Car Seat Covers - Research

Research your options and needs before buying Car Seat Covers

Car seat covers are a great idea for personalizing your vehicle as well as keeping the original upholstery clean and new looking. If you travel a lot in your vehicle, or have children or pets in your car, seat covers are almost a necessity.

However, when you are actually buying car seat covers the number of different options may be confusing and it can be difficult to decide which is your best buy. The Buyz123 three step guide - Research, Evaluation, Purchase - is designed to assist you in this buying process.

The Research step firstly involves investigating essential features of car seat covers available on the market, and secondly identifying your actual needs in car seat covers.

In the Evaluation step you focus on how well the different features of individual car seat covers meet your needs, and then how well the most suitable car seat covers compare in detail, one to another.

Finally, in the Purchase step, the issues considered are: what to look for when actually buying the car seat covers, what questions to ask and what information you should seek on warranty, customer service, and after-sales support.

As you work though the Buyz123 purchase strategy you will clarify your thoughts about your intended purchase, confidently compare car seat covers one to another, and then purchase car seat covers that really do meet your needs.

Step 1: Research

In order to end up with the car seat covers best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of car seat covers are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in car seat covers.

Research the market: Car Seat Cover essentials

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the car seat covers market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Size: Covers are available to suit a range of seat sizes and designs, and custom made covers can be ordered. Make sure you know the way the headrest and seat belt attaches to the seat.

Style: Standard styles are bucket or bench, and there are variations to accommodate arm rests and controls. Some covers are made simply to look good while others are made with comfort in mind.

Fabric: Some of the sheepskin or deep pile fabrics are good for both cold and warm climates, but also require more upkeep. Fabric may be water proof or resistant and either machine or hand washable or dry clean only.

Cost: For the most part you will get what you pay for. The lower end car seat covers are generally not as long lasting and durable as the more expensive car seat covers, but they allow you to change the look of your car more frequently at far less expense.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a car seat covers. For example, will you use the car seat covers to protect the upholstery in your car or do you just want to add some covers in a hip pattern?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have I used car seat covers before?
	If you have used car seat covers, work out what you did or didn't like about the car seat covers. You may be looking for some exactly the same, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient.

What type of car seats do I have?
	Car seat covers fit bench, full or split, captain's or bucket seats. Some seats are larger than others so it is important to measure the seats. This information can usually be found in the vehicle manual and will be accurate as long as the seats have not been modified or changed.

What fabric do I prefer that would meet my needs?
	There is smooth fabric and more textured fabrics. If you are travelling with pets the textured fabric may tend to hold pet hair more, but may be softer to the touch if you are transporting children.

Do I need additional storage pockets in the car seat covers?
	Additional storage is always welcome in a vehicle. Many seat covers offer pockets along the bottoms and across the back of the seat for the front seat covers.

Will I need to clean or launder my seat covers?
	If you think that you will need to clean them frequently be aware that this will influence the type of materials that you choose.

What color seat cover do I need?
	Seat covers don't just come in standard colors; there are prints, patterns and camouflage colors. There are also car seat manufactures that will custom dye seat covers to match your needs.

Do I want to personalize my seat covers?
	Some manufacturers offer custom embroidery or detailing to put initials, logos or pictures onto the seat cover backs.

Is comfort important to me?
	Do you drive long distances regularly? If so you may want to look for car seat covers that massage your back and bottom while seated.

How much do I want to pay?
	Out of the box standard seat covers will be the least costly, whereas custom made or personalized seat covers will be more expensive.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of car seat covers and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.


Video Links

Visco Memory Foam Car Seat Cover - Promo Car seat cover made from dunlop visco elastic memory foam, by City and Country Upholstery. The cover comes with an elastic attachment for ease of installation. (54s)

Kiddopotamus Car Seat Cover (Baby) - User Review Car Seat Cover for baby capsule; with faux sheep skin and a zip for accessability. (45s)

Retractable Seat Cover - Promo Save-A-Seat Retractable Car Seat Cover. This infomercial outlines the features and functions of this unique device. (7m 1s)

For more videos

Buyz123.com Research Links:

Car seat cover buyer's guide

Questions to ask when choosing a car seat cover

Car seat cover types

Purchase high quality pet car seat covers

Car seat covers for child car seats

Seat covers for all types of vehicles

Car seat covers general

How to buy car seat covers

Selecting and fitting car seat covers

Reasons for buying a seat cover

How to install seat covers