Seat Covers Glossary

Custom Fit
Custom fit seat covers are those automobile seat covers that have been manufactured precisely to fit the exact year, make and model of the vehicle. It gives you a perfect fit and provides access to every feature coming with your particular model.

Friction
Friction is caused when two objects rub against one another and this happens when either one or both the objects are in motion. Friction is caused when you are trying to get inside the automobile or out of it and thus there is rubbing with the seat covering material. Friction releases energy in the form of heat which eventually results in deterioration of the material.

Neoprene
Neoprene was originally developed as an alternative to natural rubber for its oil-resistant qualities. Nowadays Neoprene is used in various other applications and has actually become quite popular. It is used in wet suits (Neoprene has tremendous water resistant properties), fan belts, noise insulation pads, gaskets, and electrical insulation and also seat covers.

Pelts
Pelts are animal skins that still have the fur, hair or wool attached to it. Pelts do not shed like other lesser fur seat covers and thus it is preferred by many automobile owners.

Pink Slip
A pink slip stands for the title of a vehicle – it is actually an American Slang. It is recommend by DMVs (Department of Motor Vehicle) that you should not drive with your pink slip in the glove box, just in case your vehicle is ever gets stolen.

Polyester
It is a lightweight but strong synthetic fiber which is water resistant. Because of this property, Polyester has long been used for various applications.

Semi-Custom Fit
Semi custom fit car covers are tailored following a set of patterns and not with accurate measurements. Hence these covers will fit about 80% as well as a full custom fit seat cover. However vehicles that have side impact airbags should never use them as a Semi Custom fit does not have cut outs to access these vital safety systems.

Universal Fit
A Universal seat cover as the name implies is designed to fit any bucket seat. Available in 3 sizes, these covers are not recommended as they rarely fit properly.

UV / Ultra Violet
Ultra Violet or UV rays are electromagnetic waves of light that come from the Sun. Though these rays are invisible to the human eye, but some animals like snakes, birds and insects can detect them. Large amounts of UV radiation are emitted by the sun which is mostly filtered out by our atmosphere. But what does get through can end up causing harm to our skin and to our automobile upholstery too. Leather is susceptible as it dries out the natural oils causing leather to become stiff and crack. It bleaches color out of vinyl and cloth upholstery.