If you're buying a car, you may not be too concerned about the interior upholstery. However, your car's upholstery fabric can play a price in determining the overall cost, and how much maintenance you'll need to do to keep it clean. This article will discuss a few types of car upholstery and the pros and cons of each.
Leather seats are the most luxurious option, and rightly the most expensive. Don't let its ritzy nature fool you – leather is very durable and easy to clean (if it isn't perforated). It does require a lot of maintenance and specialized cleaners, but won't stain as easily as other fabrics. The pros of leather are that it's elegant, durable if maintained, and won't stain easily. The downside is that it does require more maintenance than other materials, is expensive, and often won't be offered unless you get a specialized model of a car.
Faux leather offers the luxurious look and feel of real leather, with a lower price tag. It's also a bit more animal friendly. The upsides of faux leather are the lower price for a luxurious feel, and it's similarly easy to clean spills off of. However, it isn't as durable as real leather and will degrade more quickly.
We'll include two in one because of the similarities between these two fabrics. These fabrics are very common materials used by automakers. They both offer affordable and durable upholstery. However, both can be difficult to clean dirt and spills off of. According to J.D. Power, material scuffing and seat fabric soiling are the most common complaints of auto interiors. Nylon is also vulnerable to sun-fading, so you may need to invest in tinted windows if you want to maintain it longer.
Vinyl is the easiest fabric to maintain and clean. It provides durability and stain resistance. It isn't porous and won't absorb odors. They also give the look of leather seats. The main drawback to vinyl seats is comfort, especially in the heat. Vinyl absorbs heat if you park in the sun during the summer so getting back into the car will be an unpleasant experience, to say the least.
There are a variety of upholstery options for your car, and the best one will depend on your preferences and lifestyle. Whatever your vehicle upholstery is, the experts at Interior Guys are here to help. We offer auto upholstery repairs for any fabric. Call today or visit our website for a free estimate.
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