When you hear the words "leather interior," you automatically think of the inside of a car. Many cars come with at least some leather on the inside, and it is usually considered a luxury item.
Significance
Leather on the inside of a car is a statement of sorts. It is considered a luxury item and does not come standard in many vehicles. It is, however, only standard in luxury cars. If you want to have it is a more basic car, you will have to pay a price.
Function
The main purpose of leather interiors is to cover the inside of a car with a higher quality covering that is resistant to stains and lasts longer over time.
Prevention/Solution
Wipe the leather down regularly with a cloth to keep it free of dust and other debris. Use a leather cleaner once every few months to keep your seats clean. Follow with a leather conditioner to hold in moisture. Leather that is not kept hydrated can dry out and crack.
If you come across a person from an older generation, they will swear that all you need is Vaseline and a dry towel to keep the moisture in. While this in not necessarily recommended by manufactures, it has not been shown to hurt the leather. Of course, it should not be used on a suede type material.
Benefits
There are a few different benefits to having leather interior. Spills are easier to clean due to the fact that the leather does not absorb liquid. It lasts for many years because of the thickness of the material. Also, if you have leather on your dash or the inside of your car doors, it is less likely to crack from heat exposure as compared to the plastic interiors that usually are installed in those locations.
Considerations
Even though leather seats set a certain tone with a car and most would consider them the better material for the inside of a car, they are an added cost that does not have to be spent. This money could go into a better quality car, added safety features, or used for the overall maintenance of the car.
In general, leather seats cost anywhere from $1500 to $2500 dollars, depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the car being purchased. Generally speaking, the more expensive the car, the more expensive the options are that can be included. The prices stated above are just a ballpark example and are not standard.
From a comfort perspective, leather seats are not always comfortable. Leather requires time to break in and can be rather stiff for some time. You can purchase leather softeners that will speed up the process of making the seats softer, but this is another added expense and will take up time that you may not be able to give.
Tags: leather seats, considered luxury, considered luxury item, leather interior, luxury item, more expensive
