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In construction, tar smears on vehicle seat covers isn't abnormal. A paving company we work with told us about a little secret formula they've been using: brake cleaner and a putty knife to tackle tar on their seat covers.

This method wasn't something we found in any standard cleaning guide, but it was intriguing enough to put to the test.

The Experiment Takes Shape

With a healthy dose of skepticism and a can-do attitude, we launched this experiment. (Can you believe they pay us to do this?)

Our first step was, admittedly, a bit overzealous. We applied the tar liberally, more than was probably necessary. After letting it sit and dry for a couple of days, we came back to assess the situation.

Getting Down to Business

Equipped with brake cleaner and a putty knife, just as recommended, we got down to the nitty-gritty. It was a straightforward process: apply the cleaner, let it soak in briefly, then gently scrape away at the tar. This wasn't a quick wax-on-wax-off kind of job. It required about 15 minutes of diligent work, but to our surprise, the tar came off completely without leaving any damage to the seat or its cover.

A Word of Caution

Even with this success, it's important to note that this isn't your average cleaning hack. Brake cleaner is strong stuff, designed for mechanical parts, not fabric. And while a putty knife can be a handy tool, there's always a risk of nicking or cutting the material if you're not careful.

So, while we can vouch for the effectiveness of this method in our experience, it's not something we'd recommend without reservations. It's critical to use this approach with caution, understanding the potential risks to both safety and the materials you're working with.

And just like grease on seat covers, we'd recommend tossing the cover in the wash after removing tar. 

This unconventional cleaning method goes to show that sometimes, the most effective solutions come from the field, born out of necessity and practical know-how. However, it's always crucial to balance innovation with caution, particularly when dealing with powerful chemicals and manual tools. For those in the blue-collar sectors, where ingenuity meets hard work, such experiments can be part of the job. 

At TigerTough, we're all about getting stuff done, no fluff, no buzzwords. We take pride in down-to-earth solutions that hit the mark. That’s why we invented StringLock, a nifty little fix to a big headache.

StringLock is our answer to: how can we make securing seat covers less of a pain? We fully admit that getting our seat covers on is difficult. But StringLock makes it simpler. 

Ok, but where the heck is this seat cover string? It's hidden. It's part of the seat cover bottom and cinches around the seat bottom between the cushion and the plastic trim. The string ends feed through and dangle under the seat for fastening.

The magic happens when you slide the seat cover string ends into this little gadget and clamp it down. Boom, locked into place. Just like that, your cover’s not budging, no matter how much you jump in and out of your seat.

Why did we come up with this? Simple. Tying those seat cover strings in knots was turning into a chore.

"We've always had strings on our seat covers... But to make them work correctly, you had to tie these two ends together in a series of knots that would give a Boy Scout anxiety." 

Sheldon Zitzmann, Marketing Director

And so, StringLock was born. It's a simple way to lock the strings together and not need to tie any crazy knots. Making your life easier, one seat cover at a time, is what we’re here for. 

How StringLock Works

The Invention of StringLock

We faced an issue during those early days: tying seat covers was a hassle. Feedback was clear – knots were a pain. And it felt a little amature.

We needed a better solution. That's where StringLock stepped in. It's our simple fix. No more crazy knots. Slide the strings in, clip it shut, and you're done. "We invented StringLock to cut the knot-tying headache," because who's got time for that?

It all started with this sketchy drawing. (See what we did there?) 

Then we handed it over to the professionals, and they created the official, which were patented.

StringLock's birth was just us doing what we try do best—listening and then delivering a hands-down simpler solution.

Benefits of Using StringLock

Switching to StringLock from the old-school knot-tying routine is like upgrading from chalk reel to a laser level. But it’s also better than elastic options some other companies use. Here’s why it’s a game changer:

• Ease of Use: Forget about needing a manual or a YouTube tutorial just to figure out how to tie a secure knot (but no judgement if you need that YouTube video). StringLock is as straightforward as it gets. Slide in, clip, done. It’s that easy, which means no more frustration or needing special skills just to keep your seat cover in place.
• Reliability: With StringLock, it’s a one-and-done deal. Once you lock it in, it stays put. This means your seat cover isn’t going anywhere, no matter how much you move around. And when you need to take off your covers for a cleaning, just unclip and unthread the string.
• Time-Saving: Cut down the install time significantly since you don’t have to deal with knots. More time working, less time fiddling with your seat covers to get them just right.
• Durability: Unlike elastic, the string won’t stretch out. Meaning your seat cover stays put.

