I'm going to be ordering a 2015 Mustang in March. It looks like I'm only going to be able to get leather seats. Do these things hold up like cloth?? I've nothing but good luck with cloth seats but leather, never had leather. I've had vinyl seats and over time, they crack but leather...no clue?? Should I invest in some seat covers??

 

I have leather. I purchased removable covers for front and back.

 

You will need to condition them several times a year with a good leather cleaner/conditioner, but they can look great for years if taken care of. Also, if getting seat covers, be sure they are compatible with the side airbags and know that you are probably giving up the cooled seats option with covers as they will block the air flow. Heated seats should still work, just be a bit cooler.

 

Now I have a 2014, but I thought we weren't supposed to use leather cleaners and conditioners in our cars because of the vinyl clearcoat on our leather upholstery?

 

never heard of vinyl clear coat , is that info published anywhere and why would they put vinyl clear coat on leather anyway?

 

To be truthful, it has been difficult obtaining an authoritative source. But there are tons of threads like the following on the detailing fora:

http://www.autopia.org/forums/auto-d...ther-care.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...d-leather.html

If you do your own Google search, you might find other links that are more convincing to you.

Also, here's the excerpt from the 2014 owner's manual on leather seats:

CLEANING LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)

• Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
• Clean spills and stains as quickly as possible.
• For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap and water solution. Dry the area with a soft cloth.
• If the leather cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and water solution, the leather may be cleaned using a commercially available leather cleaning product designed for automotive interiors. [emphasis mine]
• To check for compatibility, first test any cleaner or stain remover on an inconspicuous part of the leather.
• Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, oil/petroleum-based leather conditioners, or solvents or cleaners intended specifically for rubber, vinyl or plastics. These products may cause premature wearing or damage to the leather. [emphasis mine]

I think the answer to "why use a vinyl clearcoat" is so that unless the owner really messes up, they can just generally clean the leather with a vacuum cleaner and water. The word on the street is that "most" automotive leathers have this coating, and my guess is that's why Ford recommends a leather cleaner "designed for automotive interiors." I noticed they don't specifically recommend a leather conditioner.

The other emphasized portions are the parts that concern me. What leather conditioner is not oil or petroleum based? What other protectant is not intended specifically for rubber, vinyl or plastic?

By the way, an example of a vehicle that for certain does not have coated leather is the F-150 King Ranch, which has that specially treated saddle leather. Also, I have a friend with a Tesla that has "Nappa" leather which is supposedly untreated as well. Again from a non-authoritative source, the word on the street is if you place a droplet of water on the leather and it beads and rolls off, the leather is coated. If the water's absorbed, the leather's uncoated. On my Mustang seats, the water beads and rolls off. I tried this test on a pair of leather work gloves (they were lying around nearby so why not), and the water was absorbed.

Sorry I don't have any real proof. But to me there's enough evidence out there that I'm concerned about doing more harm than good with the wrong product.

 

Thanks for the info, I learn something new everyday.

 

You are welcome.

After all that, I might risk it anyway and use a conditioner if I can find a safe one.

Even if it "hurts" the clear coat (presuming it exists), drying out and cracking the leather/vinyl is a very real concern as well.

 

Lexol seems to be the popular thing.

There are conditioners out there that aren't petroleum-based, and I'm pretty sure Lexol is one of them.

I'd definitely use something... well-conditioned leather can last a long time. It will soften, maybe even wrinkle... but if you don't let it dry it out shouldn't crack.

 

My first thought has been to check w/ a detailing shop. See what they say?

I've had similar thoughts too, but w/ my mustang only being a week old I have some time.
I know my leather work boots require treatment and care at least once a year (I don't wear them a whole lot). I would assume our leather seats need something too.

 

I have had my 14 for two seasons now. I have conditioned my seats more times than I can count. I know it is over kill. But I like the way they look after being conditioned so I do it before almost all the shows I go to. I also condition them before I put it away in the fall.

 

I do not think you will find a seat cover that will not look cheap on a leather interior car... Just my opinion. I it most certainly would effect air bag deployment.