Your car or truck is built to take use and abuse, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect it. If you care about its appearance, longevity, and resale value, you’ll take precautions to protect it inside and out.
Since each season makes keeping your car in good shape a challenge, there are things you can do to protect your car during any season.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Summer Tips
Summer car maintenance doesn’t have to be hard. Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking a hose to the undercarriage of your car to remove salt residue from winter driving or shaking out the floor mats. Here are some ways to get your car ready for summer fun:
- Deep cleaning to remove winter grime
Winter, especially in the northern climates, can coat your vehicle with mud, road salt, and slush. At the end of winter, take a few minutes to remove the dirt and residue to keep your paint from fading and rust from forming. Inside, thoroughly vacuum the carpets and the seat cushions, and wipe down all of the surfaces with the recommended cleaner for your interior surfaces.
- Using sunshades to protect from UV damage
During the summer, you will want to install a sunshade to protect your interior from UV damage, as well as keep the sun from cracking your dash and fading the trim. It will also help protect the car seats from heat. Another benefit of a sunshade is that it will reduce the temperature in your vehicle, which makes it nicer to get into after a day in the sun. This is one of the easiest car interior accessories for summer to install.
- Installing seat covers to prevent sweat and heat damage
Other car interior accessories for summer include seat covers. When the temperatures are extreme, the interior is not only hot, but the seats can be unbearable to sit on, especially if you’re wearing shorts and have leather seats. A set of seasonal car seat covers will not only protect the leather from sun damage but will protect your skin from hot surfaces. Some of the best car seat covers for summer include materials like mesh or perforated leather. You want breathable seat covers for summer that will stop heat buildup in the car.
- Regularly checking and cleaning air conditioning vents
Whether it’s a short trip or a long one, the AC can send dust and debris into the air of the cabin. Not only should you check the vents for dirt and dust, but replace the cabin air filter regularly. You’ll keep the interior fresh and cut down on allergens that can cause sneezing and coughing.
- Keeping the interior cool with window tints
Window tint is another good way to lower the temperature in your vehicle’s interior. If you live in a sunny climate, it makes sense to add this to your windows regardless of the season. Tint will help protect your upholstery and dash from fading and protect car seats from heat.
Winter Tips
Doing winter car maintenance is extremely important and can take more time than summer due to the harsh weather conditions. Here's a few tips to get your work truck, daily driver, or family commuter winter ready:
- Inspect and clean your car’s interior thoroughly before the first snow
Before winter even arrives, it’s time to give your car’s interior an inspection and thorough cleaning. Vacuum the floors, clean the seats, and wipe down all of the surfaces. Since winter brings the addition of mud and other debris, it’s best to start the season with a clean car.
- Protecting your car seats from salt, snow, and moisture
If you didn’t add seat covers to your interior in the summer, you’ll want to add them for the winter to protect car seats from snow. A set of waterproof seat covers for winter will keep snow and rain from seeping into the seats and causing mold or mildew. Some of the best car seat covers for winter are made of leather, sheepskin, or neoprene. All covers will protect car seats from snow.
- Using all-weather floor mats to prevent damage from snow and mud
There are many car interior accessories for winter, but nothing protects your carpet like all-weather floor mats. All-weather mats are built to withstand muddy boots, rocks and salt from road treatments, and water. They’re easy to clean, too.
- Keeping de-icing supplies handy
Even if you live in a warmer climate, keep a windshield scraper, small broom, or de-icing spray in your car during the winter. Even a large piece of cardboard to place over your windshield can keep snow and ice from piling up at night. These tools will keep your windows and mirrors clear during the winter.
- Regularly checking and cleaning heater vents
Like the vents in the summer, the vents need cleaning during the winter. Don’t forget to check your cabin filter, as well. Poor circulation in your vehicle can cause headaches, runny nose, sneezing, and other allergic reactions to dust and dirt.
