Car Leather Care: The 3 Biggest Mistakes you make

Car leather care is a topic full of bad info. Car leather upholstery cleaning is a topic full of bad information with endless opinions. In this detailing tutorial designed with detailing for beginners in mind, Darren discusses the basic mistakes people make when it comes to dealing with car leather upholstery. In this detailing video, Darren offers tips to help you when it comes to your car if you have leather upholstery.
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[@jaysoncolbert6187]

I realized it's just easier to never get in or out of the car. My leather is going to last forever.

[@EliteOnTheBeat]

You could also just get in and out via the window. 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@albertv6054]

That’s what I do!..

[@__simply_April__]

Good advice 🤣

[@marvelousmario1908]

🤣🤣🤣

[@YesImhymn]

Hahah

[@brandonsjeffers]

" Do not drag your ass" LMAO! So true though!

[@smw4900]

Spoken like someone with no a$$ 😂😂

[@happios]

It turned out it wasn't my car's poor quality leather. All along it was my ass

[@apoemlover]

Mine too ha

[@smw4900]

LMBO

[@rachaelfutch7525]

😹

[@DanBCooper]

dude that made me laugh so hard lol underrated comment

[@sadderdazehaze]

It’s not your fault it’s so big 🤨 some people are just gifted

[@alansexton7]

Talking to your viewers like they have trouble understanding simple concepts is the best way to gather subscribers! Carefully and clearly enunciating hard words is sooo helpful!!

[@da324]

He merely understands that most people are dumbasses and need all the help they can get. If you haven't seen it by 20, you're probably one of them.

[@milanjurich1526]

You’re the 1st to speak to getting in & out to prevent damage. Kind of like the 1st to show the design issues with Tesla.

[@JohnCena-zb5ss]

I am hyper aware and I’ve always taken care getting in and out, so I was happy to learn thatI’m at least doing something right!!! I didn’t think about the top coating, but it makes so much sense!!! THANK YOU!!!! Excellent video!

[@williamfitzpatrick5133]

Thank You! This is the first time I have ever heard of protecting your leather by getting in and out of the car using proper technique to prevent damage!

[@G-SpecDetail]

Nobody taught us ever - the system wants us to wear down our cars fast to buy another I like how Darren's communication is always so clear concise & direct!

[@SuperSportMTL]

Finally! Thank you sharing. So many people lack this awareness. Damaged seats on a 5K mile - 10K mile sports car is a deal breaker for me and many others. Keep your interior clean. Cleaners and conditioners are like polishing your paint constantly. Prevention is key.

[@nickkazynski364]

I don’t believe anybody has ever taught me how to get in and out of a car but I thought your video was excellent. You know just to take the time to say it so good video.

[@Jazzmaster71]

This is so accurate. Unconsciously I have always been self aware of this when getting into any cars, not only my own.

[@pjfan173]

I've been closing my door the proper way ever since watching your video. Thanks for the great tips

[@hayleydavis6691]

Thank you!! I'm buying an SUV tomorrow that has leather seats and this came up first recommended in my search for care. I've definitely learned a lot and I promise you I'll take this information going forward.

[@stephanieguerrero2227]

Thank you for this video. My father recently passed, he loved his truck and took good care of it. I'm trying to learn about this stuff for him.

[@Howdy762]

thats very sweet of you

[@elizabethrodriguez7363]

Very good, no body has ever taught me how to get in and out of a car. lol Only a detailed oriented person would know this. Great video!

[@janicesanderson3310]

Yep . Seem irritating . We’re all sheep n all stupid morons n he’s a genius . 🤗

[@JohnPedder]

@@janicesanderson3310 lmao

[@DavyDave1313]

The amount of sarcasm in this post tho

[@derya7603]

i enter my car exactly the same way he showed. including my foot on the break pedal. just naturally do that movement and my seats never got damaged in those areas. he is right.

[@Californians_go_home]

What happens if I have an over sized trouser trout ? Does it mean I have to untuck it from my shoe before I put pressure on the brake before I do the spin in ?

[@morganhaney8147]

Very good video! No bs (like always) and straight to the pionts and onformation people need/want to know. Thanks again!

