Is fabric treatment worth it?

Q: We’re looking into a couple of new cars and we’re wondering if it’s worth it to purchase the “fabric treatment” they’re pushing. One dealership says we’ll have to sign a waiver removing them from responsibility if we don’t get it. What is your advice?

A: I wouldn’t buy it.

If you’re worried about staining your upholstery because you know you’ll be especially rough on it and not tidy, buy a $10 to $15 fabric protector spray for vehicles at your car parts shop or online (today’s fabrics are remarkably resilient and easy to clean when there are the usual spots and spills). I always use a fabric protector as an added protection because I’ve got dogs (and also I’m not always especially tidy).

The dealership will use more or less the same product that you would buy, they will spend 20 minutes applying it, and charge you $100 to $200.

Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle or can and give it sufficient time to dry before loading people onto it and driving off (most don’t smell very good, it’s an added bunch of chemicals in your car, so you’ll want to let the fumes disperse to the degree possible).

Some dealerships do make you sign a waiver if you reject any of the armloads of add-ons they present at signing. It means nothing, it’s just a pressure tool. Think about it: it you dump a can of paint over the back seat, no fabric treatment will keep that from soaking in, and no warranty will cover it. If there is a manufacturing problem, the carmaker will cover it no matter what “waivers” you’ve signed with the dealer.

Some things to consider: you can buy seat covers if you’re concerned. There are some really good looking ones these days. I use a pet cover in the back seat, and that keeps dog mud plus kid ice cream from creating problems.

Also, if you vacuum regularly, you’ll find that the seats keep fresh looking, as dirt and grime doesn’t settle deeply into it. Using seat shampoo from time to time is also a good thing to do.

What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.