Car seats can be divided into separate seats and long seats according to their shape; according to their function, they can be divided into fixed, removable, and adjustable seats; according to the number of passengers, they can be divided into single, double, and multi-person seats. Based on seat performance, from the earliest fixed seats, they have evolved into multifunctional power-adjustable seats, including air cushion seats, electric seats, stereo seats, and relaxation seats, up to electronic adjustment seats. According to the material, they are divided into genuine leather seats and velvet seats, etc. There are also seats for special users, such as child seats and racing seats.

Genuine Leather Seats

China's automobile industry has developed rapidly in recent years and will continue to develop steadily in the future, creating a huge demand for seats. Therefore, the passenger car seat industry still has enormous development potential.

Two Major Advantages

1. Easy to clean. Compared to fabric-covered seats, dust only falls on the surface of leather seats and does not penetrate deep into the seat. Therefore, a simple wipe with a cloth is sufficient for cleaning. For velvet seats, seat cushions need to be purchased, otherwise, once stained, dirt may seep into the seat.

2. Better heat dissipation. Although genuine leather also absorbs heat, its heat dissipation performance is better.

Two Disadvantages

1. Susceptible to surface damage. Sharp objects are the nemesis of leather, so leather seats need more careful care.

Genuine Leather Seats vs. Velvet Seats

Genuine Leather Seats vs. Velvet Seats

2. Slippery feel. Drivers might use seat belts or add seat cushions to address this issue. In fact, many Manufacturers have addressed this by creating wrinkles on the leather surface to increase the friction coefficient.

I. Leather Quality

Yellow cattle leather, often referred to as A-grade leather, is the most common material used in car leather seats. It has a fine surface, soft texture, virtually invisible pores, and is strong and durable, resulting in aesthetically pleasing seats.

Water buffalo leather, also known as B-grade leather, is stronger and more durable than yellow cattle leather. However, it is less soft, has a rough texture, and has clearly visible pores. Seats made from this leather are less aesthetically appealing compared to yellow cattle leather.

Besides the above two types of leather, a type C leather, which is the second layer of yellow cattle and water buffalo leather, is also often found on the market.

Compared to A-grade and B-grade leather, C-grade leather is significantly inferior in quality, appearance, Price, and lifespan. Therefore, it is not recommended that customers use B-grade or lower leather for seats.

Under normal circumstances, seats made from A-grade and B-grade leather can generally last for 5 to 8 years. This means that even if the car is scrapped or replaced, the leather seats will remain in good condition.

The advantage of C-grade leather is its low Price, but its short lifespan makes it an undesirable choice for customers.

Regardless of the leather quality, proper care is crucial. Without proper daily maintenance, the lifespan may only be 1-2 years. It is recommended to maintain the seats once a month and clean them every three months for lasting use.

Just like leather shoes need regular polishing, genuine leather seats require leather conditioner (an oily agent). This adds a protective layer, keeping the leather supple and shiny and preventing dryness and peeling. This can be done by a car detailing shop or by the car owner.

II. Identifying Genuine Leather

Look: Good leather has a smooth surface, fine texture, bright color, and tiny pores.

Touch: This is the most effective method. Good leather feels soft, smooth, and elastic. If the surface has many grains, feels hard, or sticky, it is inferior.

Burn: Although synthetic leather is also leather, it contains some glue-like chemicals during processing. Burning it will leave some charred residue, unlike genuine leather.

Wipe: Rub a damp, fine gauze cloth back and forth on the leather surface nine times. If discoloration occurs, it indicates poor quality.

Pull: Pull the leather apart with both hands. If cracks appear or a light white underlayer is exposed, it indicates poor elasticity and dyeing process.

III. Cleaning and Maintenance

Simple Leather Care Methods

1. Keep car leather seats at least two feet away from heat sources; proximity to heat sources can cause leather cracking.

2. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.

3. Regularly clean and maintain, using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust weekly.

4. Do not use a hairdryer to quickly dry the leather; allow it to air dry naturally.

Genuine Leather Seat Maintenance Methods

Mid-to-high-end cars often have genuine leather seats, and many drivers install leather seats themselves for comfort, luxury, and durability. Genuine leather is a natural material and requires careful maintenance. After washing, dry it with a cotton tissue. In addition to avoiding scratches from sharp objects, daily maintenance also includes dust and sun protection. Dust penetrates everywhere, absorbing the natural oils in the leather, leaving it dry and brittle. Intense sunlight ages human skin, and this applies to leather seats as well. Therefore, genuine leather seat maintenance should include the following:

1. Keep car leather seats at least two feet away from heat sources; proximity to heat sources can cause leather cracking;

2. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading, especially for convertible car owners. Don't sacrifice your leather for a temporary stylish look.

3. Regularly clean and maintain, using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust weekly;

4. After cleaning, do not use a hair dryer to quickly dry the leather. Use blotting paper or a soft towel to dry it to avoid scratching the genuine leather. You can also air dry it in a cool and ventilated place.

5. Avoid using chemical cleaning agents. Also, use so-called leather protectants sparingly, as they can create dependency in the genuine leather; if you stop using them, the leather will become dull.

6. Mid-to-high-end cars often have genuine leather seats. Chemical cleaning agents should not be sprayed on them casually. A mildly alkaline cleaning agent should be selected, such as soapy water. Soak a clean, soft towel in warm water, apply a moderate amount of soap evenly to the towel, and then gently wipe the seats. After wiping with soap, air dry it, and then wipe it twice with a clean, soap-free damp towel. This method is also suitable for the plastic parts of the interior door trim and dashboard. The reason is that soap has strong cleaning properties, is non-irritating to human skin, and is more practical for genuine leather. After cleaning, do not use a hair dryer to quickly dry the leather; use blotting paper or a soft towel to dry it, avoiding scratching the genuine leather, or you can air dry it in a cool and ventilated place.

7. The biggest enemies of genuine leather are knives, scissors, hard objects, and high temperatures. Be careful of sharp objects that may tear the genuine leather. To extend its lifespan, avoid sun exposure and ideally, do not exceed 60℃. Therefore, for cars with genuine leather seats, it is best to apply a sunshade film (to prevent ultraviolet and infrared radiation). When parking, try to choose a shady spot and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause the leather to harden, crack, and fade.