Simple Yet Effective

So there you have it, the lowdown on StringLock, our simple yet mighty solution. It's all about making sure your seat covers stay put, hassle-free, without needing to become a knot-tying wizard or relying on unreliable elastic. Ease of use, reliability, and saving you a heap of time – that's what StringLock brings to the table. And you won't find another brand of seat cover with it.

Each TigerTough custom seat cover is shipped with step-by-step color instructions on installing them on the exact vehicle they were specifically designed for. 

So if you ordered seat covers for your 2017 Toyota Tacoma, you’ll get instructions on how to install those covers in a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. Pretty nice, right?

There are covers in the seat cover world that look awful because the installation process is confusing or inadequate. It’s a common problem with seat covers. We addressed this head-on by making installation as straightforward as possible.

And in case you toss your instructions in a moment of confidence and need a few pointers along the way, you’re in luck because we record installation videos for every vehicle. 

Since each vehicle is different, each seat cover install will be different. 

We’ll walk you through what a typical installation looks like.

Watch the video version

Before you start 

1. Lift and remove the headrest.
2. Lean the seat back.
3. Remove any straps on the underside that hold the carpet up.
4. If you have a Ford, unclip the plastic connectors under the seat–they might feel like they’re going to break, but they will come off.

Installing the seat bottom cover

1. Make sure you start with the correct seat cover–passenger and driver’s seats are different, so just look for the tag.
2. Line the seams up.
3. Push the top flap of the seat cover between the seat back and the seat bottom.
4. Take the strings and put one between the seat and the center console and cover and one between the seat cushion and plastic on the door side. These need to go down and under the seat, not straight back and behind the seat.
5. Tuck the cover between the cushion and the plastic trim around the seat.
6. Go behind the seat and find the strings you ran through the sides of the seat.
7. Run them under the seat. Look at your specific instructions to see if you need to run them behind or in front of the seat mounts. 
8. Pull them as tight as you can.
9. Find the StringLock.
10. Run the strings through each side of the StringLock as tight as possible and clamp it (the tighter, the better!).
11. Run the front seat flaps over any seat-adjusting bar and under the seat.
12. Pull tight on the front and back flaps and fasten them underneath the seat.

Installing the seatback cover

1. Make sure the airbag tag is on the door side of the seat.
2. Slide the cover over the seat.
3. Press the cover down around the plastic headrest mounts.
4. Go to the back and tuck the carpet flap up into the seat cover.
5. Push the front flaps through the seat crease and fasten them on the backside.

Lastly, installing the headrest cover

1. Put the headrest back in, but don’t put it all the way down.
2. Take the cover and make sure the long flap is in front.
3. Tuck the flap to the back and secure it.
4. You can put the headrest down now if you’d like.

How easy was it?

We’ve installed other seat covers (check out this Carhartt install we did) and must admit that ours take longer. Since our covers come in multiple pieces, you’ll get a better fit, but it will take a little while to get those pieces where you want.

We say to expect to spend up to 45 minutes per seat on installation. 

According to Hunt Tested:

“If you’re looking for a seat cover that you can throw on for the weekends and then take off during the week, this cover is likely not the best choice. While you certainly can remove and reinstall these covers, the process is involved enough that I wouldn’t want to do it frequently. To get a precision fit, you give up being able to quickly and easily take the covers on and off.”

Wrapping it up

These aren’t the easiest to install, but they’re also not rocket science. If you’ve ever stepped foot on a job site, you can install these. And we can assure you that every installation step helps give you the best-looking fit on your new seat covers. 

Every vehicle installation is going to vary a bit. But we won’t leave you in the dark. You’ll get detailed instructions, an install video, and you’re always welcome to contact us if you’re stumped. And if you want to skip the installation altogether, check out one of our 850+ dealers.

