Leather seats are a popular choice for car owners because they look luxurious and add a touch of class to any vehicle. However, leather seats can become quite uncomfortable when the summer months roll around, and the temperatures rise. This article will share some tips and tricks to keep your leather seats cool during the hot summer days.
How Does Heat Affect Leather Car Seats?
Leather is a natural material that is made from the hides of animals. However, when exposed to heat, leather can become quite stiff and hard to the touch.
After prolonged exposure to heat, Leather would lose its essential oils and moisture. The moisture keeps the leather soft and supple, so exposing it to heat will make it dry, cracked, and brittle.
When the temperature outside is hot, the leather car seats will absorb the heat and become extremely warm or hot to the touch.
This can be quite uncomfortable for passengers, especially if you are wearing shorts or skirts. The heat from the leather car seats can also cause perspiration and skin irritation.
Benefits Of Keeping Your Car Seats Cool During Summer
There are several benefits to keeping your car seats cool during the summer months.
Prevent Your Leather Car Seats From Drying Up
As we mentioned earlier, exposure to heat can cause the leather to dry out and become cracked and brittle. By keeping your car seats cool, you can prevent this from happening and extend the life of your leather seats. Nobody enjoys a beat-up, old, and dry leather seat.
Provide a Comfortable Riding Experience for Passengers
Nobody wants to climb into a hot car during the summer. However, keeping your leather seats cool can provide a much more comfortable experience for you and your passengers.
They will be thankful that they don’t have to sit on hot, sticky leather seats during their ride.
Excessive Sweat or Perspiration Stains
Another reason to keep your leather seats cool is to prevent sweat or perspiration stains. When the leather absorbs the heat, it can cause passengers to sweat profusely.
This can lead to unsightly and difficult-to-remove stains on the leather. By keeping the temperature down, you can avoid this problem altogether.
Reduce the Risk of Skin Irritation
Many people tend to have skin irritations that worsen when their skin has direct contact with leather materials during the hot summer seasons.
This can range from having skin rashes, itchy skin, burning sensation, rough or dry skin, and even skin peeling.
Usually, these allergic symptoms are delayed or can take a few days to show.
So, if you or any family member have been experiencing these allergic symptoms, you should take pragmatic steps to cool or insulate your leather car seats.
Tips on How You Can Keep Your Leather Car Seats Cool This Summer
Now that we’ve gone over some of the benefits of keeping your leather seats cool, let’s take a look at some ways you can achieve this.
1. Use Leather Seat Covers
I know this might sound cliche, but one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your leather seats cool is to use seat covers.
There are seat covers designed to protect your leather seats from the sun’s harmful UV rays and prevent heat absorption.
There are a variety of seat covers available on the market that you can choose from. If you want something that is both stylish and effective, you can go for neoprene or mesh seat covers.
These types of seat covers allow air to circulate while still protecting from the sun.
2. Use Cooling Gel Seat Cushions
Another great option is to use cooling gel seat cushions—these work by absorbing your body heat and dissipating it into the air.
They are also great for people who suffer from back pain or have to sit for long periods.
Cooling gel seat cushions are readily available online and in most car accessories stores.
Read the reviews before purchasing, as some cooling gel seat cushions can be quite uncomfortable.
3. Park In The Shade
If you can, try to park your car in the shade. This will help to keep your car and leather seats cooler.
If you don’t have access to a covered parking spot, look for a well-shaded area. Trees are a great option as they provide natural shade and help keep your car cooler. You can also park between buildings or under an awning to provide shade.
4. Use Sunshades For Your Windshield
Another great tip is to use a sunshade for your windshield. This will help keep the inside of your car cooler and prevent the leather seats from getting too hot.
Sunshades are made of materials that can reflect the sun’s rays and prevent the heat from entering your car.
When the sunshades hit the sunshades, it will create a barrier that will help keep your car cooler.
You can find sunshades at most stores that sell car accessories or online. Sunshades are available in various sizes and shapes to fit most windshields.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a sunshade. First, ensure the sunshade is the right size for your windshield.
Second, make e the sunshade when you are ready to drive—leaving it on while driving can obstruct your view and be dangerous.
And lastly, don’t forget to roll up your windows. Sunshades can only do so much to keep your car cool.
5. Leave Your Car Windows Slightly Opened
Right on queue with the sunshades, leaving your windows slightly opened is another great way to keep your car cool.
This will allow hot air to escape and cooler air to enter. Just be sure not to leave your windows open too far down so you do not get rain or dust in your car – worst-case scenario getting your car broken into.
A good rule of thumb is to crack your windows no more than an inch or two. This will help to ensure that your car stays cool without letting in too much hot air or debris.
Bonus Tip: If you have power windows, use the timer feature, so your windows will automatically roll up after a certain amount of time.
6. Turn On The Air Conditioning
Of course, one of the best ways to keep your car cool is to turn on the air conditioning.
The AC will help circulate cool air and keep your leather seats from getting too hot.
If you have a newer car, you might also have the option to set the temperature for each individual seat.
This is an excellent feature if you have passengers who are sensitive to the cold or heat.
Just be sure not to blast the AC too high as it can make the car uncomfortably cold and use up a lot of gas.
Additional Tips for a Comfortable Ride
In addition to the tips above, you can do a few other things to make your ride more comfortable.
First, make sure that your car is well ventilated. This means opening up the windows and doors to allow air to circulate.
Second, if you have power seats, adjust them, so you are comfortable. This will help take the pressure off your back and make your ride more enjoyable.
Third, dress for the occasion. Wear light and airy clothing in the summer to help you stay cool.
In addition, you might want to consider investing in a pair of sunglasses and a hat to help keep the sun out of your eyes.
And lastly, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, so you don’t get dehydrated while driving.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your leather seats stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
Final Words
There you have six great tips on keeping your leather seats cool in the summer. Try out a few of these tips to see what works best for you. And most importantly, enjoy the summer!
FAQs
Can the summer heat ruin leather seats?
The summer heat can definitely damage leather seats. The heat can cause the leather to dry out and crack. Therefore, taking care of your leather seats and protecting them from the sun’s rays is important.
How do I keep my car cool in the summer without air conditioning?
You can do a few things to keep your car cool in the summer without air conditioning. First, crack your windows to allow hot air to escape and cooler air to enter. Second, use sunshades to keep the sun’s rays from entering the car. And lastly, park in the shade whenever possible.
What is the best way to keep my car cool in the summer?
The best way to keep your car cool in the summer is to use a combination of methods. First, crack your windows to allow hot air to escape and cooler air to enter. Second, use sunshades to keep the sun’s rays from entering the car. Third, turn on the air conditioning. And fourth, park in the shade whenever possible.
Do leather seats get hotter than cloth?
Leather seats can definitely get hotter than cloth seats. This is because leather is a poor conductor of heat, so it doesn’t absorb or dissipate heat very well. So, if you’re looking for a cool seat in the summer, cloth is the way to go.
How do I keep my steering wheel cool in the summer?
You can do a few things to keep your steering wheel cool in the summer. First, use a steering wheel cover. This will help to absorb some of the heat. Second, park in the shade whenever possible. And lastly, try not to touch the steering wheel when it is hot. The heat can cause burns.