Why you should never neglect your car’s leather interior

Your car’s leather interior is one of the first things people notice when they get into your car. It’s also one of the most neglected parts of many cars. 

Here are four reasons why you should never neglect your car’s leather interior.

Leather Ages Poorly

Because it is a natural material, leather doesn’t age well if it isn’t looked after. Neglected leather has a tendency to dry out and crack, the sun can cause it to fade, and dust that isn’t removed can lead to permanent staining on your car’s interior. It also absorbs liquids and other substances from the environment. This can cause the leather to darken or become brittle.

Neglecting your leather interior can age your car, and make it look worn out long before it’s time.  

Most people have a misconception that leather ages well. But in reality, it ages poorly.

Leather Needs Regular Conditioning

Part of choosing a car with a leather interior is that the leather will need to be conditioned regularly. Much like your own skin, leather can become dry overtime. Regular conditioning of your leather interior will help the material stay soft and supple, ensuring it has a much longer lifespan. 

Neglecting this regular maintenance task will see your car interior become hard and brittle, leading to cracks and tears. Should this happen, you will need to have further maintenance done at a much greater expense.  

Here are some tips on how to condition your leather regularly:

• Start by cleaning the surface with a leather cleaner that is strong but not harsh. Use a sponge or a cloth to wipe away the dirt, dust, and oils.
• If the leather is dry, apply a coat of oil or cream to the surface. Rub it in with your fingers or a soft brush until the material is covered.
• Leave the leather to dry for at least an hour before you use it. This will allow the oil or cream to work its magic and restore moisture to the skin.

 Leather is Expensive to Replace

Car owners with leather interiors will often be able to tell you that leather can be expensive to replace – it is much cheaper in the long run to take care of and maintain your seats regularly rather than leaving them to become damaged. 

Here are some tips on how to keep leather in top condition: 

• Conditioning leather regularly: This is essential to keeping the leather soft and supple. You can use a leather conditioner to help soften the skin, remove dirt and debris, and protect the surface from further damage. Follow the instructions on the product label to achieve the desired results. 
• Timely repair: If there are any tears or holes in your leather, get them repaired as soon as possible so that they do not become major blemishes. A good quality leather repair kit will usually include all of the materials you will need, including a glue and beeswax mixture.
•  Avoid weathering: Exposure to the elements can cause your leather to crack, peel, and dry out. Be sure to keep your car in a garage when the weather is bad outside, and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or windy conditions.

Leather Adds Value to Your Car

It is generally the more expensive car brands that have full leather interiors – and it’s not hard to see why. A leather interior is luxurious and adds class to any car. Of course, a well maintained interior will see the value of your car hold, while a car with a damaged leather interior will likely lose value no matter how well kept the rest of the car is. 

Taking care of your car’s leather interior is important if you want it to look its best. Regular cleaning and conditioning will keep it looking like new for years to come. So don’t neglect your leather seats, or you’ll be sorry in the long run.

If your leather interior needs a good clean and condition or you need repairs made, reach out to the experienced team at Carman’s Auto.