Leather vs. cloth interior has been a topic for debates for as long as vehicles have existed. If you’re not convinced, just search online and you will find tonnes of online forums discussing the subject. If you haven’t decided which material to choose for your brand new or used car interior, then let us enlighten you.
In this article, we will show you the disadvantages and advantages of leather and cloth for your car’s interior. In this way, you can choose which one suits your lifestyle, taste, and budget.
The Pros and Cons of Leather Car Interiors
In general, when it comes to car interiors, leather is considered more luxurious and stylish than cloth. In some ways, leather car seats become a status symbol. On the other hand, some cloth car seats look drab and plain, lacking the aesthetic appeal of sleek leather. If you’re planning to make an impression whenever people see your car’s interior, then leather is definitely the better option.
When it comes to maintenance, cleaning leather seats are quite easy. They are also thick enough to keep the spillages from staining. On the other hand, cloth seats are porous, and they can soak up beverages and dyes. This is especially true for polyester and nylon fabrics. You won’t be able to get rid of them by vacuuming alone. When you’re choosing the leather material, choose top-grain instead of semi-aniline and brushed options. It is easier to wipe away even the toughest stains off top-grain leather.
It is also worth noting that JDM cars with leather tend effectively retain its resale value. This is a good thing to consider if you are contemplating about selling your car in the future. Moreover, leather upholstery reduces allergens in your car. So, there would be less sneezing inside the vehicle.
You have to remember that in general, leather interior is more expensive. Of course, you can opt for faux leather if you want a cheaper option. The material looks like vinyl. While it does not possess the same qualities as genuine leather, it still has fewer pores that would collect dirt, unlike polyester and nylon.
The most common types of leather for car interior are Nappa, perforated leather, and Oxford.
The Pros and Cons of Cloth Car Interiors
When you are on a tight budget, cloth would be the better option for your car’s interior. For instance, if you buy a Chevrolet Traverse, you will approximately pay an additional $1,750 to get leather-upholstered seats. In general, you will pay over a thousand dollars just to switch to the leather interior.
Cloth seats are also advantageous in areas with hot climates. It is worth noting that leather tends to absorb a lot of heat. So, they can be too hot to sit on. Otherwise, you would have to let the AC run for a few minutes before you can enter your car and sit on your leather seats. For this reason, many people living in tropical climates prefer cloth over leather. Cloth tends to be resistant to temperature changes.
The same is true during winters. Compared to leather, cloth does a better job of keeping your seats warm. Of course, you can opt to have pre-installed heating with your leather seats. On the other hand, this will be an additional expense for you. Generally, cloth upholstery is more comfortable and softer to sit on.
On the other hand, cloth seats require more maintenance than leather upholstery. As we’ve mentioned, they are more susceptible to staining. So, you have to be very careful when bringing liquids inside your car. Also, you have to deal with spillages immediately to avoid staining.
So, have you decided which material is best for your used car interior? Well, contact Carused.jp now so we can help you choose the right vehicle for you!
