Leather Interior

[utford]

I am the owner of a brand new 2005 4Runner (Galactic Gray, SR5, moonroof, leather seats). I was in Orlando last week, saw one that looked just like mine, so I peered into it. It had leather seats, and the driver side seat was ruined - looked as if the top layer had worn off, leaving a white cloth underneath showing through. My question is - is this from normal wear, or was it abused? If from normal wear, what steps can be taken to prevent such an occurrence?

Thanks

 

[iFORCE]

that shouldn't be from normal wear... if its just like yours. Taking care of leather is simple. clean it every now and then. I use Meguiars Gold Class Leather Cleaner & Conditioner and it keeps it soft and clean.

 

[CGY_LTD_V8]

we have never had leather problems in any vehicle we have had. Especially a new one. my only complaint is that the leather in my 4runner feels so inferior to that of the Lexus' but that is to be expected I guess.

 

[utford]

Thanks

Thanks iForce and CGY_LTD_V8 - sounds like some strange issue that the other person had or caused somehow. I'll look into products to keep my leather in top shape.

Another question - what do you use for the other parts of the interior (the dash, door side panels, etc.)? I've always used Armor All in other cars, but I've heard bad things about it drying out interior components.

Thanks,
UTFord

 

[CGY_LTD_V8]

Re: Thanks

Another question - what do you use for the other parts of the interior (the dash, door side panels, etc.)? I've always used Armor All in other cars, but I've heard bad things about it drying out interior components.

Thanks,
UTFord

Apparently Armor All is really good for drying out vinyl and causing it to crack. I'd have to check and see what we have now, i think its a meguiars product. All we seem to have is meguiars or mother's.

 

[Raddogz]

I use Griot's Interior Cleaner. It keeps that squeeky leather clean. I use it on the dash and all hard surfaces on my 00 Limited.

 

[seancgn68]

303 Aerospace is wonderful. Cleans and restores without high gloss. I use it on all my leather and vinyl as well as any upainted surfaces such as my running boards. Had a decent scrape on my dashboard, and it blended it right in so that I can only see it on really bright days.

 

[jcmf]

Armour All is water based, or was at one given time. You are pretty much safe to use anything that is NOT water based on the interior.
303, Griots, Mothers, numerous products are out there, all just as effective. I personally use Son of a Gun (STP) protectant, and have on all vehicles in the past. Granted, I don't use it for every wash, but a quick wipe with a microfiber towel with very little water on it will leave it going for a long time.

 

[tkr128]

Armour All is water based, or was at one given time. You are pretty much safe to use anything that is NOT water based on the interior.
303, Griots, Mothers, numerous products are out there, all just as effective. I personally use Son of a Gun (STP) protectant, and have on all vehicles in the past. Granted, I don't use it for every wash, but a quick wipe with a microfiber towel with very little water on it will leave it going for a long time.

You have it backwards. Water based products are safe, but those with petroleum distillates are not since they dry out the material. Think about it, if you couldn't use water on it, that'd be pretty bad. 303 and Griots are water-based. Armor-All is now water based.

The general rule to follow is that if it's clear, don't use it. If it's a milky looking liquid, it *should* be safe.

 

[jcmf]

^^ I'd have to disagree. Water dries things out. Think about water on your skin. It'll dry out without being properly "lubed". When you use lotion on your hands it keeps them soft and prevents cracking.
Same as with a cars interior. You want to use something with lubrication to prevent cracking.

Maybe I am way off here, but I will stand with the no water based products. In fact, 303 does not use water in their products. Their main stand is to repel water, kind of like lotion you wear in a pool. They don't use silicone based chemicals either. How they make their stuff work the way they do is beyond me, but you can't repel water with water.

 

[tkr128]

Here are some good discussions I've found about water vs. solvent based dressings. It's a bit long, but good reading.

http://www.web-cars.com/detail/phorum/read.php?f=1&i=4530&t=4222

This one sort of explains why 303 becomes water repellent after it is applied:
http://www.autoint.com/magazine/basics_of_protection3.html

Also the MSDS for 303 Aerospace protectant says it is fully soluble in water, which usually means it is water-based.

 

[Mojav]

Lexol

Stick with Lexol cleaner and rejuvinator. I use it in all our cars. When you read up on it , it cleans and feeds the organics in the leather. keeps is supple and alive, the other chemical petro stuff will kill your leather.

 

[034RUNNER]

that shouldn't be from normal wear... if its just like yours. Taking care of leather is simple. clean it every now and then. I use Meguiars Gold Class Leather Cleaner & Conditioner and it keeps it soft and clean.

I use this in the Z06, great stuff. That definitely is not normal wear.