Yes, they are! But there's not always a black and white answer to that question.

There's an undeniable allure to the feel and look of leather, a material known for its comfort, premium status, and graceful aging. From its rich aroma to its smooth texture, leather has long been a favorite. So we can see why you’d want it.

At TigerTough, our expertise is creating seat covers from durable CORDURA®️ fabric, tougher than military-spec materials, and designed to withstand the demands of work trucks. Although leather seat covers are not within our product line, our extensive experience in the seat cover industry gives us a bit of knowledge on leather seat covers. (And fun fact: before we made seat covers exclusively, we made tack supplies, so we know a thing or two about leather.)

Let’s take a look at leather seat covers.

The Leather Seat Cover Spectrum

When you're eyeing leather seat covers, you're looking at a field with some real contenders and a few pretenders: genuine and faux leather. 

Genuine leather? That's the real deal – brings class, comfort, and that rich smell nothing else can match. But that rich smell ain’t cheap. 

Then there's faux leather. It's the cheaper option and still looks sharp from a distance. Great for folks wanting the leather look without the leather price tag or for anyone aiming to keep their ride vegan-friendly.

Pros and Cons of Genuine Leather Seat Covers

The Upside

Genuine leather seat covers are like that trusty pair of leather work boots—tough, look better with age, and scream quality. They bring a level of comfort and style to your ride that's hard to beat. Sitting down on a genuine leather seat cover feels like an upgrade whenever you get behind the wheel. Plus, they've got that signature leather scent that makes your truck's cabin feel more like a luxury retreat than a daily driver.

The Downside

But, just like those high-quality boots, genuine leather needs some TLC to keep it looking its best. If your truck's pulling double duty as a workhorse, those leather seat covers will see more than their fair share of sun, dirt, and the occasional coffee spill. Over time, without proper care, leather can dry out, crack, or even start to fade, especially if it's baking in the sun day on a job site.

And let's talk about the work truck life for a minute. Genuine leather, while tough, might not be the champion you need against the grind of daily use in a work environment. Tools, equipment, and the general rough-and-tumble can leave marks and scuffs that are hard to erase. Plus, genuine leather ain't cheap—so if you're outfitting a fleet, those costs can pile up quicker than overruns in a kitchen renovation gone sideways.

The Lowdown on Faux Leather Seat Covers

The Appeal

Faux leather (sometimes called leatherette) seat covers might catch your eye with their slick look and cheaper-than-genuine-leather price tag. They promise the luxe feel of leather making them a tempting option for dressing up your ride on a budget. Plus, they're a cinch to clean, a big win for anyone with a busy life or a car full of kids and pets.

The Reality Check

But here's the deal—faux leather's got its drawbacks. While it might look sharp out of the box, over time, it can tell a different story. Durability-wise, it's like comparing a heavyweight champ to a lightweight contender; faux leather might not always hold up in the long haul. With the wear and tear of daily use, especially in a work truck that sees all kinds of action, you might start to notice cracking, peeling, or even some fading. It's tough, sure, but it's not invincible.

And while faux leather is easier on the wallet now (it’s still more expensive than cloth seat covers), if it starts to show its age sooner, you could be looking at replacements more often than you'd like. That means more dough out of your pocket in the long run. Plus, those easy-to-clean surfaces? They're great until they start to break down, and then you're stuck with seat covers that don't quite live up to the dream.

We won’t ever recommend faux leather seat covers. We haven’t met one we loved that doesn’t make us sweat…literally.

Slip-On vs. Replacement Leather Seat Covers:

The Contenders

In one corner, we've got slip-on leather seat covers. They're the quick fix to spruce up your seats without breaking a sweat or the bank. Easy to install, they slide right over your existing upholstery, giving your interior a facelift in about an hour or so. They're the go-to for folks looking for a fast, cost-effective way to upgrade or protect their seats.

Then there’s replacement leather upholstery, the heavyweight option. This isn't just a cover; it's a total seat makeover. You know those Katzkin seat covers you’ve heard about? They’re legit, but it’s a full swap out for your existing upholstery. You're looking at stripping down to the bones and giving your seats a brand-new, skin-tight leather outfit. It’s a bigger commitment, both in time and cash (Katzkin starts at $1895), but the result is a custom-fit look that's hard to distinguish from factory-original. Take note that you might need a certified Katzkin installer to do the job for you.

