Choosing the best car covers: tips, secrets, rating

Seat cover design and construction have advanced significantly over the past decades. In the past, the phrase “car seat covers” meant ill-fitting covers that kept slipping off. Luckily, thanks to new design and manufacturing techniques, modern car seat covers can be custom-fitted to fit any individual vehicle. Thanks to modern materials, high-quality cases retain their shape even with intensive use.

In this article we will look at why install seat covers, what is the difference between individual and universal options, and which ones to choose.

The content of the article:

• Why install covers?
• Individual or universal covers?
• How to evaluate covers when choosing?
• Material
• Size
• How much do seat covers cost?
• Instructions for installing seat covers
• Car care for car covers

Why install covers?

Car seats are the part of the interior that is most susceptible to wear and tear. Their condition is the first thing a potential buyer notices inside the car. Damaged, worn upholstery will reduce the final value of the car.

Good car seat covers will protect your seats from stains, unpleasant odors, pet hair, sweat, various liquids, damage, and fading from the sun (UV radiation). They will protect the upholstery so you don't have to clean or replace it, and the car will have a higher resale value.

Some drivers prefer to leave the interior in its original form. However, sometimes car seats require protection. For example, if you have a pet or small children, you need upholstery protection.

A set of stylish, modern premium covers can literally transform the interior of your car. The salon will be easy to maintain. A simple wipe down is usually sufficient.

You can remodel the interior, taking into account your aesthetic requirements.

Which manufacturer is preferable?

The ranking of the best accessory manufacturers includes:

1. Senator (Russia). The brand belongs to the Azard Group, which produces products with anatomical functions. Ergonomic models are equipped with support in the lumbar area and headboard. They have optimal rigidity and provide comfort during long road trips.
2. Autoprofi (Russia). The company produces products from combined materials that have an unusual design. A line of heated covers is presented separately. In reviews, consumers speak positively about the appearance, durability and practicality of the products.
3. Airline (Russia). The company's products are represented on the Russian and neighboring markets. It is not orthopedic, but is characterized by durability, low price, and resistance to external influences.
4. CarFashion (Russia, Israel). The company specializes in the production of fashionable capes. Production quality control ensures high precision in the manufacture of products and ease of installation and removal.
5. Hadar Rosen (Israel). The company produces covers, the advantage of which is a design that emphasizes the individuality and style of the interior. Experts highly appreciate the pleasant tactile sensations and precise fit of the models. The disadvantages of the products include the rapid wear of models made from leather substitutes.
6. PSV (Russia). The enterprise's facilities are located in the Russian Federation, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The advantages of the products include affordable prices and high-quality packaging. Disadvantages: short-lived material, weak fastening.
7. SkyWay (Russia). The manufacturer's catalog contains more than 100 product groups, including about 3,500 units of products, including heated capes. Among the disadvantages of products, car enthusiasts include inaccurate fitting of samples.

Individual or universal covers?

When purchasing car covers, you can choose between a universal and individual option.

Individual ones fit well with the shape of the chairs. They are made for a specific car model, according to the size of specific car seats. The location of the seat drive control buttons and the presence of side airbags are taken into account.

Once installed, they do not move during operation. Custom car covers are usually more expensive than universal ones.

Universal options are suitable for all shapes and sizes, designed to cover as many cars as possible. If we take into account the thousands of brands of existing cars, then it is impossible to make car covers that truly fit all cars. Even the best universal products will not perfectly fit your seats.

Covers are the simplest, easy-to-install universal car covers. They can be used temporarily, thrown over the seats to protect the original upholstery if the driver and passengers sit down in dirty clothes. T-shirt covers can also be used to temporarily protect upholstery from dirt.

Rating of the best car covers

The top 10 universal models are compiled based on consumer reviews and expert ratings. By assessing their characteristics, car owners will be able to determine which accessory made of fabric or eco-leather suits the car’s interior.

Autoprofi Comfort Combo CMB-1105 Anthracite

A set of anatomical covers with supporting patterned inserts is made of jacquard.

There is enhanced support for the shoulder girdle and side inserts that relieve stress on the spine.

The set includes a headrest (5 pcs.), fixing hooks, a back row and a rear seat (1 pc. each), a front row seat and a backrest (2 pcs.).