[@3500ram_duallys]

Thanks for the video, I have 2015 Z06 with only 5,800 miles seats are perfect except the driver side bolster. I just noticed this last week... Now I pay attention to how i enter and exit my car.

[@MyGuyKirby]

Plus never let your partner get into the leather seats with those fancy designer bluejeans with the sequined pockets!

[@Thomas-qo2vp]

Why?

[@joer8854]

@@Thomas-qo2vp Jeans have metal reinforcements on the pockets that are anti-finish devices. They damage everything they touch. Paint, Leather, cloth etc.

[@tracymcgrew7331]

@thomas I learned this the hard way. They also ruin wooden chair seats.

[@CoreyMack5000]

I just got my first car with leather seats two days ago, thanks for this, cause my wife wears jeans like this. Imma tell her she can’t put her pants on til we get to our destination

[@Hattonbank]

The dye in jeans is not ‘fast’, it leaches out into the leather due to heat from the body being transferred into the jeans. The dye sinks into the leather and is almost impossible to remove and is one of the biggest issues with light coloured automotive leathers. If you have a beautifully trimmed luxury car in light coloured leather, have enough respect for it not to let anyone ride in it with jeans. A luxury car had class, jeans, designer or otherwise, do not.

[@jamiedavis310]

cheers auto, just picked up my new car first leather i ever had, thanks for the tips. first video i looked at. Nice

[@chevota400]

I've always known how you get in/out causes damage,, including what you wear, but only because I have eyes and can see where the seats of cars get damaged first. The outside edge of the drivers seat is the very first thing I look at on any cars interior to judge wear and tear and to see if it's a grocery getter or freeway flyer. But no, it's not something I was told and I believe you're the first I've heard mention it. Thanks for spreading the word

[@diegudr]

Nothing remains perfectly new on any car no matter what. But you are correct that we can certainly delay that in a significant way by our behavior.

[@JGV_IX]

Nobody has ever said anything about getting in and out of the car. I thought it was such a inconsequential thing. Thanks a million for the video!!

[@EdPuriski]

you are so right with getting in and out of car. Makes so much sense. Larger people will have a harder time. How about people putting their shoes on bottom of door getting out too. I am much more conscious now and telling others about friction! Thanks

[@donk.5730]

Great points made. Wasn't expecting the entry lessons, but so true. Thanks

[@josebonito6013]

Out of dozens of videos that I went thru (having already years of car detailing experience myself, I’m 40, I usually OCD when it comes to hygiene, you get the picture) and usually in the habit of researching ANY topic regarding a job I don’t specialize in, to make sure, bla bla bla. Lo and behold,(I was already subscribed, and have gotten excellent advice from my main man over here) I come across this awesome no shrills-straight-to-the-truth master retailer here, whom I was familiar with btw, and once again I find pleasantly surprise to find some of the best tips for this particular task, which I have done many many times (obviously very badly) and apparently done a shit job before. So thanks and thanks and can’t thank you enough chief. You da MAN!

[@saberbliss7102]

I just bought my first car with leather seats and i know they require special care but i didn't know what extent. your video was very helpful. thank you so much.

[@paullevers1095]

I understand and completely agree with how to get in and out of the car. However it's not always going to be that easy. I've just bought a very low mileage SLK and it has side bolster damaged seats 🤔🙄 but as the car is so low and the doors are so big you will have to be able to fully open the doors to be able to allow you to enter the exit the car as you have described and that's not always going to be possible especially if someone parks too close to you. My other sports car is a 1955 MGTF which has rear hinged doors so it encourages and promotes the entry/exit method you are showing us. Good video and interesting 👍 Kind regards Paul 🇬🇧

[@OuzoLouGarage]

Some really good advice and like how you showed how to get in and out the of a vehicle.

[@Ricky_85000]

Oh my good! I was starting to believe I was crazy, I always thought that mistake #1 was a major part of the equation. I though I was alone on this, I’m glad I found someone that sees that too.