The Long Haul

When it comes to longevity, both have their merits. Slip-on covers offer the flexibility of easy removal for cleaning or swapping out styles. However, they might not match the snug, seamless fit of a replacement, potentially shifting around and showing wear more quickly.

Replacement leather upholstery, on the other hand, is in it for the long haul. Tailored to fit your seats precisely, it eliminates the bag and sags common with slip-ons. But, it's a permanent change—once you go this route, there's no returning to your old seats without another significant investment.

The Verdict

Choosing between slip-on leather seat covers and full replacement upholstery depends on what you're after. Looking for an upgrade around $1000? Slip-ons might be your winner. But if you're all about that seamless, upscale finish and are ready to invest $1000-$2500 in your vehicle, replacement upholstery could be the way to go. 

Top Leather Seat Cover Brands We Recommend

We’re not against leather seat covers. We just don’t make them. So here are our favorite cover and replacement options if you decide you want to go that route.

Favorite Leather Seat Cover

• Covercraft Genuine Leather PrecisionFit Custom Seat Covers
  • $912 
  • Real leather
  • Airbag-safe with tearaway
  • Designed and engineered in the U.S.
  • One-year warranty
  • Nine color options

Favorite Leather Upholstery Replacement

• LeatherSeats.com
  • $1300
  • Real leather
  • Air-bag safe
  • 60+ color options
  • Really great configurator tool
  • Dozens of finishing options
  • Three-year/36,000-mile warranty
  • Made in Oklahoma City, OK

CORDURA®️ vs. Leather: The Work Truck Showdown

We won’t ever recommend a leather seat cover or leather upholstery replacement for your work truck. We just won’t do it. If you have a leather factory interior, that’s totally fine, we just wouldn’t want you to pay through the nose to add leather seats. And if you want to cover that leather and keep it looking new, it’s safe to add seat covers. 

When it's time to gear up your work truck, the choice of seat cover material is more than just about looks—it's about survival in the toughest conditions. 

Why CORDURA®️ Reigns Supreme in Work Trucks

CORDURA®️ is the undisputed durability champ in the work truck arena. It's not just fabric; it's a fortress. Designed to resist tears, scuffs, and abrasions, CORDURA®️ seat covers are built to take a beating and come out looking good as new. They're the kind of seat covers you put on when your daily grind involves dirt, tools, and the occasional "oops" moment that would send lesser materials into retirement.

We trust CORDURA®️ so much that we put it through torture tests. And we give our customers an unconditional two-year warranty on their covers.

Leather, with all its class and comfort, puts up a good fight. It’s tough in its own right and brings a level of sophistication that's hard to beat. But when push comes to shove (or spill comes to stain), leather isn’t always up to the task. It requires regular maintenance to keep it from drying out or cracking, and in the dust and grime of a work truck’s life, leather might just tap out sooner than you’d like.

CORDURA®️ in the Trenches

In the rough-and-tumble world of work trucks, CORDURA®️ shines. It laughs in the face of spills, scoffs at dirt, and brushes off wear and tear with ease. Whether it's hauling construction gear, navigating through farm fields, or surviving the daily demands of a plumber's needs, CORDURA®️ seat covers keep coming back for more, looking sharp and ready for action. And when they need it, you can toss them in the washing machine.

Leather, while it can stand up to a fair amount of use, often requires a gentle touch and a bit more care to maintain its integrity in such environments. It's at its best when it can be admired for its aesthetics and function.

The Bottom Line

Choosing seat covers is all about what you need them for. Leather's got class but demands care, especially in the rough-and-tumble life of a work truck. But if you’re not looking for work truck seat covers and have an extra $1000 to kick around, go for it! 

CORDURA®️? That's your go-to for unbeatable toughness and hassle-free upkeep. It's the workhorse that doesn't blink at dirt, spills, or daily wear and tear.