Product Features:

• filler - foam rubber 5 mm;
• seat back pockets;
• separate donning scheme;
• anthracite texture design.

"Avtoprofi" - Multi Comfort

Anatomical models provide comfort while traveling. Models designed for front seats have side inserts. They are located at the level of the shoulder girdle, hips, and lower back.

When making turns and maneuvers, the inserts support the body, reducing fatigue from a long journey.

Product Features:

• The delivery set includes covers for the front and rear rows, 5 headrests, fixing hooks;
• materials - eco-leather and velor;
• several colors in stock;
• wear resistance;
• spacious pockets.

Hadar Rosen Corsar

The set of accessories is made of high quality elastic textiles. They are fixed with elastic bands, following the contours of upholstered furniture. The cover for the back row is equipped with 6 zippers to form the seats. The manufacturer produces products in several color combinations.

Their features:

• ease of cleaning and maintenance;
• reliable fixation;
• foam rubber, softening the hardness of the seats;
• burst disc for AirBag.

Leader Accessories Seaton

The stylish set is made of soft perforated eco-leather with waterproof foam padding. The material can be cleaned from dirt using microfiber and mild detergents without removing accessories from the seats. The covers are compatible with side airbags. The product has a spacious pocket for the front seat.

Carfashion Sting

Frame 3D capes are made of tweed with eco-leather inserts. Accessories are fixed to the chairs due to a dense frame. They cover halves of the seats, protecting them from damage.

Features of the kit:

• 2 covers are for the front seats;
• accessories follow the contours of the furniture in the salon;
• 15 color combinations are presented (beige/coffee, blue/black, red/gray, etc.).

Airline Whisper ASC-KV-06

The set of accessories includes a cover for the rear seat, 2 jerseys for the front seats and 4 headrests. The products are made of jacquard on an elastic base. They are easy to put on and lock into the correct position.

Kit characteristics:

• 3 zippers for dividing the rear seat;
• classic gray color;
• lack of orthopedic inserts;
• stylish print in the form of small notches;
• there is no obstacle to the deployment of side airbags.

Senator Jacquard

The front part of the products included in the set is made of reinforced jacquard. The material is easy to clean from dirt using a damp microfiber.

Accessory Features:

• kit contents (fasteners, 2 front covers, 1 rear backrest and seat, 5 headrests);
• intended for 95% of passenger cars sold in Russia (except for products with cast head restraints);
• separate donning scheme;
• foam thickness - 5 mm;
• stitching (contrasting, decorative);
• extended 3-level support;
• Suitable for hunting, fishing, extreme safaris.

Pet BarksBar

Accessories of the American brand are designed for transporting pets on the seat of a car (car, truck, SUV). They protect the upholstery from teeth, claws, and hair, ensure safe transportation, and prevent injury to animals.

Pet BarksBar produces several types of products:

1. Front seat cover. Allows you to transport small animals next to the driver.
2. Protection for the rear sofa. The accessory helps to transport large, medium and small animals. It is fixed to the headrests of the front and rear seats, which prevents a dog or cat from falling into the aisle between the seats. The enclosed space does not allow the animal to distract the driver from driving the car.
3. Luggage compartment cover. Designed to transport an animal in the luggage compartment if the back row is occupied by passengers.

Branded accessories are made of durable 3-layer CoolFast material (100% polyester). They are resistant to moisture, stains, damage, and are easily cleaned of dirt during washing.

Main characteristics of the kits:

• quilted stylish pattern;
• hypoallergenic, safe for animal health;
• resistance to extreme temperatures;
• the presence of pockets for storing a leash and toys;
• rubber anti-slip base;
• reliable fastening to seats using anchors;
• Fade resistance.

The disadvantage of the products is that the door trim remains unprotected.

PSV Premium Elegant

The multifunctional set is made of perforated eco-leather and decorated with stitching in a diamond design. The use of universal patterns and complex cuts allow the products to be placed on chairs of any shape.

Accessory Features:

• foam thickness - 3 mm;
• the back of the back is an elastic leather substitute;
• front backs with pockets;
• covers included in the kit, suitable for L-shaped and standard headrests;
• Possibility of use in the cabin where side airbags are provided.

