Is it necessary to upgrade from fabric seats to leather seats in a car?
Whether or not upgrading to leather seats, which are commonly used in mainstream cars, is a question many people are interested in.
Fabric seats are currently a popular choice for most mainstream car models because they are much cheaper than genuine leather or leather upholstery. In addition, fabric car seat upholstery has a lifespan comparable to, or even longer than, some cheaper types of leather.
Furthermore, felt materials come in a wide variety of types, from ordinary fabric to high-quality felt with water-resistant properties.
Advantages of fabric-covered chairs
Fabric-covered seats absorb less heat than leather seats. Therefore, when parked in the sun, the fabric surface does not cause burns to the occupants. Fabric seats also do not shrink or crack after prolonged use.
On cold days, fabric seats provide more warmth than leather seats. In particular, when the humidity is high, fabric seats don't feel sticky or damp like leather seats do.
One notable advantage of fabric-upholstered chairs is that the replacement and repair costs are cheaper than leather-upholstered chairs.
Disadvantages of fabric-covered chairs
Fabric seats tend to get dirty faster than leather seats, especially in the seams where the pieces are joined. Therefore, users need to clean fabric seats more frequently.
Furthermore, if fabric chairs are accidentally stained with liquids like tea or coffee, they are very difficult to clean. Leather chairs, on the other hand, can be cleaned simply by wiping them with a damp cloth.
Should you upgrade to leather seats?
In reality, upgrading to leather seats depends on the user's needs and preferences. If the car is used for personal and family purposes, upgrading to leather seats isn't necessarily required. After a while, the chemical smell from fabric seats will dissipate. Furthermore, since it's only used for family purposes, cleaning and deodorizing don't need to be as frequent as with a car used for commercial services.
The cost of upgrading to high-quality leather seats is approximately 7-8 million VND or more. Good quality leather provides a luxurious look and is resistant to dust and odors.
Meanwhile, faux leather upholstery is cheaper but less durable, peels easily, and retains odors.