[@TheBooze13]

That info about car leather being clear coated is so important to know. I actually learned from Scott from DPP to mix chemical guys VRP 10-1 with water and finish my seats with that it’s been amazing and cost effective. Actually apply that to my whole interior as a finishing dressing

[@Rtb323]

Hey man I hope u can answer this question for me. I just got a 08 bmw and the interior is really amazing for its year and I wanna keep it that way , and I’ve seen they sell some leather cleaner and protection kit and I’m really considering buying it straight from bmw , have you heard any good or bad experiences with using the actual Car manufacturers cleaning kits from dealerships before ? I like using chemical guys it’s what I’ve always used but I’m really considering going just straight with bmw product for this car. What’s your take ?

[@paulhughes3961]

I have a MX5 NC MK3 for my daily driver and I get in and out exactly how you demonstrated. Unfortunately when I purchased the car it had really low miles but the driver's left side bolster was already damaged.

[@tomranum6]

Thank you! And, yes, I have gotten in and out of my cars the same way for 30 years . Common sense.

[@MacBookAir-cu4fb]

Thanks for FINALLY a person saying that the leather has been coated with a synthetic layer and is literally plastic on top of it. It doesn’t have pores that clog up or „breaths“ in that matter... I love the matte and soft feel of Good quality leather like in Porsches, BMWs and so on, but most of the People are handling it wrong.

[@Joolz1982]

Good bolster movement getting in and out advice, and leather tips thanks especially when I get a newer car soon.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

This guy is telling the truth and calling out some bullshit in product marketing. Brilliant! Thumbs up.

[@Elg783]

Just got a car with leather seats! So happy I watched this.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

To your question: No, nobody has ever had to teach me how to get in/out of my vehicle because I guess I just have the natural sense to know this...I've always tried to avoid dragging my ass against the seats. BUT, like you said, apparently this is a secret that many folks either don't know OR frankly don't care. Good tips.

[@valleygirlknits]

This video is great! I'm in the process of buying a car with leather seats (my first!) and your information was great. I guess anyone who wants a ride will be obligated to watch your video first ;)

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video love the end being a good little sheep with the synthetic top coating

[@indetailsydney2852]

Thanks for a great video Darren. Due to spinal failure, I have been shown how to get in and out of a car to prevent further spinal damage, not to protect the seat coverings. On a similar note I believe Saab developed a swivel seat that meant you not only didn’t damage side bolsters, there was almost zero wear on the seat covering. Question: is there any point in putting CarPro ‘Leather’ on my new car’s seat to even help the coating already on the leather?

[@Violianom]

Damn your explanation is so concise and you have knowledge to back it up. I'm guilty of always conditioning it. I just bought my first brushes for cleaning the car leather today. Gonna work on my mum's Lexus and my Miata!

[@Second_Insight]

Very few people know that they are sitting on synthetic coating rather than leather. I think only Rolls-Royce and Bentley have uncoated beautiful pure leather, hence their distinctive glorious scent.

[@abitofmymind]

Aston... So bad.. always gets scuffed

[@Hattonbank]

Not true, their leathers have lacquer to protect against abrasion, UV, heat and cold, various liquids that get onto them. The heavily printed/grained leathers seen on most cars are durable, but not so soft to the touch as they have a good amount of lacquer The Nappa non printed natural grained leathers have less lacquer so feel softer but still have enough to give good protection. Semi Anilies seen on the highest spec XJ/ Range Rover/Rolls/Bentley/Aston Martins have less lacquer still and a more softer natural feel but still credible protection Aston did a limited run of 100 vehicles some years ago with no lacquer or paint, just dyed through and therefore no protection. In spite of discussing the leather type and potential problems which each customer, they still get complaints. It is suicidal to put natural leather with no paint or lacquer in an automobile as it has no durability, and no protection against the sun or heat, or any stains or dirt that are bound to get onto the seats at any time. There is a lot of BS written about leather, and quite often the customers believe it.

[@mcrowley8460]

& jag's 30+ yrs old fishy smelling leather

[@kanenstuff]

I always get in and out my car pretty much the same way as I am aware of this. Though I didn't know about the leather cleaning as I have a 180SX and it's a fabric seat. Now I have a E36 also and ots leather and was about to give the leather a good conditioner but now I will clean it first and see the results thanks.