Sojoy IsoTowel

An accessory from the Chinese brand Sojoy in the form of a cape is made of microfiber - a breathable, absorbent material designed to protect car seats from sweat and dirt after vigorous physical activity. Covering the chairs, they are secured with adjustable straps and do not slip thanks to the embossed base. The covers allow air to pass through well and absorb excess moisture. They do not heat up in the sun and do not leave marks on the upholstery. To store products, there is a mesh bag that can be secured under the driver's seat.

How to evaluate covers when choosing?

When choosing, you can consider the following characteristics:

• Material. This is an incredibly important factor. It will determine the comfort and performance properties of the covers.
• Breathability. Some materials restrict airflow, preventing occupants' skin from breathing.
• How to fit the chairs. You need to make sure that the covers fit the seats. Do they cover most of your chair? Does it have a tight fit?
• Durability. Many low-quality products fall apart after a short period of use. Consider the quality of the products.
• Is it washable/washable? If you plan to use the covers for a long period, it is better to purchase a washable option.
• Waterproof. If you play sports, lead an active lifestyle, have pets, or live in a warm climate, it is better to purchase waterproof car covers.
• Style. Choose covers so that they match your car, your taste, and your lifestyle. This makes it possible to personalize the interior of the car.

What else should you consider?

Consider the features of the seats in the car:

• Are the seats equipped with airbags?
• Do car seats have armrests, removable or built-in headrests, what is the configuration of the rear “sofa”?
• Do the headrests have built-in displays?

If the front seats are equipped with airbags, the seat covers must be compatible with them. They have special seams, either very thin material in the side or a slit. This allows the side airbags to deploy unimpeded.

Leather and eco-leather

Leather covers are a classic option for car interior design.
They are characterized by an excellent combination of reliability, practicality and aesthetic appearance. High-quality leather can serve its owner for many years. And without losing its characteristics and attractiveness. Although the price tag for such cases is appropriate. Eco-leather analogues are distinguished by good breathability, they have a fairly high tactility, and the quality of the surface is maintained over a long period. Minor damage can easily be restored cosmetically, but eco-leather itself is more demanding in terms of care and the detergents used.

Material

The type of material from which the covers are made determines the level of comfort, as well as durability and ease of cleaning. Let's look at some of the most popular materials.

Neoprene

This is perhaps the most popular cover material right now. Neoprene is a rubber-based synthetic material, the same material that wetsuits are made from. Neoprene covers are easy to mold. In addition, neoprene is extremely comfortable and regulates temperature well, helping the chairs stay cool in summer and warm in winter. In addition to comfort, neoprene perfectly protects the original upholstery from moisture. In addition, it is easy to clean. Neoprene is also quite durable and tear resistant. The disadvantage of neoprene is its high cost.

NeoSupreme

NeoSupreme is an alternative to expensive neoprene. It offers many of the benefits of neoprene at a lower price. NeoSupreme is an artificial fabric that imitates neoprene in both aesthetic and functional qualities.

NeoSupreme contains polyester mixed with neotex. It is not as soft as neoprene, so it is used with a layer of soft backing underneath. Car covers made from NeoSupreme fabric provide effective protection against liquids and are well resistant to UV radiation from the sun. NeoSupreme is inferior in strength to real neoprene.

Polycotton

This material is polyester and cotton. Used together with soft lining. Polyester provides excellent durability.

Polycotton has high breathability. This works great in the hot summer to help keep you cool. It is resistant to ultraviolet radiation from the sun (does not fade). During production, polycotton is treated with a special compound to make it stain-resistant and provide a good barrier against various contaminants.

Nylon

This is a synthetic fabric made from polyamide fibers. Nylon is versatile for both upholstery and covers as it is durable and affordable. Externally, nylon resembles natural silk. It retains color and does not fade during frequent use. Nylon is difficult to tear, it does not deform, stretches, and conforms to the shape. Disadvantages include a possible allergic reaction upon contact with sensitive skin, poor air permeability, and electrification.

Ballistic nylon

This is an especially strong, wear-resistant nylon used to make outdoor gear. Ballistic nylon is waterproof. In addition, it is UV resistant and easy to clean.

Vinyl

Vinyl used to be often used for upholstery and car seat covers, but with the advent of more modern artificial materials, automotive vinyl has lost ground. Vinyl products are very easy to clean, are waterproof, and provide decent tear protection.

