Is this seat damage "normal" wear and tear?

[MisterZ]

So the other day I noticed some damage to my leather driver's seat. I'm just wondering if this is normal wear and tear, or could something else have caused this? Maybe someone got into my car, I don't know. FYI, my car is 9 years old, 17,000 miles and never parked outside, always garaged. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

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[Skye]

I don't consider it normal wear and tear. I can think of a few factors which could have contributed to the damage:

- Each person would have their own schedule, based on where they live and how the car is used, but the leather needs to be conditioned. Just like your skin, if the materials become dry enough, they're brittle, prone to cracks and separation. Garaged or not, UV rays while outside will speed breakdown of materials over time; conditioners and protectants can shield the material

- There might be something specific, stressing that area on a regular basis. Something which works the material back-and-forth more than other parts

- While I cannot avoid them entirely, I work the seat bolsters as little as possible when getting in and out. For example, I do not sit on the edge of the seat and slide in, but aim for the center. As I exit, I don't reach for the side bolster

As to repairs, you might chat up an automotive interior or furniture restorer. Someone who works with these materials and corrective options on a regular basis. They might provide a solution, or at least some products to help prevent it from getting worse.

DFB5.0 has several threads on product reviews. There'd be something there to help.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/fo...vering-washing-waxing-detailing-repairing.78/

A general search of other Members and how they are caring for their seats.

https://www.google.com/search?q=dfb...HUBAMdgQrQIoAnoECBoQAw&biw=1470&bih=747&dpr=2

 

[Rock&Roll]

Not normal.

My 2016 looks perfect and I've got 30k miles and its also garage kept. I've never conditioned the leather.

 

[CrazyHippie]

That looks like damage from a sharp object to me. Not normal wear and tear.

 

[86Capri21Stang]

Did you have something sharp or pointed in back pocket? Once cut wifes seat when I forgot small screwdriver in back pocket.

 

[MAGS1]

Almost looks like something from those rivets that are on jeans pockets. Got snagged on the seat bolster

 

[Andy13186]

To me it just looks like it got too dry from lack of humidity and/or hot from the sun.

 

[Timbuck]

This is a common wear point on lots of cars and bucket type seats. It is caused by flex as you slide in and out. You can see the crease lines I marked. im A big guy 185cm and 95kg and use my leg to lift my self in and out i dont even touch that part of the seat.
My wife Is in realeste and in Is and out of her car a million times a day and has almost identical and she is 55kg but her legs are not long enough to life her self over the side of the seat.
in every car it technique That saves seat Wear.

 

[Joe Gonsalves]

It's common on Ford cars. I've had it happen on several different cars. The leather is just cheap. The UV really kills it. My 2011 shows wear in the same spot. My 2021 has somewhat softer leather, and the seat has the easy entry feature that helps minimize the damage from you putting so much pressure in that area. You can get replacement seat leather online. The job anit too bad. Watch a few videos online. Ebay has a few stores. In the future use lots of conditioner and get window tint to block the UV.

 

[fmc_smt]

Unfortunately that part of the seat is not leather, but pleather. In other words vinyl. Normal wear .

 

[jheissjr]

is not leather, but pleather

Correct. Vinyl is PVC with plasticizers. People like to call it leather like it's real animal leather when it's plastic. The pictures look like fatigue with the jagged lines.

 

[Cobra Jet]

Unfortunately that part of the seat is not leather, but pleather. In other words vinyl. Normal wear .

Yep - the only “leather” on the entire S550 front seat is only the center section where your back and rear makes contact. The face of the upper/lower bolsters, the sides and the entire rear panel on the front seats is all vinyl.

As others said too - if you’re “scooting” along the panels as you enter/exit, over time the vinyl cracks. Also if you’re not conditioning the upholstery, it dries as it bakes in the intense interior temps. Use a good leather product for the leather panels, apply it every time you wash the car, and you can also use it on the vinyl sections as well, it won’t hurt it at all.

 

[MisterZ]

Thanks for the help/advice. I didn't have anything sharp in pockets and I don't live in a hot or sunny climate. Any idea of cost to fix it?

 

[SCP440]

Any idea of cost to fix it?

Probably be cheaper to find a good used one from a crashed car and then you know it will match 100%

 

[MAGS1]

Thanks for the help/advice. I didn't have anything sharp in pockets and I don't live in a hot or sunny climate. Any idea of cost to fix it?

If you want real leather, get Katzkins. Can customize them however you want. I’ve seen some pre-made sets on eBay for a decent price too.

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