Car seat covers keep your factory seats clean and fresh, slow down depreciation, and provide a customized look to suit your personal style. Some are even water-resistant to mitigate moisture damage from accidental spills. They also allow you to change the appearance of your vehicle without buying a new one, and they’re often easy to wipe down or wash in your washing machine.

Seat cover materials range from polyester—a strong and lightweight fabric that resists water and dirt—to the classic leather, which is luxurious, durable, and expensive but requires regular conditioning to maintain its supple feel. Other options include synthetic fabrics like neoprene, which are good for cold weather or rainy seasons.

How Workshop Manuals Can Simplify DIY Repairs

Many of the best car seat covers are made with a foam lining that provides extra padding and insulation for the passenger. The lining is usually three to eight inches thick and is stitched to the exterior of the cover. The lining helps cushion the seat, absorb impact, and block the sun’s harmful UV rays.

To avoid a bad fit, consider a universal-fit cover that’s designed to stretch over a wide range of similarly sized vehicles—like the Gorla Gear Black Premium universal-fit waterproof neoprene covers, which have more than 5,700 five-star ratings on Amazon and are recommended by Popular Mechanics. They’re available in a variety of colors and patterns, including pink, camo, gray, black, and beige. The wetsuit-like neoprene material is effective at repelling water, sweat, and stains while offering a snug fit with no bunching for a smooth look.…