[@mrphillipthomas]

Those getting in and out of your car is so on point.. but also unexpected! Good call.

[@jnhudspeath]

You just now no one ever told me that’s much needed information Thank you very much and again and again Thank you

[@Mrs.Green23]

Thank you !! We’ve seen so many issues with the driver seats and door looking as if a shark went crazy in the vehicle.

[@thestormlscoming]

never thought about how i get in and out of my car. Thanks for the tips!

[@Pacificaner808]

Thank You. This is the Best Video I have seen, ever on car leather seats. Develop good life logic, Awareness, muscle development and coordination.

[@mikefromohio6489]

I agree with you 100% I've been detailing cars for 35 years and most ppl have no clue what there doing to there car..

[@HollerAtcherBoi]

Fantastic video. My question is: How often should one condition their leather in a brand new 2022 vehicle? Thank you

[@davetires7300]

Knowledge is Everything Sheeple Thanx Darrin🤓👍

[@srirajization]

No one taught me this. Buying a new car and look forward to doing it right from now on. Thank you.

[@sebastianjungle]

Thank you very much for the advice could you tell us what type of products can we use if we want to clean our leather in our car ? anything u recomend ? to remove dust or dirt

[@pierloaded9021]

this dude is a comedian 😂😂😂 loved the vid just subbed 💯

[@jacobjacob5143]

Very informational video, thank you very much.

[@joer8854]

I drove a Lincoln Town car as a Taxi and before every shift I wiped down all the surfaces in the car with non-alcohol baby wipes. Had many people tell me it damages the Leather. That car had nearly 2 million kilometres on it, probably half a million by me, and it had the nicest leather in the fleet. Always used a different wipe for the back of the seat than the bottom, changed the wipes often and never used the same wipe on different surfaces. My car was always spotless and fresh smelling. I kept such good care of it the owner of the company would always (frustratingly) take my car when he needed to borrow one of the cars. 1. Take the car to the car wash 2. Wash the entire exterior. 3. Dry the whole car 4. clean each door jamb and door completely including meeting surfaces, handles, door cards etc. 5. clean all seats and seat backs 6. Clean divider and cup holders 7. Vacuum and freshen the carpet 8. Wipe and clean all the pillars and any surface the customer may come in contact with. 9. Clean the wheel and door handle and contact surfaces. 10. Do the rest of the front at slow times when customer isn't in the car. The dispatchers said they got so many requests for me that they had to refuse requests because it would cause conflicts with the other drivers.

[@blaberosful]

Never again someone told me how to get in and out of my E46 coupe . Nice guy liked and sub

[@jaycarr590]

Quite thorough there on the mount/dismount procedure..think I got it now.

[@2502860]

Great explanation video. I have a Laramie truck it's different to get out of truck. What products and brands do u to protect the leather from friction. I used conditioner by Jay lenos. But u said no. Lucky me used only once. Just bought truck couple weeks ago. I see there's been wear on the seat from previous owner

[@birandhashem94]

Nobody taught me how to get in and out of the car. Great tips

[@wikilix86]

Good point on how to get in and out of your car! 👏

[@leslieharris6143]

Great video. We purchased a truck with leather seats (17 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali) and the seats are VERY slippery. What can we do to help this? I think they used only conditioner.

[@eddiegarcia1560]

Bought my car pre-owned. The seats in it are kind of known for premature wear. I took it to the dealership and they're giving me a new seat. 7k miles shouldn't be cracking but hopefully I can take care of it from now on

[@still-DJ]

Thank you for all the info and tips. My hope now is, I can undo all the a$$ dragging I've done to the truck seat before it's too late. I don't have leather seats, but I do need to learn from the PRO's on how to these the correct way the first time. Just in case I do get a customer that have or asks for leather protection (in all these years, I've been lucky and just cleaned and wiped them down). I do need to up my game on Leather and Alcantara cleaning, care, and protection services. Again, Thank You.

[@ash_savage]

This was super helpful!! Quick q, as someone isn't constantly driving, how often should I clean or "wipe down" my leather seats? should I do all of them? or just the ones being used the most?

