before installing new custom-fit upholstery.

Nylon Seat Covers

Blue and black nylon covers add dramatic contrast.

Nylon seat covers are made of a rugged woven material that matches the original manufacturer’s look. The fabric is highly durable, so it handles the messiest spills. Nylon comes in many colors and is easy to install.

Ballistic nylon, which is often used in backpacks and luggage, is not flexible. It is a rugged fabric but uncomfortable as a seat cover. Nevertheless, ballistic nylon is a great option in work trucks and 4x4s that see lots of use and abuse.

Hot pink neoprene covers provide a surfer vibe.

Neoprene, which is used in wetsuits, provides a durable shield from liquids and grime. The nylon base provides a strong structure. As a result, it is an excellent choice for Jeep Wranglers, Toyota Tacoma 4X4s, and other off-road vehicles. On the downside, the rubber exterior doesn’t breathe and gets hot in the summer. Neoprene seat covers start at around $75.

Leather Seat Covers

Color options can transform an interior.

Genuine and faux leather seat covers are another excellent option. Leather seat covers can be plush but they don’t provide as much protection from spills. Most liquids bead up on the surface.

Natural leather seat covers need more maintenance than synthetic covers but have a great aroma and a luxurious feel. Expect to pay at least $250 for leather covers, depending on how much leather is used. A set of four car covers in faux leather usually costs less than $75.

Other Comfy Options

Horse blanket bench seat covers are a time-honored favorite for classic pickup trucks.

Velour seat covers, made from a plush knitted cotton or polyester, are available in various colors. They have a great feel but show wear and tear more quickly than other materials. Velour covers start under $50.

Sheepskin seat cover options

Sheepskin seat covers also have a great feel. They keep your seats warm in winter and cool in summer. In addition, sheepskin is very durable and has excellent UV resistance. However, sheepskin is a pricey option. Plan on paying up to $500 for covers that wrap around the full seat. You can save money and have the sheepskin only cover the seat and back but not the sides of the seat.

Heated and ventilated seat cushion

Buying new seat cushions is the perfect time to add heating, cooling, and massage features. Cushions with these features are usually strap on to the seat and can be wired directly into your vehicle or plugged into the cigarette lighter.

In addition, heated and cooled seat covers can provide air circulation for your back and legs. Simple heated seat cushions go for around $25 a seat.

Generic vs. Custom

Regardless of the cover material or extra features, generic cover sets fit most vehicles, offering the best value. However, the most affordable options might not precisely match your vehicle’s seats. Typically, there will be excess material to tuck into crevices.

Meanwhile, custom seat covers provide a precise fit—although they often cost more. They usually have a seamless look because they are designed to fit the exact dimensions of your vehicle’s seats.

Installation Tips

Read the directions before installing a set of covers. They are easy to install but rely on elastic and drawstrings to install and secure the material.

A wise first step is to find the front and back sides and left-right orientation. Then, leave the material spread out in the sun for a few hours to smooth out the fabric and eliminate any creases and folds. Be aware that if your car seat has airbags, you’ll need to accommodate their safe deployment.

Having plenty of room to work on the car with both doors open and a bright work light also helps make the installation easier.