Leather Seat Maintenance
I will be taking delivery on a 1999 Windstar SEL
in a few weeks. I have never had leather seats
before. How should I maintain them? I hope to have
this car for many years.
in a few weeks. I have never had leather seats
before. How should I maintain them? I hope to have
this car for many years.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
1. Keep combs and big wallets out of your back pocket.
2. Treat the leather every 4-6 months with a product called HIDE FOOD, made by the Connolly leather company...this is a cream that you work into the leather and is better than the liquids.
3. Don't ever let a dog on the seats or they'll be history in a week. (cover the seats)
that's really about all you can do with modern leathers, they really don't endure as well as the old days, but if you take good care, the seats should remain attractive for 5-7 years, maybe longer if you're really diligent.
no power seat for passenger
no light under the hood
American leathers dress very nicely but they don't seem to be the best...Scandanavian also looks good (no barbed wire!)but again, not so durable...just look at any 10 year old Volvo or Saab. I'd say the English still have the nicest grades and best finishing techniques...that's why I recommended HIDE FOOD, since Connolly Leather knows what it's doing.
Actually, modern leathers in general are heavily treated with fire-retardent and sometimes sprayed coatings and stains and really don't have the feel and texture of the fine leathers of old...of course, modern drivers might not like the way natural leather wears (soft wrinkles) and stains (one cup of coffee and your old 1930s leather is brown forever). Personally, I love natural leather---it doesn't always "look" so tidy, but has wonderful durability. I've seen leather seats over 50 years old that still look wonderful, in that old wrinkled darkening kind of way...soft as soft can be, and no rips...Moroccan is like that.
I also noticed some other cars either in the parking lots or the so-called pre-owned certified cars at the dealers that the leather has a very shiny look to it. Does it mean that the owners of these cars didn't take good care of their leather and they all turned shiny eventually ?
Right now the leather of my car doesn't have that shiny look and I'd like to keep it that way if all possible. Thanks.
I don't see any reason why a Lexus interior couldn't go ten years with good care...but you have to be realistic...the leather in a car used sparingly by one person is going to last a lot longer than one used as an airport limo.
Quality of stitching is important, too...
I thing the important thing is to keep the leather from drying out...once it's dry, it's toast, and it'll start to break down rapidly.
Seems to me, and I'm speculating a bit here, is that these days with all the artificial coatings on leather, that a certain compromise has been reached...in exchange for natural suppleness and breathability, these 'treated' leathers give you a certain time span no matter what you do...I don't think they respond as well to conditioners like in the old days. But every little bit of care helps, as does protection from direct sun and water.
Do you know where I can find HIDEFOOD and the cost of it?
Thanks!
As for products, I have recently read many accolades for a range of products from a company called, "Leatherique" which is sold only mail-order (I think). Anyhows, after seeing so many positive remarks, I ordered the stuff and it just arrived today. Unfortunately, it'll probably be at least a week or so before I get a chance to try it. I'll try to remember to post my results.
When did you notice any problem with your 1990 LS400 ? Where kind of problem did you see: the leather cracked, faded, turned color etc... Btw, did you apply moisturizer on a regular basis ?
Yes, you want to be careful how you clean leather...check in with your shoe store and ask them what they use on $300 Italian shoes...since modern leathers are often color-dyed, you need to be careful about what you use and how hard you scrub...I've used different products that are called leather cleaners and they seem alright...I just don't like the results of those runny liquid conditioners...prefer the creams.....
Mr. Shiftright... you just live in a good area. :-) It's not sold around here in my part of TX, and no auto place has it. Oh well, on to try search engine Altavista.
mr. Shiftright
<<A HREF="http://[email protected].">[email protected]>
The wear was in the form of worn lines along creases which formed in the driver seat. The other seats looked very good. The deterioration became most apparent, I seem to recall, somewhere around 70-80k miles.
Aurora with Leather owner.
Best thing you can do is treat it at least 4 times a year with a good, rich conditioner...especially in areas near the back window,(sun damage) and where the driver's seat is contacted on the side facing the driver's door.
I've tried Pep Boys, Kragun and Orchard Supply Hardware. Do you know who sells it in Nor Cal?
Thanks
gizen
I have been using 'Lexol' for years on all my leather goods (Car seats, shoes, belts, jackets etc.) and I have found it to be simply wonderful.
Apply it with your bare hands and work it in well.
It really does nourish the leather. Try it for yourself.
Help, Help - I have had to buy all new furniture for the living room. NOW all the leather is in the basement. I would like to fix this.
Any suggestions ---- Thanks
Try methanol, wood or denatured not isopropyl/rubbing. If you find something better, let me know pls. I'm having the car detailed next week and will see that they can do.
I have a '97 Integra with stock leather seats. My question is: Does anybody own a similar car/similar leather seats and how do you take care of the seats? Any special maintenance stuff that you put in?
Thanks,
Wiju