[@TCPUDPATM]

Thank you! This is all so true.

[@richardseem7948]

great tips and video again buddy

[@Gdaiva1]

Holy shit, thats entertaining how you present it! Im not fetish about my car at all, but i love how you tell common sense tips…was just looking how to stop battery draining on my older Audi🤣❤️

[@uncircumcisedwej]

Hi, thanks for all your videos! Would you recommend removing sagging on leather seats by heating with heat gun or steaming? Thanks for any help!

[@whttiger5477]

thanks for the tips, learned a lot

[@maxdempsey9943]

Why do I feel like I’ve just been berated for 10 minutes! Jesus

[@JeremyRayValdez]

Riiiiiiiiight?!?!?! No tact.

[@corwininadsm]

not to mention he is just overly wearing out a different bolster/part of seat.

[@ThatKa5p3r]

Hmmm...he must've hit a nerve with you folks then. You came here looking to fix that worn out part of your seat because you're lazy, huh? Surprise.

[@maxdempsey9943]

@@ThatKa5p3r I came here looking for general leather care tips before anything like this happens to my car. I didn't think I was going to be accused of being the worse person in the world. 🌍

[@ThatKa5p3r]

@@maxdempsey9943 lol. And you got tips, what else ya need?? I, for one, appreciate the honest, direct approach. I'm also a very observant, socially/spatially aware & confident human being that wouldn't be offended by constructive criticism, sooooo.....

[@DaKillmonger]

Next time I won’t spend $90,000 on my car with Leather Seats. I’ll get a Nissan with cloth so I can get in and it how I want for $70,000 less. LOL!

[@purplefishy8164]

Why'd you pay 70k for a nissan

[@martinaston1715]

I solved this problem 100% I put Amazon sear covers on , leather still like new 3 years later

[@bobbychong2541]

Love it, found it informative and funny

[@YesImhymn]

I’m in a conundrum where I want to protect my leather but I also don’t want to put seat covers on…currently I’m doing a routine cleaning/conditioning maintenance

[@avastone3778]

Thanks for the information excellent

[@sambiscits6711]

Now I guess I need to figure out how to properly clean the leather seats in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, and they have the little perforation holes, I want to get started off right, I'm always cautious of trying to get in and out of my truck.

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

good tip on getting out of trucks though, every time I get out of mine I cringe as I slide and smash the hell out of the side of the seat lol it is my own fault because I refuse to have a step rail...that would solve the problem but dont like the look. I will attempt your method!

[@toddthompson3746]

Before this video, I was dragging my ass when I got in and out of my car. Now I hold my ass up high and drop it straight down on the seat. It's been six months now and my leather seats look fantastic.

[@quaidmciver172]

Great video. Well said tips.

[@jpguthrie6669]

I live in Japan, and was always amazed that I never saw any car with torn seats here. I then learned that to pass the bi-annual inspections in Japan, cars cannot have hole or tears in seats or carpets, nor can they have dents, and even the paint must be intact. This would have disqualified pretty much every car I ever owned before I was 30 years old. If you have a car with torn leather bolsters, there are Japanese detailers who can and will remove any scratches, tears, or holes, and they do an incredible job.

[@talbotdorr682]

Holy shit dude, that’s intense. Just shows how different culture is from one country to another. It also helps explain how the car culture in Japan is so awesome, some of the cleanest and most beautiful cars in the world out there

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

that is actually ridiculous. it is none of their business if someones interior doesn't look on point or they have a dent. That has zero to do with a cars safety which is what inspections would be for...Glad I do not live there!!!

[@jpguthrie6669]

@@AsTheWheelsTurn Yep, Japan is such a terrible place. No crime, no trash in the streets, almost no homelessness. It's such an awful thing that there are no dangerous neighborhoods anywhere in the country. It's hard living in a country which has the world's best public schools, the world's largest middle class, and where inflation right now is a measly 2%. I wish I were back in my hometown in America, in a state where there are no car inspections. I really miss the boarded up businesses, the sound of gunshots and sirens at all hours, the open air drug markets, and poop on the sidewalks.

[@lutalicarebus1]

This is stupid. You can walk without teeth but your car has to be as new even after ten years.

