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Neoprene vs. Leather, Which is Better for a Car Seat Cover?
Many people will put covers on their car seats. There are many reasons to use a cover. Sometimes it is to protect your seat. It can also be used to improve the look of the seat. People also use covers to show off a particular style or show support for a sports team. Whatever the reason you choose to use a seat cover, there are many different options available. It is important to choose what material will be best suited for your needs when picking a seat cover. Two popular materials are neoprene and leather. Below is a comparison of the two materials as it pertains to car seat covers.
1. Style and Aesthetics
Both leather and neoprene can offer options for changing the style of your car’s interior. Leather seat covers tend to be available in a single color or two colors. They give the smooth, clean, and luxurious look of leather. However, they do not have the color options that are available in neoprene. Neoprene seat covers are often available in many different colors; which includes non-traditional colors such as pink, green, and purple. Patterns, such as camo, and sports teams are also more likely to be found in a neoprene seat cover rather than a leather seat cover.
2. Price
The price of a product can greatly affect a person’s purchase. Neoprene is an affordable option for seat covers. However, leather seat covers are a little pricier. For some, the look of the leather is what they want and worth the extra cost. The price will also be more expensive for both neoprene and leather if you purchase a custom-fit cover rather than a cover off the shelf. The cost, in combination with the look you want, can impact what seat cover you ultimately decide on.
3. Durability
Just like many other parts of your car, you need your seat covers to be durable. You want it to stand up to the everyday use of the vehicle. Leather seat covers can be beneficial in keeping the car clean. Most substances can be easily wiped off or cleaned up from the leather. However, to maintain the leather and keep it from cracking, it will need to be treated with special products. Also, leather is more difficult to clean. To clean a leather seat cover you will need to use a special leather cleaning product. Neoprene seat covers are usually stain-resistant and water-resistant. This means that most spills will wipe clean from the seat cover. The neoprene seat covers are also usually machine washable. While you will not need a special cleaner, you will need to remove it from the car to keep it clean. For standing up to the sun, neoprene seems to do better. Leather can fade from constant exposure to the sun. Over time you can see discoloration, spots, and drying of the leather. You will need to apply products to keep the leather moisturized and to protect it from fading. In contrast, a neoprene seat cover will stand up better to the sun. Neoprene does not seem to have problems with fading or discoloration and will not need to be treated with any products to help protect it from the sun.
4. Children and Pets
Many of us have our kids and/or pets in and out of our cars daily. Kids, pet nails, and pet hair can wreak havoc on our cars, especially our seats. Some people may be concerned that their dog’s claws will poke a hole in their leather seat cover. If you get a high-quality leather cover, you will greatly reduce the risk of any punctures. Leather can also be nice because the dog’s hair will brush off quickly and easily. Neoprene seat covers can be more durable when it comes to dog nails. It is less likely to get a hole or snag from the dog’s nails. However, depending on the exact cover, dog hair does not wipe off the neoprene seats as easily as it would wipe off leather. There are many different types of neoprene seats, some of which may be more suitable for resisting dog hair. This may be a consideration if your pet is in your car regularly.
Concerning the kids, they can bring food crumbs and dirt to your car. Both leather and neoprene will wipe clean easily if something is spilled on them. This will allow for a quick and easy cleanup. You can also easily wipe dirt or mud from both materials. However, if the kids leave something sticky on the seats or need further cleaning from something your kids have left behind, you will need to clean your leather seat cover with a special seat cleaner. Also, some items may leave a permanent stain on your leather. With neoprene, you do not need a special cleaner. However, you will need to remove the seat cover to wash it in the washing machine.
5. Weather
The weather and climate in your area can be a factor in deciding whether to get leather or neoprene car seat covers. While leather wipes clean easily, it is not waterproof. Therefore, getting into your car after running through rain or if your seats get wet from rain, the leather can get spots and be ruined. The leather is also very sensitive to heat. The sun can make leather seats very hot when you sit on them. Neoprene is typically waterproof. Therefore, it would do well for someone sitting on it after swimming or running through a rainstorm. Neoprene is also not as sensitive to the sun and heat. A neoprene seat will not feel extremely hot after sitting in the sun. It will also tend to be warmer during the winter months. If you are sensitive to heat or cold neoprene may be a better option for you.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both leather and neoprene seats. It is best to look at your individual and family needs in deciding what is best for your car and family.