The downside to vinyl is the quality of the fit. Although vinyl covers have improved, they do not have a perfect tight fit. In addition, vinyl does not distribute heat well in the summer, which can make its surface very hot. Direct sunlight can dry out vinyl, causing it to crack over time.

Velours

Velor is the main material for car covers. This fabric is made of polyester or cotton, resembles velvet, and provides maximum comfort. Velor is soft and comfortable, but not the most durable. Velor for automotive applications is usually made from polyester, giving it excellent wear resistance.

Jacquard

Jacquard fabric is considered an attribute of wealth. It is used for interior decoration, furniture finishing, and tailoring. Jacquard is a special way of weaving threads. Jacquard is characterized by the strength imparted by twisted threads. It is a little rougher than velor. It is quite expensive, since the production of this material is labor-intensive. Jacquard fabrics are strong, durable, have little stretch, are abrasion resistant, retain color well, but are water permeable.

Canvas

This is a type of very durable, wear-resistant fabric. Modern canvas is made from cotton or linen with the addition of synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon). Canvas is very difficult to tear. It is resistant to puffs. At the same time, the canvas is pleasant to the touch and allows air to pass through. Special protective impregnation gives it water-repellent properties. Ideal for those who require maximum car seat protection.

Denim

Denim fabric is highly wear-resistant and relatively comfortable. Typically used with soft lining.

Mesh material

The mesh structure makes it the best material when used in very hot climates. The mesh allows air to pass through, allowing for better circulation, causing passengers and the driver to sweat less.

Sheepskin

Sheep fur provides maximum comfort. Natural fur regulates temperature well. It will feel warm in winter and cool in summer. Sheepskin is wear-resistant. It will last a long time. The disadvantage is the high cost.

Artificial fur

Faux (acrylic) fur is a synthetic material that is similar to real sheepskin. Obviously, being synthetic, fur is not as luxurious as real fur. It also does not have the properties that real sheepskin has. It doesn’t regulate the temperature the same way and will last less. This fur is much cheaper than real sheepskin.

Leather

Genuine leather is the most expensive material for car upholstery and car covers. Individual leather covers can transform the interior of a car beyond recognition.

This option can be a real problem in the summer.

Faux leather

Eco-leather is most often used as a leather substitute for covers. This is a type of synthetic leather, hypoallergenic, breathable, and easy to care for. Externally, eco-leather is very similar to natural leather. It can have different shapes, including perforated. Consists of a cotton or microfiber base and microporous polyurethane film. It is cheaper than genuine leather, but durable.

Alcantara

Real suede is a luxurious material, but it does not have the durability needed for automotive applications. Instead, an artificial imitation of suede - Alcantara - is used. Alcantara is made from polyester and polyurethane fibers. It is wear-resistant, durable, more elastic than natural leather. Car covers are made entirely of Alcantara, as well as a combination of Alcantara and leatherette.

So, the best material is the one that suits you in terms of cost and also satisfies your needs. If you go through the list above, you will notice that different materials have common attributes. The choice is yours.

Comparative table of characteristics and applications of car covers made of different materials.
Which material is better, fabric or leather?

Without going into details, for the most part, car covers are usually divided into two categories - fabric and leather.

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of these two categories.

Textile

Fabric covers are cost effective, although not necessarily the best quality. They are very practical and represent an excellent solution for most consumers.

Advantages:

• Available in a wide range, such as velor, neoprene, nylon...
• Affordable.
• Unlike leather, fabric covers are more resistant to temperature changes.

Flaws:

• The fabric can get dirty quite quickly. It is more difficult to clean locally than a leather surface.
• Over time, dyed fabric covers tend to fade when exposed to the sun.
• Fabric car covers can stain easily if they are not cleaned immediately. Dirt may get stuck between the fibers.

Leather

Leather cases are quite expensive, but they make up for the price with their durability and aesthetics.

Advantages:

• High-quality leather covers are, for the most part, considered an improvement to the car's interior.
• They are much easier to care for than fabric ones. Spilled liquid can simply be wiped up.
• More durable.

Flaws:

• The biggest disadvantage of leather cases is their susceptibility to temperature changes. They burn in hot summers and are cold in frosty winters.
• Leather cases do not have as many color variations as fabric cases. The usual colors for them are black, gray, beige.

Is it worth installing covers on leather seats?

