The Pros & Cons of Leather Seats

Choosing a car interior isn't necessarily a simple choice. Leather or fabric upholstery each have their pros and cons, and in the final assessment it's what matters most to the car buyer that determines the better choice.

Function

One big factor in deciding whether to go with a leather auto interior or not is in the functionality of the upholstery. Leather can last as long as your car as long as it is properly maintained, while cloth seats can stain easily and absorb odors.

Considerations

The biggest drawback to leather seats in the care they require in order to last. While easy to clean, the maintenance required to keep the leather from drying out, cracking or splitting is considerable compared to cloth seats. You'll want to invest in leather cleaner and conditioner and apply it faithfully.

Benefits

While leather does increase the price when purchasing a car, the luxurious feel of leather combined with its upscale look and the appealing scent adds to the value of a vehicle.

Drawbacks

Other factors to consider include that leather isn't exactly a green choice, as it is made from the skin of cows. Also, comfort can sometimes become an issue, as leather can be quite chilly in winter and burning hot on bare skin in summer.

References

• Edmunds.com: Interior Motives: The Basics of Interior Detailing
• WSYR.com: Leather or Cloth Interior?