Seat covers

We test eight sets to discover which offers the best protection

We take a look at the best ways to protect your car’s cabin

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 26|9|2018 Every week, we extensively test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to look through our huge online test archive

WORN seats can take hundreds of pounds off the value of your car come resale time, so it pays to look after them. The best solution are covers to take the brunt of the wear. But which ones?

To find the best we tested eight front and rear combination sets on a Renault Clio. They were all ‘universal’, which means they will suit some cars better than others.

Not all are compatible with leather or heated seats, or those with airbags, and none was suitable for sports or bucket seats.

Consider the rear fitments if you have the split-folding facility; some products work on a full 40/50/60 range, whereas others offer nothing at all. On some cars, it may be necessary to cut the covers to suit seatbelt buckles and catches.

How we tested them

WE marked each product on how well it stayed in place by getting into and out of the car five times. Ease of fitment and instructions were also logged.

Then we ground in light gravel anand vacuumed it up, before smearing on a mix of olive oil, fruit juice, coffee and tobacco ash to see if it stained.

We dragged a wire brush across a small area to test durability. The final factor waswa price.

Verdict

THE Walser set covered all the bases to take the win, , although the Cosmos Leatherlook came close se and and, surprisingly, the bargain-priced Halfords Essent Essential set scored well enough to finish third.

1. Waser Zipp-it Allessandro Seat Covers 2. Comos Carrera Leatherlook Seat Covers 14723 23 3. Halfords Essentials Seat Covers