Protecting leather from wear

[Jimmy]

As i want to preserve my leather for all of eternity, i'm after suggestions about protecting the leather seats, especially the drivers side of the seat where there is a lot of friction when the driver gets in and out. I tried using some Tegaderm strips (those clear stretching patches doctors use to cover wounds) but they only lasted a week before coming off. I'm after something which is clear, like a contact film to put over the high wear areas. Can you get clear contact specifically for leather seats?

Seat covers are not an option.

Jimmy.

[Garry]

I dont know anything to put on the seats but get into the habit of pushing yourself up over the seat bolsters using your right hand on the door sill. A guy showed me how to do it when I had my RX7. It makes getting out of the car much easier as well as saving wear and tear on your seats.

[Hot Rodders]

Also, push the seat back on the rails as far as they go before getting out and leave it back till after getting in.

[AJ]

Also, push the seat back on the rails as far as they go before getting out and leave it back till after getting in.

& wear your rails out instead

[Steampunk]

I know you stated "seat covers are not an option", but what about throw-overs?
Chuck em on when driving, whip em off when not.

[MINX]

I was worried about the same thing.
So I use a Throwover during the week, then rip it off on weekends.
It is a bit slippery on the leather so needs to be removed for spirited driving.

[Mr Morlock]

Simple answer - if you use them they will wear just like your shoes. Leather should be "fed" to keep it supple. Leather can last for a very very long time- look at many older British classics. Some people keep their cars in the garage and refuse to drive in the wet. Most think cars are to be used and seats to be sat on.

[fastfreddygassit]

Simple answer - Leather should be "fed" to keep it supple.

[fastfreddygassit]

As i want to preserve my leather for all of eternity, i'm after suggestions about protecting the leather seats, especially the drivers side of the seat where there is a lot of friction when the driver gets in and out. I tried using some Tegaderm strips (those clear stretching patches doctors use to cover wounds) but they only lasted a week before coming off. I'm after something which is clear, like a contact film to put over the high wear areas. Can you get clear contact specifically for leather seats?

Seat covers are not an option.

Jimmy.

speak to Benny. He is the leather expert.

[MINX]

Apocalypse Now!!!

[Jimmy]

I use Meguiars Leather Care every week or so and let it thorooughly soak in before wiping it off (usually about 30-40min)

What i am concerned about is that the stitching will fray (is starting to do this already but only slightly) and the high friction spots will start to crease and the crack like i've seen in so many photos.

Sorry lads but throw overs and seat covers are not really my thing. Thanks anyway I've experienced leather seats with seat covers and it is very slippery. The underside of the covers also scratched the leather.

I have seen (but can't remember when or where. Might not be on this forum) someone with leather seats had a clear contact "patch" running all the way up the side of the drivers seat as well as the base. I think i'll have to experiment a bit and find something which is non-intrusive and does the job. I might stop past an auto trimmer to see if they have any suggestions. I'll also work on my in and out routine as Garry suggested.

Jimmy.

[Alf]

Recovering's cheap (<1k)! Don't get too anal, enjoy the feel of the leather instead of leaving the enjoyment to the next owner, but do feed it.

Cheers,
Alf

[MxJadeMonkey]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What he said to a tee!
Use them man, I too have leather, and its starting to wear out, but whats the point in leather if you can't use it?

I'll just save my pennies and get it all re done down the track!
but in saying that i use a malco cow hide cream on my seats, smells like tattoo cream a bit for the first week after application, but sh*t it's the goods!

[Benny]

I've been in the leather business for over 35 years and I've never heard of any clear, self adhesive strips that will do the job.
Leather breathes and as such, oils and other things will ooze out of the leather over time and the adhesive won't hold for very long.
In fact, even in shoe factories where they glue parts of the shoe together, they always have to rough up the surface with sandpaper to get a good bond, as the grain side of the leather (the smooth side) just won't glue properly without having the surface removed.

Don't waste your money on expensive leather cleaners and nutrition either, just use good old Mr Sheen, in the spray can - and sparingly, and your leather will look good almost indefinitely.
Just spray a very fine mist and rub it in with a dry, soft cloth. Leave it for a few minutes, then buff with another soft, dry cloth, and they will come up a treat.
It will leave the leather soft and supple, and get rid of most of the dirt and dust for you.

[Benny]

By the way, if you do use some self adhesive plastic on the seats, be very careful as the adhesive will eventually start to migrate into the grain of the leather, and you may be left with a dirty, sticky mess that is very hard to get rid of.
Especially if you leave your car in the sun.