An important aspect of car ownership in Nigeria is the choice of car seat materials, particularly leather.
This is because the quality of your car seat can significantly impact your driving experience.
In Nigeria where we face extreme hot and cold seasons, making an informed decision becomes even more critical.
Doing otherwise would mean spending money every other day to replace your car seats.
But the truth is that the leather world can be so broad, you could get lost in it. It doesn’t help that most times, the only choice you have as a buyer is to bank on the assurances of a supplier.
We know how that ends. Not pleasant, usually.
The good news is you don’t have to face that anymore. In this comprehensive guide, we show you how to know the best car seat in the country.
We have included factors you should consider when selecting car seat leather materials in Nigeria.
So read on to find out tips and secrets on identifying the best car seat leather materials in Nigeria.
Understand the Nigerian Climate
We have a tropical climate with varying temperatures and humidity levels. This makes it essential to choose car seat materials that can withstand the rigours of these conditions. Leather materials that are resistant to fading, cracking, and discolouration under the harsh sun are preferable. This is what you should be looking out for when trying to identify the best leather for car seats in Nigeria.
Quality of Leather
We have been shouting to the rooftop: WHEN IT COMES TO LEATHER, ALL MATERIALS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL.
In Nigeria, you will encounter various types of leather, each with its unique characteristics.
Full-grain leather, for instance, is known for its durability and natural appearance, while top-grain leather offers a balance between quality and affordability.
Understanding the distinctions will help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and budget. We will explore these different materials in a minute.
Also Read: A Guide to Choosing the Right Leather for Car Seat Upholstery in Nigeria
Finishing and Coating
The finishing and coating applied to leather greatly influence its longevity and resistance to wear and tear. Look for car seat materials with protective coatings that guard against spills, stains, and UV rays. A well-coated leather not only ensures a sleek appearance but also prolongs the lifespan of your car seats. So, if the finishing and coating are tacky – avoid them.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Your car seat is not just a visual element; it’s where you’ll spend a significant amount of time. Comfort is paramount. Opt for leather materials that offer a good balance between support and suppleness. Perforated leather, for instance, enhances breathability, a crucial factor in a tropical climate like Nigeria’s.
Maintenance and Cleaning
In a country with a diverse range of environmental conditions, ease of maintenance is crucial. Choose leather materials that are easy to clean and maintain. Consider how well the material repels dirt and stains to ensure that your car seats remain in top condition for years to come.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Research and ask questions concerning the reputation of the brand providing the leather materials. This is one quick way to rest your mind about the quality of your car seat leather. Online reviews and testimonials from fellow drivers can offer valuable insights into the real-world performance and satisfaction of the product.
Tips for Identifying the Best Leather Material for Your Car
Texture and Grain:
Examine the surface for a consistent texture. High-quality leather will have a natural grain pattern, and you should be able to feel the texture.
Additionally, you need to watch out for artificial patterns or overly uniform textures. This may indicate low-quality leather or heavy processing.
Smell
Real leather has a distinct, natural smell. It should not have a strong chemical odour, which could be a sign of synthetic materials or excessive processing.
Softness and Suppleness
Good leather should feel soft and supple to the touch. It should not be excessively stiff or rigid. This contributes to a comfortable seating experience.
Thickness
Look out for the thickness too. Thicker leather is generally more durable. Check the thickness of the leather, especially in areas that receive more wear, such as the seat cushions and backrest.
Also Read: Fabric vs. Leather Car Seat Cover: Which One is Better
Colour Consistency
The colour of quality leather should be consistent across the entire surface. Irregularities or variations in colour may indicate lower-quality or poorly dyed leather.
Resistance to Scratches
Gently scratch the surface with your fingernail in an inconspicuous area. High-quality leather should show minimal signs of scratching and should not easily mark or discolour. It will also return to normal form.
Water Resistance
While leather is not entirely waterproof, good quality leather should have some water resistance. Water droplets should not run off like plastic.
Finishing and Coating
Check if the leather has been treated with a protective coating. This helps in resisting stains, spills, and UV damage. Look for materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
Brand Reputation
This is important. Consider the reputation of the brand or manufacturer. Established brands with a history of producing quality automotive leather are more likely to provide a reliable product.
How to Identify Different Types of Materials Including Leather
1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is a popular choice in Nigeria. This material comprises a fabric base topped with a layer of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a synthetic plastic polymer.
It is often preferred for vehicles like pick-up trucks, vans, and rental cars that endure heavy-duty use.
Look & Feel
It possesses clear grain patterns similar to leather. However, PVC has a plastic, unnatural feel that may be stiffer than other materials.
Because of its make, it tends to heat up quickly. PVCS can be quite durable with different grades exhibiting resilience against abrasions.
Although it requires minimal upkeep, is spill-proof and easy to clean, skip it if you are looking for real leather. This is not it.
Here is how to spot it: the distinct rubbery feel. This texture distinguishes PVC. Run your fingers across the surface to feel the difference.
2. Microfiber Leather
This is a synthetic alternative. It is designed to mimic the touch and feel of cowhide leather. It stands out for its base of ultra-fine microfiber bundles coated with high-performance polyurethane resin
Look & Feel
This material is made to resemble cowhide leather with a clear and uniform grain. It is soft and lightweight.
The material requires minimal upkeep, is spill-proof and easy to clean. Quality microfiber leather boasts longevity, thanks to the fine microfibers offering flexibility and durability.
Advanced synthetic coatings enhance properties such as abrasion resistance and anti-UV capabilities.
Here is how to differentiate it from pure leather: By touch, you may not tell the difference. It can prove difficult to distinguish it from cowhide. When you look at it, you will notice a consistent grain throughout, unlike cowhide leather.
Also Read: How Much Leather Do I Need for Car Seats in Nigeria?
3. Cowhide Leather
The luxurious feel and comfort of real cowhide leather remains unmatched. Despite the rise of cost-effective alternatives, high-quality cowhide remains premium, especially in luxury car brands like Mercedes and Lexus.
Look & Feel
It feels soft, strong, and luxurious to touch. It is also more breathable due to the porous nature of animal hides. You are likely to find physical flaws which are positive by the way, as an indicator of animal life.
Top-grain leather is generally used in car upholstery.
It is high-quality leather from the top cut the hide when it is split.
Although full-grain leather is the highest quality leather possible. With it, the hairs are removed leaving the complete grain intact.
However, both are from the same split, according to makers of high-quality leather products, Popov leather
Cowhide leather requires specialist cleaning and conditioning products. It can last for an extended period, developing that distinctive patina with age. Unlike synthetic materials that crack or peel, quality cowhide ages gracefully.
Identification of Cowhide Leather
Sight remains the primary method of identifying real leather. Each piece of cowhide boasts a unique grain pattern. You can also distinguish it by the irregular shapes.
What to Lookout For:
No matter the material you choose, each one has its advantages and drawbacks. We recommend that you visit a car leather upholstery workshop to personally feel the samples. Note that your needs and budget will ultimately matter.
Conclusion
We’ve explored the nuances of knowing and selecting the best leather materials. By understanding these aspects, you’re equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and budget.
Take the time to research, test, and scrutinize the leather options available. Your choice extends beyond the showroom; it will affect your driving experience.
We encourage you to invest in comfort, durability, and style, ensuring that every drive becomes a pleasurable adventure.
Which of these methods have worked for you in knowing the best car seat leather materials in Nigeria? Share with us.
Would you like to purchase upholstery fabric, leather or tarpaulin? Contact any of the Nestken Masters’ offices in Lagos or Aba. Call: 08039388366