Leather is a luxury item. People love the comfort, smell, and rich appearance of a leather car interior. Should you cover leather seats to protect them or leave them as is and take care of them in every possible way?

Leather chairs are especially susceptible to wear and tear because moisture and oils will break down the leather, causing cracks and other visible signs of damage. Restoring them is expensive, and replacing them is even more expensive.

What dangers can leather seats pose when using a car?

There is no doubt that leather is durable. However, there are three main dangers of damage to leather car seats.

• Sun damage. Cars spend a lot of time in the sun. The sun's ultraviolet rays can dry out leather, causing it to crack and color to fade.
• Damage from spilled liquids. Liquid left on the skin for a long time damages it.
• Cuts/damage. Sharp objects can permanently damage your skin. It cannot transport heavy solid objects. It can also damage it.

Installing covers will help maintain the original appearance of leather upholstery. However, you need to be aware that this can add some problems.

• The fabric dye of the covers may stain the leather.
• Car covers have seams that come into contact with the upholstery. When using the car, these seams will be exposed to the leather surface.
• The leather surface is slippery. Covers may slip while the car is in use.

Flock

If you don’t know which fabric is best for car seat covers, then you should take a closer look at flock. We are talking about a material of synthetic origin with a non-woven base and an upper pile layer. Flock has a fairly high tactility, it does not fade even with prolonged use, is impervious to moisture and does not require much effort during care. It can even be washed, but without using compounds with alcohol and an aggressive base. Although the breathability of the material leaves much to be desired.

Size

As mentioned earlier, there are universal and custom cases. When purchasing individual products, you can count on them to perfectly fit the seats of your car, as they are made taking into account car models and the exact parameters of their seats.

Unlike individual ones, universal car covers are made according to the “one size fits all” principle. Often the packaging contains information about the car models to which the covers fit. If such information is not available, then you need to choose car seat covers according to the size of the passenger compartment seats.

For universal cases, the two most common sizes are: S (small) and M (medium - medium/standard). The difference lies in size and shape.

• Size S is designed for compact seats with a more sloping backrest at the top in A and B class cars.
• Size M is designed for regular sized seats with a backrest without a significant narrowing at the top.

Some foreign manufacturers have a greater number of size variations for universal car covers. These dimensions take into account the type of headrest (built-in or removable), the shape of the seats, the presence of armrests, and the type of rear “sofa”. In Russia, these sizes are not in use, so we will not consider them in detail.

In any case, when purchasing universal car seat covers, consider the features of the seats:

• Headrests built-in or adjustable
• Are there armrests or not
• Are there airbags built into the seats

On the packaging you can usually find information about compatibility with certain features of car seats.

Making a case yourself

Sewing with your own hands is not something impossible or difficult. This can be done without any special tailoring skills. The process itself is divided into several stages:

1. Selecting the style, type and material of the cover;
2. Taking all measurements;
3. Creating a pattern;
4. Direct tailoring.

Advice on choosing a material has already been given, so it is proposed to move on to consider other points.

All necessary parameters of seats for manufacturing should be accurately measured.

Taking measurements for a future car cover

In all cases of tailoring, you need to take measurements first. They include the height and width of the backrests, as well as the length and width of the bottom pillow. You can use oilcloth that is slightly larger than the seat. She needs to tighten all the details and transfer the outlines, paying attention to the seams. Next, the parts are cut out and transferred to regular fabric, which will be used for sewing.

You might be interested in Interesting pants patterns: step-by-step construction instructions

You can make a pattern using oilcloth

Nuances of patterns for car seats

The sewing process has a number of nuances and consists of the following steps:

• Take a blank made of oilcloth or polyethylene and transfer it to the working fabric using chalk or a marker. You need to be mindful of seam allowances;
• Arrange the parts so as to save as much fabric as possible, including allowances;
• Before cutting, cut the fabric into several large pieces to make work easier;
• Cut the pattern with scissors or a knife;
• Iron or steam the fabric if it is wrinkled after the cutting process.

Rear seat cushion cover
It is worth understanding that the size and shape of the covers will vary greatly depending on the size of the seats and the make of the car. Despite this, it is worth focusing on the given drawings and diagrams.

