The Best Car Seat Covers, According to Auto Experts
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Car seats can present an unfortunate problem for vehicle owners. There’s probably no part of a car’s interior that takes as much abuse as the seats. Plus, replacing one can be costly, as well as very challenging even for DIY enthusiasts.
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When it comes to aesthetics, the seats are the first things noticed when looking inside a car, truck, or SUV. Stained, cracked, or torn seats detract from the look of a vehicle — and more importantly, from its trade-in or resale value. And while many vehicles come out of the factory with seats made of durable materials, spills and other accidents do happen, and color-dulling sunlight is unavoidable.
Seat covers for your vehicle are a low-cost, easy-to-install option for protecting your upholstery, enhancing comfort, and keeping the vehicle in prime condition.
What the Experts Say
“Investing in high-quality car seat covers can prolong the life of your seats while adding a touch of style to your vehicle,” says Joyce Ann Gutierrez, automotive expert at 4WheelOnline, an automotive, truck, and power sports product retailer.
Consumers can choose between universal car seat covers which fit most vehicles, or opt for more expensive ones that are custom to certain makes and models. And while the universal versions are usually straightforward to install with minimal wrestling and stretching, the custom versions are often more difficult and could even require professional installation, says Jack Riggins, a professional car detailer based in Troy, New York.
Car seat covers come in a wide range of materials. Leather and faux leather covers give a vehicle a luxe look, while rugged canvas covers are best for outdoor enthusiasts and dog owners. Lightweight polyurethane-based seat covers tend to be less expensive, as well as more breathable.
Any vehicle can be easily and economically upgraded with the right set of seat covers. Here are some of the best ones.
BEST OVERALL
Covercraft Carhartt Precision Fit Seat Covers
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Once recovered from the sticker shock, it’s worth noting that these seat covers will most likely outlive the vehicle they’re purchased for — they’re made from the same famous duck-weave fabric that has made Carhartt jackets so popular.
“With ultra-comfortable foam backing, these seat covers provide a plush feel while maintaining a precision fit that enhances the overall look of your vehicle’s interior,” Gutierrez says, adding that they’re also engineered to accommodate seat airbags for added safety and peace of mind.
Perhaps the best selling point here is the sheer range of customization options on the Covercraft site. A quick browse of the “Select Vehicle” menu shows model years dating back to 1968, plus a full range of makes, models, and even sub-models.
BEST BUDGET
Black Panther Faux Leather Seat Cover
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These popular seat covers are roughly a tenth the price of the Covercrafts, but definitely more than a tenth the quality. Add in the fact that they’re universal-fit and easy to install, and it becomes clear that these far outperform their modest price point.
“The water-resistant design protects against spills and stains, ensuring that your car seats look new,” Gutierrez says. She also points to the variety of available colors and the non-slip rubber backing and gel bottom as selling points, along with the handy pockets which are perfect for sunglasses, phones, or keys
FOR DOG OWNERS
Molly Mutt Rocketman Multi-Use Cargo, Hammock, & Car Seat Cover
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Traveling with dogs — or even just driving them to the park or the beach — is great for them, but can be true hell on car seats. Beyond the fur and muddy paws, dog claws can quickly destroy car upholstery..
Seat covers for dogs are not a new innovation, but the hammock design of the Molly Mott Rocketman is more comfortable for the dog — and it also ensures it won’t fall into the seat well. It’s 100% cotton canvas and machine-washable, and because it does not form-fit to the seat, it’s also universal and amazingly easy to install and remove as needed.
BEST MODEL-SPECIFIC
Locuz Tesla Model 3 Seat Cover
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All vehicles are investments, but high-end specialty cars like the Tesla Model 3 are especially worth protecting. Riggins, who is also a certified Tesla tech, recommends the Lozuz Tesla Model 3 covers for his detailing clientele and fellow Tesla enthusiasts.
“These are perfect for somebody who wants to protect the white seats on the Tesla Model 3 from everyday use,” he says. “This is my go-to option. While the installation is definitely for somebody who is more car-oriented, the covers fit very well and are very comfortable, and you can still use your heated-seat feature.”
ALSO CONSIDER
Sunny Color Car Seat Cushion
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These covers from Sunny Color are more akin to the cushions sold for office chairs, which is a big plus if ergonomics and comfort are as much a priority as upholstery protection. They’re available in bottom-only or two-piece bottom-and-back configurations, and the luxe velour material and ample cushion means they’re ideal for long drives or daily commutes.
“The non-slip rubber pattern on the underside of the cushion ensures that it stays securely in place on your car seat, adding convenience and stability,” Gutierrez says. “This seat cover exudes a touch of luxury while also offering practicality and durability.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Seat Covers
If My Vehicle Has Heated or Ventilated Seats, Will a Car Seat Cover Prevent Them From Working?
Pretty much any car seat cover will allow the warmth and comfort of a heated seat to come through perfectly well. For ventilated seats — a true luxury for anyone living in a hot climate — a seat cover made of a solid material like leather or faux leather will impede that refreshing cool breeze from reaching your posterior. Thankfully, there are many breathable car seat covers available to allow an unimpeded flow from your air-conditioned seats.
Can I Wash a Car Seat Cover in My Own Laundry Machine?
Treat a car seat cover like you would treat a somewhat pricey article of clothing — don’t do anything until you read the tag. (And, yes, they will have tags.) Many car seat covers are machine-washable, but others require hand cleaning. Either way, it’s a safe bet that a dryer is a bad idea for any car seat cover because of possible shrinkage, especially if it has a foam component. Err on the side of caution.
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