Think about what you want from your seat covers. If it's luxury and style, leather might be your pick. But for sheer durability and ease of care, CORDURA®️ stands out as the champion. It's tailor-made for anyone who needs their covers to be as hardworking as they are.

Looking for more options other than TigerTough? Check out the top work truck seat covers of 2024 to find a brand that meets your needs and budget.

You've just tackled a particularly challenging plumbing job you’d rather not talk about. You toss your tool bag, damp with a mix of water and who-knows-what, right onto the passenger seat of your truck. The next morning, you're greeted with the stench and stains of yesterday’s battle. But hey, no sweat – you've got those TigerTough seat covers ready to take on whatever your day throws at them, even the aftermath of plumbing triumphs.

Can you wash the seat covers? Absolutely!

Let's get straight to it, your TigerTough seat covers are made from washable CORDURA® built to be thrown in the wash. Had a rough week with spills and grime? No problem. Here’s how to freshen them up:

Basic Cleaning Steps:

1. Wipe It Down: For everyday messes, a quick wipe with a damp cloth does wonders.
2. Spot Cleaning: Got some stubborn soil? Attack it with a spray cleaner or a mix of detergent and water. Avoid bleach, it's not your cover’s friend.
3. Toss in the Washing Machine: Yep! You can toss those suckers in a household washing machine. But before you do, coil the straps and secure them with rubber bands to avoid a tangle fest. Then, toss the covers in. Use a mild detergent (don't use pods) and set it to a low-temperature cycle.
4. Drying: Let them air dry or tumble dry with no heat. Make sure they’re totally dry before installing them again.

For the Tough Stains

If you've had a run-in with oil or stubborn stains, Citrol or any citrus-based cleaner is your go-to. Give the spot a good scrub, then toss the cover in the wash for a full clean. Try an all-purpose cleaner or other favorite stain remover for other stains.

Creative Cleaning

We’ve seen TigerTough users get pretty creative when it comes to cleaning their covers – brake cleaner, paint thinner, and even folks power-washing their seat covers. While we don’t officially recommend these methods, do what you gotta do to get your covers clean. And hey, we’ve always got your back with that unlimited warranty. The warranty won’t cover the stains themselves (since those don’t affect the function of the cover), but it covers any and all structural damage to the cover.

Taking Them Off and Putting Them Back On

We won’t sugarcoat it: taking off and replacing your TigerTough seat covers can be a bit of a workout. They’re designed for a snug, perfect fit, so they hug your seats tight. But hey, no pain, no gain, right? Think of it as a small price to pay for keeping your ride looking sharp and protected.

Ready to Ride

There you have it: keeping your TigerTough seat covers clean is a breeze with some elbow grease and the right approach. Got a weird stain or need some tips? Hit us up. We’re always here to help you keep your covers and truck in top-notch condition.

Snow, slush, below-freezing temps…there’s a lot your truck's interior will see this winter. 

Seat covers will absolutely protect your seat from the elements. We feel two characteristics make a cover specifically good for winter: waterproof and safe with heated seats. We suggest avoiding foam-back covers since those don’t always play nicely with heated seats.

So here are some of our favorite seat covers that meet this criteria.

Pricing is based on 2023 Ford F-150 seats.

Most Color Options: ShearComfort Waterproof CORDURA® Seat Covers

If you’re looking for something that will blend with your interior best, ShearComfort may have it. They have ten options for colors on their custom seat covers.

We’ve reviewed their 1000-Denier seat covers before, but we added these to the list since they’re more affordable. However, these are only made of 500-Denier CORDURA®, so they won’t be as tough as the other options listed here. We love CORDURA®, and these are waterproof and will work with your heated seats.

Price: $405

Fastest Production: Northwest CORDURA® Pro-Gard

Northwest offers 1000-Denier CORDURA® (just like us) which is obviously something we can get down with. Their Pro-Gard covers are waterproof and can take a beating. These seat covers will absolutely protect your seats from snow and sleet, and the material plays nicely with heated seats.

We’re super impressed with Northwest’s 2-4 day turnaround and fast shipping. It’s a little intimidating for us to write about since our non-stock items ship in a little under three weeks, but we’re committed to being honest with you. So there you have it. 