Covers for Kia Rio

Assembly instructions

After cutting out all the parts and other components, you can start sewing them together. Especially for this purpose, seam allowances were left, which will be used for stitching. First, the pieces and parts are joined together using special pins or needles, and then fastened with a hand-made basting stitch. This is done so that if any mistake is made, it is easy to rip the seam and redo the work and make adjustments.

Sewing car covers with your own hands is not difficult

If there are no shortcomings and everything is done correctly, then you can start working with the machine. With its help, you need to securely and accurately stitch all the details. So that the cover is securely attached to the chair. To do this, you need to remember to sew all the fixing elements in place. They can be used as elastic bands, garters, belts, hooks, and Velcro. Using strips of leather or nylon as a lining under them will help make the seams stronger and more durable.

Sewing car covers is a fun activity

Don't forget about the slots for seat belts or armrests, if any. Products must not interfere with the deployment of airbags in emergency situations.

Covers for the rear sofas of the car

How much do seat covers cost?

The overall price range varies significantly. Universal ones usually cost from 2500–3000 rubles per set, depending on the size, style, quality of materials, and type of fastenings.

Individual covers cost from 7,000 rubles per set.

Where can I buy?

• Some supermarkets sell universal, inexpensive covers.
• There is more choice at auto parts stores. In some specialized stores you can find very high quality both universal and individual cases.
• In online stores you will find a wide range. You can study the products using customer reviews.
• Buying directly from the manufacturer online or in person will allow you to avoid overpaying the middleman.

Instructions for installing seat covers

Installation instructions for different covers may differ; let’s look at the main points of installing universal covers.

1. Unpack, identify the different parts, which part of the cover belongs to which part of the chairs.
2. Installation on the lower part of the chair. Before starting installation, if possible, raise the seats as high as possible. This will make it easier to attach the elastic straps under the bottom of the seats. Place the bottom cover over the seat cushion. Make sure it is pulled tight at all points to ensure a tight seal. Pull the fastening straps and secure them under the car seat. S-shaped hooks are usually used for this. Do not attach hooks to any moving mechanisms or wiring. If you're having trouble finding a safe, secure place to attach the S-hooks, simply tie the straps together. Once all the straps are securely fastened, move the seat forward and backward to make sure there are no obstructions.
3. Installation on the back. If you have adjustable headrests, then first remove them, install the backrest cover, and then install the headrests. To install the back element, it will be more convenient to first turn it on the reverse side, put it on top of the upper part of the back, then gradually turn it back onto the front side, pulling it tight. Pull the elastic straps sewn to the bottom of the back cover through the space between the bottom cushion and the back. Then attach the straps to each other or down, under the car seat cushion.
4. Ensure free movement of the chair. Sit on the seat, move it back and forth, up and down, so that the elastic straps do not impede its movement.
5. Rear seat installation. On most vehicles, the rear seat must be removed before installation. The bottom cushion is removed first and the back cushion of the seat back is removed last.

Wear resistance (resistance to abrasion, damage to the protective layer, burnout).

Covers for 6000 – 7000 rubles.

, eco-leather has good wear resistance characteristics.

"Arigon" from or its analogue from another manufacturer (similar in thickness and durability of the protective outer layer.). Such covers will last for 70-80 thousand km, after which the cover on the “seat” of the driver’s seat may begin to crack. Everything else will not undergo any significant changes.

Alcantara (imitation suede)

at this price it will be artificial, not particularly wear-resistant. But if you drive about 15 thousand km a year from work to home, and on weekends to go shopping, etc., then artificial Alcantara will easily withstand this operating mode.

Textile

in car covers for such a price will resemble the fabric of the car’s original upholstery, which means it’s not worth taking.

Covers for 10,000 – 12,000 rubles.

Eco leather.

Thicker, high-quality and expensive eco-leather may be found. This directly affects wear resistance.

Alcantara.

The situation is not changing.

Textile.

You can find fabric of higher quality, which is therefore wear-resistant.

Cases for 20,000 rubles.

Eco leather.

You can even count on Hortica (high-quality automotive eco-leather produced in Ukraine), or its equivalent. Wear resistance is excellent. An excellent alternative to genuine leather at a relatively affordable price.

Alcantara.

You may be able to find it with original Alcantara, or with a good analogue. In this case, wear resistance will be at an excellent level.

Textile.

No point for that kind of money.