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Seat covers over leather seats...

gsyoung

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I just got a 2020 JLU with leather seats. I usually install seat covers to protect the seats... but I've heard that you "should not" install seat covers over leather seats Anyone else hear of that as well?
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melendez69

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I've heard bacon is bad for you... but I'm still gonna eat it.

Out of curiosity... what was the reason against covering leather seats? I have the "leather" as well, but I cover them with Bartacts.
 

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I suspect the concern would be the seat covers could potentially cause scuffing or some other issue.

I got cheap seats since I knew I'd put the Bartacts on right away.
 
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gsyoung

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I suspect the concern would be the seat covers could potentially cause scuffing or some other issue.

I got cheap seats since I knew I'd put the Bartacts on right away.
Yes, that's one of the reasons I've heard, and also someone noted that leather can dry out and crack over time with some seat covers. I've also seen some seat cover manufactures have options asking if your seats are leather/fabric... assuming that maybe the size vaies slightly, or maybe a different interior skin... not sure. I've always had cloth seats, and then cover them as well... never thought anything about concerns with covering leather seats until seeing these comments on some of the websites. FYI, I've never tried Bartacts... looks like a pretty solid seat cover.
 

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The main concern is breathability. Leather will prematurely dry out and start cracking if a waterproof seat cover is used. Also,if the cover backing is at all abrasive, it can be damaging to the finish of the leather.

You'll be fine as long as you use a non waterproof, soft-backed set of covers.
 

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I've had plenty of vehicles with leather seats and the reason I like leather is because I don't need covers. It's super easy to clean and other than an annual wipe down with some leather cleaning/protecting product, I don't do anything to them. And they look great for the life of the vehicle.

At least that has been my experience.
 

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From the Owners Manual:

Leather Parts

Mopar Total Clean is specifically recommended
for leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved
by regular cleaning with a damp soft cloth.
Small particles of dirt can act as an abrasive
and damage the leather upholstery and should
be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft
cloth and Mopar Total Clean. Care should be
taken to avoid soaking your leather upholstery
with any liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils,
cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or
ammonia-based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner
is not required to maintain the original
condition.

NOTE:
If equipped with light colored leather, it tends to
show any foreign material, dirt, and fabric dye
transfer more so than darker colors. The leather
is designed for easy cleaning, and FCA recommends
Mopar total care leather cleaner applied
on a cloth to clean the leather seats as needed.

No real reason to cover them up in my opinion, unless you have pets that travel with you or are placing abrasive items on them.
 
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gsyoung

gsyoung

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I've had plenty of vehicles with leather seats and the reason I like leather is because I don't need covers. It's super easy to clean and other than an annual wipe down with some leather cleaning/protecting product, I don't do anything to them. And they look great for the life of the vehicle.

At least that has been my experience.
Good advice... thanks folks. Think I'll give it a try without a seat covers and just use towels for those extra muddy occasions like when i have my dogs in the car.
 

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I just got a 2020 JLU with leather seats. I usually install seat covers to protect the seats... but I've heard that you "should not" install seat covers over leather seats Anyone else hear of that as well?
I buy leather because I want to sit on leather. If you like seat covers, save your money on the leather interior and buy cloth. Just sayin...
 

roaniecowpony

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Cover them. The first buyer of leather seats should preserve them for the second owner to enjoy. That $1k option will redeem $500 when you sell it. Consider it an investment. Enjoy the real pleasure of some $200 seat covers.
 

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Hitdog540

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Cover them. The first buyer of leather seats should preserve them for the second owner to enjoy. That $1k option will redeem $500 when you sell it. Consider it an investment. Enjoy the real pleasure of some $200 seat covers.
SMH...I take care of my car because that's what I do...I don't buy cars worrying about buyer
#2. They'll still be getting a great car. Why get leather with that logic!!!
 

melendez69

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I cover mainly in the summer months when I go topless/doorless. Last year, I once parked under a hot South Carolina sun and my lady burned her legs & back on the seat.
 

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I've heard bacon is bad for you... but I'm still gonna eat it.

Out of curiosity... what was the reason against covering leather seats? I have the "leather" as well, but I cover them with Bartacts.
Marc i want to take a look at your Bartacts some time. They are on my wish list.
 
 



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