Price: $407

Best Warranty: TigerTough CORDURA® Seat Covers

We may take a little longer to ship out custom products (our in-stock items ship out immediately). But we’re a brand built for blue-collar men and women, so we have a warranty to back that up. We offer an unconditional two-year warranty on our seat covers. No matter how you mess it up, we’ll repair or replace it for you.

Our seat covers are waterproof, will fit your seats like a freaking glove, and are basically indestructible. They work with heated seats and will prevent winter crap from harming your seats. Heck, they’ll even keep your seats safe from a dog covered in slush. 

Price: $297

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Canvasback

Canvasback isn’t a custom fit but a universal one. So it’s not one that’s going to fit your seat like a glove, but it will protect it from winter abuse. They also have quite a few color options to choose from.

Your heated seats should work fine with these, but we couldn’t find any definitive info. 

Either way, these are the lowest price point and a great option if you want to winterize your interior on a budget.

Price: $150 

What to Look For in Seat Covers

When you’re shopping for seat covers to winter-proof your truck’s interior, look for covers that are waterproof, work with heated seats, and have a great warranty that will protect your investment. We also love a cover that’s made in America, but that choice is up to you. 

Considering seat covers for your vehicle's leather seats? It's a decision many drivers think about. Leather is a premium material that demands thoughtful care. The pressing question is whether seat covers help or harm leather seats.

For the most part, no, seat covers won’t ruin your leather seats. 

They're generally seen as a protective layer, guarding against daily wear and tear, spills, and sun damage. However, not every seat cover is suitable for leather. Some may negatively impact the material over time.

Choosing the right type of seat cover is crucial to ensure that you’re enhancing, not hindering, the longevity and appearance of your leather seats. In this article, we'll get into the details, helping you make an informed choice about seat covers for your leather seats.

Understanding Leather Seats and Seat Covers

While those leather seats are pretty sturdy on their own, they can benefit from the extra protection that seat covers bring. It's all about keeping them in prime condition for as long as possible, and that’s a job seat covers do pretty darn well.

Leather Seats – Tough But Tender

Leather’s tough, but let's be real – leather seats aren’t tough as nails. Constant sun exposure, the daily in-and-out, and the odd coffee spill can leave them rough around the edges. Leather's like a sponge for spills and smells, so it needs some TLC to stay sharp.

Seat Covers – Your Leather's Best Bud

Seat covers come in like a reliable sidekick for your leather seats. Think of them as a shield, keeping the bad stuff – UV rays, spills, dirt, grease, dog slobber – off your seats. 

The right seat cover keeps your leather safe from everyday messes and wear while letting it breathe and live its best life. By blocking out the stuff that can age your leather and decrease your resale value, seat covers help keep your seats fresh, clean, and ready for the long haul.

Potential Issues with Foam-Backed Seat Covers

Got leather seats fresh off a conditioning session? Hold off on those foam-backed seat covers like Wet Okole's. Foam and conditioner can clash, potentially harming the seat cover…and your leather. They're at odds; that mix-up can spoil your leather's look and feel. Our advice? If your leather's just been treated, skip the foam-backed options or hold off on installing them for a few days.

Best Practices for Using Seat Covers on Leather

Before you cover those leather seats, make sure they're clean. Dirt or moisture trapped under the cover? That's a recipe for damage. Give your leather a good clean and ensure it's bone dry. 

Choose seat covers that are known to play well with leather. Compatibility isn’t just about size and fit; it’s about ensuring the cover doesn’t chemically react with your leather or cause it to wear prematurely. We suggest using a tough, breathable fabric. 

Seat Covers on Heated Leather Seats

While we’re talking about leather seats and covers, let’s shift gears and talk about heated seats. Does the heat get along with the cover, or is it a no-go?

Typically, it’s safe to use seat covers with heated seats.

Curious about how to use seat covers safely with heated leather seats? Check out our detailed blog post on using seat covers on heated leather seats for all the ins and outs you need to know.

Wrapping it Up

When it comes to decking out your leather seats with covers, the green light is generally on. But it's not just about picking any cover off the shelf. It's about choosing covers that respect the leather’s quality and respond well to its nature.