Best Materials for Different Weather Conditions
Seasonal car seat covers are made for specific seasons, so when shopping for seat covers keep the following in mind:
Summer Materials
- Breathability of mesh and fabric seat covers
Mesh and fabric are the best choices for summer months since they create breathable seat covers for summer. These types of materials allow air to circulate, which creates a cooler seat with less sweating, which is great for long-distance driving. These make some of the best car seat covers for summer.
- Heat-resistant properties of leather and faux leather
There are natural heat-resistant properties to leather and faux leather that give seat covers in these materials the ability to withstand higher temperatures while keeping them from deteriorating.
- Benefits of light-colored materials to reflect heat
Light-colored materials like white, light gray, and even beige are cooler than dark materials since they reflect the sun rather than absorb it. This helps keep your interior cooler, which makes driving during the summer months more comfortable.
Winter Materials
- Benefits of heavy-duty, waterproof materials like neoprene
Neoprene keeps seats protected from snow, ice, and moisture, which prevents staining and mold. Neoprene is durable and stands up to excessive wear and tear that comes with winter driving. You’ll like how these waterproof seat covers for winter protect your original seats.
- Insulating properties of sheepskin seat covers
Sheepskin is known for its excellent insulation, making it a popular material for staying warm. Just like wool sweaters, which are loved for their ability to retain heat, sheepskin seat covers provide comfort and coziness, especially in cold weather. These covers are a great choice for keeping your car seats warm during winter. You'll enjoy the plush, natural insulation they offer, ensuring a comfortable ride no matter how chilly it gets outside.
- Durability of leather and faux leather in cold conditions
Since leather and faux leather do not absorb moisture, these seat covers are ideal during the winter when there is plenty of snow and ice. Be sure to follow the cleaning instructions to ensure longevity.
Comfort and Style
Winter Accessories
Until you’ve enjoyed the luxury of a heated seat in the coldest winter, you cannot appreciate how much warmth they add to you and your car’s interior. They make winter driving more bearable and seat covers can be compatible with heated seats.
- Steering wheel covers to protect hands from cold
If you don’t have a heated steering wheel in your vehicle, you can get the next best thing with a sheepskin steering wheel cover. It’s one of the best car interior accessories for winter and the easiest to install. Fabric or leather steering wheel covers will not only help your cold hands warm up, they protect your steering wheel from wear and tear.
- Cozy, stylish interior accessories like seat cushions and blankets
You should include a blanket in your winter driving kit in case of emergencies. Not only will a blanket spruce up your interior appearance, but it can also be lifesaving. Consider seat cushions for more comfort. Add blankets to your winter car maintenance list.
Summer Accessories
- Cooling seat covers for a comfortable ride
Cooling seat covers keep your backside cool, as well as stop the seats from heating up during the summer, which is beneficial if your car has been parked in the sun for any length of time. Perforated seat covers are made to keep to help keep you cool, as are mesh seat covers.
- Steering wheel covers to protect from heat
Like using a steering wheel cover during the winter to warm your hands, a cover can also protect your hands from hot plastic or resin in the original steering wheel. Fabric covers won’t heat up as much, and they will cushion your hands while you drive.
- Stylish interior accessories like seat cushions and organizers to keep things tidy
A clean car is a safer car. When everything is in its place, there is less chance you’ll spill a drink or knock over your cargo. Organizers help you manage the clutter, and they increase your resale value by protecting your floors, carpets, and seats from spills.
Photo by Juha Lakaniemi on Unsplash
Conclusion
Getting your car ready for different seasons is essential for giving you a vehicle that is comfortable and safe during any driving condition. Protections like this help maintain the value, too.
ShearComfort has one of the largest selections of custom and universal seat covers online, and they guarantee the fit of your custom seat covers. They also provide a warranty against defects related to workmanship and materials, so you can be confident you’re purchasing a quality seat cover.
Be sure to check out all of the seat covers and car accessories at ShearComfort as you prepare to do your seasonal car maintenance. In addition to protecting your vehicle, seat covers are stylish and practical. Shop for your new seat covers today.
