Car seat covers: Difference between revisions
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'''Car seat cover''' is an automotive accessory that protects the original seat upholstery from wear and adds a custom look to a vehicle's interior. |
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When creating seat covers, manufacturers have to take into consideration that the final product should feature excellent UV degradation resistance, wear and tear resistance, crease resistance, ease of cleaning, and ability to appeal to aesthetic senses. These features help ensure outstanding protection of seat upholstery to maintain the resale value, maximize the comfort of use, customize the car interior, and make a seat cover withstand the rigors of everyday use and last for a long time. |
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==Materials== |
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* Nylon |
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Nylon, either pure or blended with other fabrics like cotton, entered the automotive industry in the 1940s<ref>{{cite web|title=Walter Fung, Mike Hardcastle "Textiles in Automotive Engineering"|url=http://textilelibrary.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/7/4/11749432/textiles_in_automotive_engineering_walter_fung_2001.pdf}}</ref>. It was widely used till the 1970s, when the gas crisis caused the demand for more fuel-efficient cars. Car bodies became more aerodynamic; slanting glass and larger windows became the standard. They let in more sunlight that heats up the car interior, creating the greenhouse effect. These conditions are challenging for any material as they cause degradation, discoloration, and loss of abrasion resistance. Despite improvements in resistance to UV degradation, nylon fabrics are no longer used in the automotive industry in as large volumes as before the 1970s. Also, nylon does not offer the elasticity necessary to create a custom-fit seat cover. |
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* Polyester |
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Polyester has been utilized in automotive engineering since the 1970s – 1980s, it is now the most common material used in seat upholstery – over 90% of car seats are manufactured from polyester. Such popularity is caused by excellent UV protection, good wear and tear resistance, and relatively low cost. Combined with other materials, polyester is used to create new textiles that modern seat covers are manufactured from, including neosupreme (mixed with neotex), neoprene (blended with cotton, wool, rayon, etc.), imitation suede, velour, and more<ref>{{cite web|title=Modern materials for Seat Covers Manufacture|url=http://www.carid.com/articles/which-seat-cover-fabric-works-best-for-my-needs.html}}</ref>. |
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[[File:Blue cordura garment.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Cordura]] |
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* Cotton |
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Cotton is a breathable fabric that features high absorbency, so cotton seat covers ensure effective insulation from excessive heat up of seats in summer. However, cotton and other cellulosic-based textiles fall down on abrasion properties compared to nylon, polyester, and acrylic fabrics. |
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* Real Leather / Imitation Leather |
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Leather seat covers provide a luxury feel and add a high-end touch to car interior. Though, leather seat covers require regular treatment to prevent cracks and contraction. Seat covers made from artificially-made leatherette are not only easier to maintain, but also less expensive. |
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* Wool |
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Plush and soft to the touch yet expensive, wool seat covers (especially lambwool seat covers) were considered a luxury option for upmarket cars. A natural material with good water absorbing properties, wool ensures better comfort than synthetic materials and has a relatively good tear strength. |
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* Alcantara |
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Registered under the homonymous trademark, Alcantara<ref>{{cite web|title=Alcantara® Material for Car|url=http://www.alcantara.com}}</ref> is a composite material that imitates suede leather. It was used as an original seat upholstery in the Lamborghini Gallardo, Maserati GranTurismo, Aston Martin V8 Vantage 430, McLaren 650S Coupé, BMW Z4, etc. |
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* Cordura |
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Cordura<ref>{{cite web|title=Cordura® Brand|url=http://www.cordura.com/}}</ref> is a durable, densely-woven nylon fabric that ensures high abrasion, tear, and puncture resistance. Originally developed for military body armor. |
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==Types== |
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Seat covers can be custom-fit or universal. |
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[[File:- 01 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Car seat ( seats ).jpg|thumb|right|upright|Car seat]] |
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Custom seat covers are designed for the specific year, make, and model using computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies that ensure a precise fit. These covers are created taking into consideration vehicle-specific locations for seat airbags, power seat switches, headrests, etc. Universal seat covers come in one-size-fits-all form and thus are designed without taking into account specific cuts and locations. Therefore, universal seat covers are not intended for vehicles with seat-mounted airbags. However, ease of installing and removal makes these covers a good option for those who need them to be often taken on and off. Canine seat covers designed with the aim of protecting seat upholstery from scratches, punctures, and pet hair are also universal-fitting. |
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==Manufacturers== |
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Though the early automotive aftermarket industry offered not so many seat cover choices with sheepskin covers being virtually the only option, today one can choose from versatile materials, colors, patterns, designs, and brands. Coverking manufactures custom seat covers using a variety of fabrics, from the most popular to luxury. To ensure a snug fit, these covers are scanned utilizing 3D imaging equipment. Coverking<ref>{{cite web|title=Coverking®|url=http://www.cordura.com/}}</ref> seat covers are UV treated for additional protection from stains and mildew. The most popular covers from the Seat Armour range are universal-fit towel seat covers branded with a variety of logos. These covers can be customized – each logo or image can be custom printed. Covercraft<ref>{{cite web|title=Covercraft Industries|url=http://www.covercraft.com/}}</ref> produces semi-custom, machine washable seat covers that are easy to install and remove. |
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== References == |
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{{reflist}} |
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[[Category:Vehicle technology]] |
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Revision as of 10:39, 13 August 2015
Car seat cover is an automotive accessory that protects the original seat upholstery from wear and adds a custom look to a vehicle's interior.
