Seat covers, car covers and tarps: how to buy well
Seat covers and body covers: two different products
Different things hide under this category. Some protect the seats inside, others protect the body outside: a car cover against dust and rain, a hail-proof cover, a sheet against bird droppings or leaves. Choose by the job, and say in your request exactly what you need.
Fitted or universal seat covers
Fitted covers are sewn to the pattern of a particular car and year: they sit without folds and have cut-outs for side airbags, seat belts, armrests and headrests. Universal ones are cheaper, but they usually fit like a sack and slip over time. If the seats are heated or have side airbags, a fitted version is almost a must: a universal one may cover the seams that the airbags burst through.
Materials
- Leatherette is easy to wash, but gets hot in summer and cold in winter.
- Fabric breathes, but gets dirty and wears faster.
- Alcantara-type suede feels nice, looks richer and needs gentle care.
- For car covers you need a dense, water-repellent material with a lining that won’t scratch the paint.
What to put in your request
- What you need — seat covers, throws, a full car cover, a hail-proof cover;
- Car model and year or generation;
- Material and colour, for example black leatherette with red stitching;
- Fitted or universal;
- Set — front seats, the full cabin, a split rear row, armrest;
- Delivery city and budget.
Example: “Skoda Octavia, 2016, I need fitted covers for 5 seats in leatherette, black with red stitching, rear row splits 40/60. Courier delivery to Ipoh, budget up to RM 390.”
How to compare offers
Ask whether the covers are really sewn for your model or just “fit”. Ask for photos of real work on a similar car. For leatherette, ask about the base and the thickness: a cheap one cracks quickly at the folds. For a car cover, find out whether there is a lining, straps to fix it under the car and a seam that doesn’t let water through. Compare the making time too: fitted covers made to order can take several days. Ask whether the seams and zips have a warranty, and whether you can return the set if it doesn’t match the pattern. For a car cover, ask about size: it should be a little longer than the car but not drag on the ground.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You describe the car and the set you need in one request. Sellers reply in the chat with materials, photos and prices, and the platform shows the offer with the best value first. Your contacts stay hidden until you choose a seller. See how it works on the “How it works” page.
For the cabin, car mats and car cushions are also useful, and so are sunshades.
Questions and answers
Why are fitted covers better than universal ones?
Fitted covers are sewn for a particular car, so they don’t bunch up and they allow for airbags. Universal ones are cheaper but fit worse.
Which material should I choose for seat covers?
Leatherette is easy to wash, fabric breathes, and alcantara-type suede looks richer. The choice depends on the climate and how often you carry passengers or pets.
What do I need to state so the covers fit?
The make, model, year or generation, number of seats and details of the rear row, for example a 40/60 split. Also write about armrests and headrests.
Do fitted covers take long to make?
Sometimes it takes a few days, and longer for complex orders. Sellers will state the time in the offer.
