Are you someone who spends a lot of time in your car? Long drives, regular doses of caffeine on the go, and longer hours in traffic make it difficult to check your car’s interior. Before you know it, your car seats are beyond all the DIY cleaning hacks. There is no other way but to redo your car seats. So, how much does it cost to reupholster your car seats? What different coverings can you opt for to keep them new for a longer time? We’ve got you covered.
How Do I Reupholster My Car Seats?
If you love your car, it is obvious that you might have tried all possible cleaning hacks before giving up. You can certainly get it right before it is too late. However, not cleaning your seats can ruin your car’s interiors and pose a risk to your health.
Reupholstering car seats is a possible solution to revamp the deteriorating interior of your car. However, once you are moving forward with reupholstering your car seat, you need to decide if you want to remove your current upholstery or work on it by adding foam and batting to the impaired areas, and do spring repair.
Steps to reupholster car seats
- Removal of original upholstery.
- Replacing missing or torn foam.
- Batting replacement.
- Repairing broken springs.
- Adding the fabric of your choice, leather or vinyl, to the seats.
- Using hog rings to fix the new upholstery to avoid shifting.
How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster Car Seat?
Disfigured seats, ripped cushions, and missing foam will force you to redo your car seats. Reupholstering car seats is certainly a labor-intensive process. As a result, you will pay for the fabric, foam, and batting in addition to the labor costs.
Meanwhile, the cost to reupholster your car will depend on the car’s make and model, the extent of the damage to the car seat, and the fabric chosen to replace the cover.
However, the average cost to reupholster your car is $2500. In other words, it costs between $250 and $750 per seat if you are redoing it. In case you are redoing two bucket seats and a back bench seat, it will cost you about $500-$2,000. Leather seats can be a costlier option, costing up to $10,000.
Again, shopping around for quotes from dealers can help you find the best one that suits your budget and needs.
Can I Reupholster Car Seats Myself?
It is possible to reupholster your car’s seats yourself. However, it’s better to avoid attempting if you do not have the necessary expertise in stitching and the patience to deal with the fabric, cutting it, and the mess that might entail if you are not a pro.
However, if you have the right tools, a sewing machine, and the time to work on it, you can certainly save money. If not, it is wise to seek professional assistance.
What Are the Things to Avoid While Reupholstering Car Seats?
It is advisable to maintain your car’s interior so as to retain its value. In addition, it can save you from the out-of-pocket expense of reupholstering your car. However, if you are to redo your car seats, then you need to keep these things in mind.
- Do not use glue to adhere leather to foam. Leather can stretch, and glue can cause wrinkles.
- Take accurate measurements of the seat with a piece of spare fabric while it is still attached to it.
- Make sure you use car upholstery-specific thread.
- Conditioning a leather cover will prevent cracking and drying. If you use cloth fabric, ensure to use a fabric protector.
Once you have it ready, maintaining it is important. Avoid smoking and exposure to sunlight, in addition to regular cleaning and immediate removal of stains. Seat covers are also a cheaper alternative to cleaning car seats.
Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.