When creating seat covers, manufacturers have to take into consideration that the final product should feature excellent UV degradation resistance, wear and tear resistance, crease resistance, ease of cleaning, and ability to appeal to aesthetic senses. These features help ensure outstanding protection of seat upholstery to maintain the resale value, maximize the comfort of use, customize the car interior, and make a seat cover withstand the rigors of everyday use and last for a long time.
Materials
- Nylon
Nylon, either pure or blended with other fabrics like cotton, entered the automotive industry in the 1940s[1]. It was widely used till the 1970s, when the gas crisis caused the demand for more fuel-efficient cars. Car bodies became more aerodynamic; slanting glass and larger windows became the standard. They let in more sunlight that heats up the car interior, creating the greenhouse effect. These conditions are challenging for any material as they cause degradation, discoloration, and loss of abrasion resistance. Despite improvements in resistance to UV degradation, nylon fabrics are no longer used in the automotive industry in as large volumes as before the 1970s. Also, nylon does not offer the elasticity necessary to create a custom-fit seat cover.
- Polyester
Polyester has been utilized in automotive engineering since the 1970s – 1980s, it is now the most common material used in seat upholstery – over 90% of car seats are manufactured from polyester. Such popularity is caused by excellent UV protection, good wear and tear resistance, and relatively low cost. Combined with other materials, polyester is used to create new textiles that modern seat covers are manufactured from, including neosupreme (mixed with neotex), neoprene (blended with cotton, wool, rayon, etc.), imitation suede, velour, and more[2].
- Cotton
Cotton is a breathable fabric that features high absorbency, so cotton seat covers ensure effective insulation from excessive heat up of seats in summer. However, cotton and other cellulosic-based textiles fall down on abrasion properties compared to nylon, polyester, and acrylic fabrics.
- Real Leather / Imitation Leather
Leather seat covers provide a luxury feel and add a high-end touch to car interior. Though, leather seat covers require regular treatment to prevent cracks and contraction. Seat covers made from artificially-made leatherette are not only easier to maintain, but also less expensive.
- Wool
Plush and soft to the touch yet expensive, wool seat covers (especially lambwool seat covers) were considered a luxury option for upmarket cars. A natural material with good water absorbing properties, wool ensures better comfort than synthetic materials and has a relatively good tear strength.
- Alcantara
Registered under the homonymous trademark, Alcantara[3] is a composite material that imitates suede leather. It was used as an original seat upholstery in the Lamborghini Gallardo, Maserati GranTurismo, Aston Martin V8 Vantage 430, McLaren 650S Coupé, BMW Z4, etc.
- Cordura
Cordura[4] is a durable, densely-woven nylon fabric that ensures high abrasion, tear, and puncture resistance. Originally developed for military body armor.
Types
Seat covers can be custom-fit or universal.
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Custom seat covers are designed for the specific year, make, and model using computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies that ensure a precise fit. These covers are created taking into consideration vehicle-specific locations for seat airbags, power seat switches, headrests, etc. Universal seat covers come in one-size-fits-all form and thus are designed without taking into account specific cuts and locations. Therefore, universal seat covers are not intended for vehicles with seat-mounted airbags. However, ease of installing and removal makes these covers a good option for those who need them to be often taken on and off. Canine seat covers designed with the aim of protecting seat upholstery from scratches, punctures, and pet hair are also universal-fitting.
Manufacturers
Though the early automotive aftermarket industry offered not so many seat cover choices with sheepskin covers being virtually the only option, today one can choose from versatile materials, colors, patterns, designs, and brands. Coverking manufactures custom seat covers using a variety of fabrics, from the most popular to luxury. To ensure a snug fit, these covers are scanned utilizing 3D imaging equipment. Coverking[5] seat covers are UV treated for additional protection from stains and mildew. The most popular covers from the Seat Armour range are universal-fit towel seat covers branded with a variety of logos. These covers can be customized – each logo or image can be custom printed. Covercraft[6] produces semi-custom, machine washable seat covers that are easy to install and remove.