Investing in car leather seats is a journey toward achieving luxury and comfort. Leather offers an elegant, high-end look that can transform the interior of any vehicle. However, it requires consistent care to maintain its luster and avoid deterioration.
One of the most common issues faced by car owners with leather seats is cracking and fading, which can diminish the aesthetic appeal of the interior as well as affect the vehicle’s resale value. According to Christian FOSTER – Turtle Wax Brand Manager EMEA, IDA-CD-SV, “Leather seats are a luxury that adds a great deal of value to your car. That said, they still need routine care and a car leather cleaner to keep the material soft and supple.”
Leather is a natural product, derived from animal hides, which makes it susceptible to environmental factors such as sunlight, temperature fluctuations and humidity. Exposure to these elements can lead to cracking and fading, compromising both the aesthetics and functionality of the seats.
“The good news is,” says Foster, “taking care of your leather interior is simple with all-in-one dedicated leather products.”
Causes of Cracking and Fading
Let’s discuss some of the most common culprits that can cause cracking and fading of your car leather seats.
UV Radiation: Sunlight is harmful to leather. Too much Ultra-Violet (UV) rays damages the surface of leather, leading to discoloration and cracking.
Dry Air: In low humidity environments, leather can lose moisture, become dehydrated and brittle. The loss of moisture is often a precursor to cracking.
Neglect and Improper Maintenance: A lack of proper care, that includes cleaning and conditioning, can speed up the aging process of leather, making it more prone to wear and tear.
Dyes and Chemicals: Certain dyes and chemicals, such as those found in some clothing materials and hair products, can inadvertently transfer to leather seats, which can later cause discoloration.
Food and Beverages: Spills from beverages or food chunks can stain leather if not cleaned promptly, leading to both fading and aesthetic damage.
Effective Routines for Preventing Cracking and Fading
Caring for your car’s leather seats requires a bit of commitment, to keep them vibrant for years. With the right caring practices and products, you can keep your car’s leather interior looking fresh and lively. Here’s how:
1. Regular Cleaning
Keeping leather seats clean is necessary in preventing the buildup of dirt and grime, which can contribute to fading and cracking. As Foster advices, “First and foremost, the best way to prevent aging to your leather car seats is to keep them clean from the onset. Crumbs, spills and dirt can all react with the leather of your car interior, especially with exposure to UV rays. This can cause accelerated aging, which results in dry, dull or discoloured leather. We recommend that you clean your leather seats at least once a month.”
Emphasizing on regular cleaning, Damien BONVARLET – President of SOFOLK states that, “To maintain the appearance and durability of leather seats, it is essential to follow a few practical tips to prevent cracking and fading. Firstly, regular cleaning is crucial. Use a specific leather cleaner at least once a month. Avoid products containing alcohol or solvents, as they can dry out and damage the leather. Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth or microfibre will remove dirt without damaging the surface.”
2. Use a Quality Leather Conditioner
Leather conditioners are a must. Regularly applying a high-quality leather conditioner is one of the best methods to keep your car leather seats hydrated and flexible. Conditioner acts as a barrier, protecting the leather from moisture loss and UV exposure.
In his words, Foster asserts that, “While conditioning your leather car seats may sound like an optional step, it’s actually a necessity. During the day, your car interior is constantly exposed to UV rays — even when it’s cloudy. Over time, this prolonged exposure can cause your leather upholstery to crack and fade in the sun.”
Sharing his opinion, Bonvarlet ratifies that, “Moisturising the leather is essential. Apply a nourishing oil, such as beef foot oil, every three months. This will help to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. Make sure the product is thoroughly absorbed for optimum effectiveness.”
“What’s more, every time you get in your car and take a seat, you strip away some of its natural oils, further dehydrating the material. Conditioning your leather seats is the only way to counteract this aging process, by replenishing the moisture that keeps this material from becoming dry and brittle,” adds Foster.
He further insists, “A good leather cleaner and conditioner will explicitly state that it’s safe to use on your automotive leather interior. Leather surfaces are very sensitive, so a lot of harsher ingredients that work well on plastic or rubber can cause damage to your leather seat covers. You should also look for products formulated with natural conditioning agents like aloe vera. These hydrating ingredients work to soften and moisturize dry leather surfaces to restore them to a like-new condition.”
3. Use Dedicated Car Leather Products
To properly care for your leather seats, always opt for products specifically designed for automotive leather. These products are formulated to clean, nourish, and protect leather without causing damage. As Bonvarlet points out, “Avoid using inappropriate products, such as body creams or nourishing milk, which can clog and saturate the leather fibres.”
Shading more light on this, the chemical composition of body creams and nourishing products may react with the dyes and finishes used on your car’s leather upholstery. This can break down protective coatings and diminish the leather’s inherent durability, leading to staining and discoloration of your leather seats.
4. Protect Against UV Damage
Using sunshades for your windshield and side windows can significantly reduce UV exposure to your leather seats. As Bonvarlet counsels, “To minimise exposure to the sun, park your car in the shade whenever possible or use a sun visor. UV rays can not only discolour leather, but also dry it out, increasing the risk of cracking.”
Additionally, consider investing in seat covers made from UV-resistant materials. These can offer an additional layer of protection, keeping the leather underneath safe from harmful rays. Ensure the covers are breathable and of high-quality materials that won’t compromise your comfort.
5. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
The condition of your leather can dramatically change depending on the humidity levels inside your car. In extremely dry climates, consider using a humidifier to maintain a comfortable moisture level in your vehicle. While in a humid environment, ensure that any moisture is quickly dried to prevent mold and mildew, which can damage the leather.
6. Address Spills Immediately
Spills can hastily damage leather if not addressed promptly. Whether it’s coffee, soda, juice or any liquid, absorb it by patting the spill with a clean cloth immediately, then follow up with proper cleaning and conditioning procedures. Avoid rubbing the spill, as this can force the spilled liquid deeper into the pores of the leather.
7. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Be cautious about the products you use in and around your car. Some chemicals in cleaning products or other automotive care accessories can cause leather to fade or crack. Always read labels and choose products that are safe for use on leather surfaces.
Moreover, investing in protective coatings such as leather protectants, is an effective way to shield your leather seats from external damage. From his point of view, Bonvarlet remarks that, “Protection against external aggression is essential. Apply a special colourless protective varnish twice a year. This product protects the leather and the colouring from rubbing and daily wear and tear.”
Leather protectants form an invisible barrier on the surface, dissipating water and preventing stains. It is advisable to apply a protectant after cleaning and conditioning to ensure optimal protection.
8. Regular Inspections
Conduct regular inspections of your leather seats for any signs of wear and tear early. Look for scratches, cracks or areas where the leather may be thinning and take action accordingly. “Pay particular attention to the areas that are subject to the most wear and tear, such as the driver’s seat, the steering wheel and the armrests. These areas are more subject to wear and tear and require regular maintenance,” recommends Bonvarlet.
Treat Your Leather Seats Right
As a premium and sensitive material, neglected leather can quickly fall victim to cracking and fading, leaving your car interior looking worn out. Constant use without proper care can leave you facing costly repairs or replacements sooner than you would like. However, with a bit of time and effort regularly, you can restore and maintain their beauty and functionality. “By following these tips, you’ll prolong the life of your leather seats and maintain their original appearance,” perceives Bonvarlet. So, treat your leather seats with the care they deserve and enjoy the luxury and comfort they bring to your driving experience!