[@jpguthrie6669]

@@lutalicarebus1 It's silly, but on the other hand you don't see beat up cars on the road, and when you sell a car with no cosmetic damage you get a lot more money for it. There is a huge export market for used Japanese cars from Japan.

[@briankress9997]

I bought an infinity q60 brand new and the leather on the bolster It had creases on The leather the car had 18 miles on it and I told the dealer about it and they said it was natural where what exactly caused this and how can I get rid of it because they said they will not replace Them thank you for your time great video

[@krob8823]

The Q60s are nice. I was looking at them and a Q50. I ended up with a G sedan.

[@petehoward8494]

Dude is dropping some real knowledge on us. The first to point out that it's actually your big ass causing all that damage. Listen and obey, your car seats will thank you, plus you'll be getting in some calisthenics while you get into and out of your leather seats!

[@felsig1]

I think the Technic of getting in and out properly is just common sense. cant be thought the other thing that drives me nuts is when i see a steering wheel whether be a leather wrap of vinyl rubbed off. Great video by the way.

[@ParaisoDeLujuria]

great video. Thank you

[@Tubeularron]

Thanks, I have never been told how to get in and out of the car to not wear them out to quickly.

[@briancorrigan5350]

Thank. BTW when you spoke, the audio was only on the left speaker, but the intro and outro music was stereo.

[@illiyakuryakin3092]

So, other than being careful getting in and out of the car, what is the best coating to use on the clean leather?

[@savgoulis2826]

Yes there is. I restore leather. It's called leather repair putty or filler - yes 'filler'. You have to use it to believe it. An 8 inch hole to perfect with substrate backing OR rub it in or use a spreading tool (old banking card) to strengthen and irradicate scratches small holes too on UTTERLY THIN HOLEY FRAYED leather. Try it on a £3000 sofa. It's amazing!!!!! No brands advertised by me as it's made by many many makers.

[@LuXoR1590]

all true , nice video man

[@NewCastleIndiana]

I have had the occasion to speak with top designers for some worldwide manufacturers of automobiles. And I always say one thing, like my 1975 442, give me back my swivel bucket seats. I don’t slide over the seat bolster I just sit down and stand up facing immediately outward on my egress. That solves a lot of non-cloth seat issues.

[@lauren_mcgowan]

Could you advise on how to get a small white scratch (surface leather) out of brown leather bmw seats?

[@jacksongay6848]

This is so true on the 2000s Chevy and GMC trucks

[@marywhistleman1852]

Like the way you present things

[@Charkatak]

I agree, but I put my right foot in the middle of the carpet first, then sit in the seat, then raise my other leg. When I come out of the car, I put my left foot on the ground and leave my right foot in the car. Then simultaneously left myself using both legs and lean towards the outside and come out. The end result is that side bolsters(lower and upper) look 90% new, although car is 2010.

[@jesusHernandez-ed9hi]

Darren what do you think of car coatings dont hear you talk about that much I'd love to hear your opinion

[@jeremiahmcdonald8587]

So I have sap on my 2022 tacomas seat and I removed the sap the sticky part but there is still a stain left I tried everything rubbing alchol and wd40 nothing removes the stains I cleaned and reconditioned the area after but stains are still there

[@Slingersbullseye]

What's a good non scented leather cleaner and conditioner? Seems like a lot of them smell with this leather scent I don't want to disrupt the new/original car smell. Chemical Guys SPI_208_16 Colorless and Odorless vs honey leather *if they make and odorless version.

[@zolbad]

So ive put conditioner on my seats..will it just take a clean to remove it,or has the damage been done

[@richardl3720]

Update: When I wanted info on how to protect my leather car seats I searched KZbin and other sources. Primarily, I wanted to know what kind of protectant or conditioner I should use, assuming, short of putting a tacky seat cover on, this was the way to protect my seats and make them last longer. Then I came here and honestly, wasn't thrilled with the info in this video. After about a year of using my SUV with leather seats, I've come to realize that what this guy is saying is actually SPOT ON. Seems silly but he's absolutely right.

[@salami99]

Maguires Matte Leather protectant