Home » Cars

How to Choose a Car Seat Cover

Ranked #3,374 in Cars, #174,751 overall

How to Choose a Car Seat Cover

Your car seats are the most overworked, under appreciated part of your vehicle. They have to support you all day, while facing wet bathing suits, dirty shoes and left overs from the fast food you scarfed down on the way to work.

So why not show them some love by protecting them with a car seat cover? They are relatively inexpensive... cheaper than buying new seats... and can help protect the resale value of your car.

So you need a car seat cover...

But which one do you choose?

Fabric Car Seat CoversIf you think your vehicle could be better protected by a car seat cover, then you need to figure out which one is right for your lifestyle. First, lets figure out which category you fall into:

1. Active Lifestyle: Do you love being outdoors? Are you constantly getting into your car in a wet bathing suit, sweaty gym clothes, or muddy uniforms? They you need something that's going to block out liquids and be stain resistant.

2. Pet Lover: Is man's best friend always riding shotgun, or at least being toted along with the family? Then you need something thick, tough and cheap to stand up to pet hair, sharp nails and heavy loads.

3. The Commuter: Is your daily driver only used for commuting to and from work? Then you probably need something that's going to offer maximum comfort and UV protection.

4. The Hunter-Gatherer: Do you often find yourself out the woods getting muddy? Do you sometimes bring something home with you to eat for dinner? Dead deer, moose, pheasant, firewood, mud, dirt... you name it, the woods got it. Well then you need a seat cover that is both tough and ruggedly stylish.

Reader Poll

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Seat Covers for the Active Person

If you've got an active lifestyle, then you need something that's going to offer your seats a solid amount of protection from the elements. Waterproof, stain resistant and machine washable are the minimum requirements. If this is the case, I would recommend a good set of neoprene seat covers. Wet Okole is the #1 name in the neoprene seat covers game, but there are several other brands you can look at; Coverking, CalTrend, Saddleman and Rampage.

Where to Buy: Neoprene Seat Covers at AutoAnything

Another option is leather seat covers; these are often more expensive than neoprene covers, but can also be more aesthetically pleasing. Leather seat covers are a great choice for active people, but if your pets travel with you, stick to a fabric-based seat cover.

Where to Buy: Leather Seat Covers at AutoAnything

Dog Seat Covers

Lets face it; Fido is a great companion, but his balance in a moving vehicle leaves a little be desired. Not to mention how excited they get when you roll down the window. If your dog... or cat... travels with you, then you need a durable seat cover that's going to stand up to the weight of his paws and slober. Not to mention any accidents that might occur out on the open road.

For this, canvas is an ideal fabric choice. It's super tough, scratch-proof and tear resistant. Most pet seat covers are not tailored to fit, rather, they are more like a throw cover with some velcro fasteners. This makes them easy to put on your seats and remove for when they need a wash.

Another option is to get a dog car seat hammock. It's basically a piece of foam that is suspended from the head rests of your front and back seats... very helpful for when you hit the brakes and your pup slides forward, since the hammock will keep your dog from falling to the floor.

Where to Buy: Dog seat covers at AutoAnything

Seat Covers for the Daily Commuter

Are you the kind of person who thinks flying is the only way to travel? Personally, I also like boats, but I know where you're coming from. Traffic sucks and to go anywhere good takes forever. But you know your car seats are taking a beating from sitting under the sun all day, so why not protect them and get a cushy ride all at the same time?

Enter sheepskin seat covers. They the creme-de-la-creme of seat covers; custom tailored, plush and super comfy. They keep you cool when it's hot outside and warm when it's cold outside. Available in a range of colors, you'll be sure to find one that matches your vehicle nicely.
Where to Buy: Sheepskin Seat Covers at AutoAnything

Another option is leather seat covers. They can spruce up your interior and give your ride a more luxurious feel.
Where to Buy: Leather Seat Covers at AutoAnything

Do you remember wearing a velour jumpsuit in the late '80s? Well some crafty people remembered that slinky feeling and took seat covers to the next level; velour. Yes, you too can enjoy the feel of velour without wearing that fashion faux pas 24/7.
Where to Buy: Velour Seat Covers at AutoAnything

Seat covers for the Woodsman

Hunting, fishing, lumber... man stuff.

Camo Seat CoversIf you're planning a big hunting trip up to the Wild Moose Lodge, you'll need a set of seat covers that can take your abuse and fit the part. You've to three good options for this: canvas, saddleblanket and camo.

Canvas seat covers are the no-frills options. They come in either a semi-custom or universal fit, which means they simply cover up your interior and protect it from whatever your body might drag in. And since they're made of canvas, you know they're tough.
Where to Buy: Canvas seat covers at AutoAnything

Saddle blanket seat covers give a rustic, old-western look to any interior. The saddle blanket material makes you feel like your ready to heard cattle, while custom fit will make everyone think your truck came from the factory dressed this way. Most saddle blanket seat covers come treated to fight off stains and moisture, so they should be able to stand up to your personal code of hygiene... where ever that may be.
Where to Buy: Saddle blanket seat covers at AutoAnything

Camo seat covers are ideal for the hunter. A tight fit means they'll look good in any truck, and some even come in a neoprene fabric, which means they're waterproof and comfortable. Real Tree, Mossy Oak and more camouflage patterns are available.

Where to Buy: Camo seat covers at AutoAnything

Reader Feedback

by

80-Feet-Under

Put me in the ocean or in front of a grill and I'm a happy camper. Combine the two, call it heaven.

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!