PSA: Preventative care necessary for '16 leather seats (12 Viewers)

[Katkon]

This is my first LC, and love the SUV overall. The seats, however, are and will be an issue over time. The semi-aniline seat covers look wonderful when new, but develop creases with the very first drive. Specifically, the sides and the fronts of the seats are poorly padded, meaning the leather stretches/creases a lot when pressure is exerted. The softness of the leather - it's much, much softer than BMW, Merc or Audi leather - only works against us in this regard, essentially amplifying the problem.

There is a solution, however. Preventative care in the form of leather conditioning BEFORE major creases start to develop. To date, I've conditioned the seats in my 2 week old LC 3 times, and while it couldn't hide the creases that were created in the first 50 miles of driving (!!!), it's managed to prevent further creasing.

I'm sure there are a ton of great products on the market. I've had luck with Leatherique Leather Rejunvinator. It's the only product I've ever used that doesn't apply a glossy sheen to the seats, and that doesn't smell when it's dried. I apply it with my hands, and simply wash them afterwards. I was really surprised at how well it worked just 2 days ago. The dealer service manager climbed into the back of the truck to examine one of the DVD screens that doesn't work properly (I really despise those screens - knew they'd be an issue!), and he chose to sit on the edge of the rear seat with one leg hanging out. I asked him not to - as I was worried about the seats. "Don't worry; I'll be out in a sec" was his smart-ass reply. As he left I noticed a great big newly formed 15 inch crease had formed down the side bolster. Really annoyed me. He too appeared a bit surprised. Thankfully, the crease literally disappeared before my eyes after a couple of minutes. There's literally no trace of the thing - which is astounding. I credit Leatherique for that - and just hope that it's a good enough product to prevent further damage when the dealership techs climb in and out to replace one of the faulty DVD units. Did I mention that I can't stand the DVD system/screens???!!!

Good luck folks!

P.S. I also had the Gulf States-installed clear bra removed and had a local installer apply XPEL Ultimate instead. I knew both the material and application of the GS-installed stuff wasn't great (they don't wrap the edges, for example, so the film is very noticeable). I didn't realize how thin the accessory film is/was until I saw the installer remove it as I dropped the car off. He literally just peeled off a fender piece using no heat - and it came right off. Apparently that's Suntek film - the thinnest and cheapest on the market, and the one applied with the weakest adhesive. Oh, and it doesn't provide near as much coverage as the XPEL - much less of the hood, fenders and mirrors is covered - and even the premium dealer package doesn't include bumpers or headlights. So to anyone with the standard stuff installed - I'd recommend binning it and going with something sturdier.

 

[TonyP]

+1 for Leatherique. I used to professionally detail cars for extra cash back in the day. I've used Leatherique on all my customer cars and all my personal Lexus' and (non-marino leather) BMWs. Proper and multiple applications and taking your time is the key. It made the seats in my old 230k mile LS400 look brand new. Conditioning before the seats get creases is paramount. Once it's deeply creased, you're hosed. However some light creasing can be fixed using a steam treatment.

 

[Katkon]

+1 for Leatherique. I used to professionally detail cars for extra cash back in the day. I've used Leatherique on all my customer cars and all my personal Lexus' and (non-marino leather) BMWs. Proper and multiple applications and taking your time is the key. It made the seats in my old 230k mile LS400 look brand new. Conditioning before the seats get creases is paramount. Once it's deeply creased, you're hosed. However some light creasing can be fixed using a steam treatment.

Good to get confirmation from a former professional - it's not just my imagination then....

Re: "proper" application: on brand new seats I'm not doing much: I apply the product generously with my hands, massaging it into the leather (this is the Rejuvenator product I'm referring to). I let it soak in for a period of time - perhaps 15 minutes, and wipe the seats down with a soft cloth afterwards. I don't apply Prestine Clean (as the seats are already clean - the truck's got less than 1K miles on it). Once the seats has more mileage - and actually get a bit dirty - I'll do the same, but use Prestine Clean afterwards.

Do I need to modify my regimen, or is this OK for new leather, Tony?

 

[TonyP]

Good to get confirmation from a former professional - it's not just my imagination then....

Re: "proper" application: on brand new seats I'm not doing much: I apply the product generously with my hands, massaging it into the leather (this is the Rejuvenator product I'm referring to). I let it soak in for a period of time - perhaps 15 minutes, and wipe the seats down with a soft cloth afterwards. I don't apply Prestine Clean (as the seats are already clean - the truck's got less than 1K miles on it). Once the seats has more mileage - and actually get a bit dirty - I'll do the same, but use Prestine Clean afterwards.

Do I need to modify my regimen, or is this OK for new leather, Tony?

Let the Rejuvenator soak into the seats all day in the sun. The more heat and the longer the soak session, the better. The heat will open the pores of the leather and let the proteins and collagens in the Leatherique penetrate deep into the leather. I've actually heard of guys putting small space heaters in their cars to get the temp up. If you can do without the LC for a day, just let it soak in the hot sun. I'm sure summer in Texas will suffice

Regardless of the leather being new or several years old I always use Pristine Clean afterwards. It's not 100% necessary but I'm OCD.

And of course use micro-fiber towels for all your wiping. Scrubbing with soft brush (or toothbrush for the edges/stitching) is fine if you have some deep dirt but be gentile.

Edit: Always vacuum and take care of any noticeable dirt on the seats first if you're reapplying. New seats, it's not a huge deal.

 

[Redbull]

I noticed recently on Toyota's website it said "Semi-aniline leather", I thought "Jeez, I've seen enough 200's on Autotrader with horrible looking leather, 2016+ are going to be MUCH worse."

On the bright side, it'll be easier to tell who really took care of their truck.

 

[Haggis]

Great thread. I sure hope my seats hold up better than my wife's Lexus IS250. I will order up some leatherique. I have used Mother's and Lexol in the past.

 

[Katkon]

Thanks Tony. I'd read about letting the car/truck sit in the sun and always assumed that was for worn leather - not brand-spanking new leather. I stand corrected, apparently.

 

[TonyP]

Great thread. I sure hope my seats hold up better than my wife's Lexus IS250. I will order up some leatherique. I have used Mother's and Lexol in the past.

Toyota, generally, is some of the worst leather I've dealt with. They put slightly better stuff in the Lexus models but not by a large margin.

Thanks Tony. I'd read about letting the car/truck sit in the sun and always assumed that was for worn leather - not brand-spanking new leather. I stand corrected, apparently.

No problem. I, personally, have always done the one-day-soak regardless of the age of the seats. Is it a bit of an overkill? Possibly, but I like to do a thorough job on anything I tackle.

 

[Katkon]

I noticed recently on Toyota's website it said "Semi-aniline leather", I thought "Jeez, I've seen enough 200's on Autotrader with horrible looking leather, 2016+ are going to be MUCH worse."

On the bright side, it'll be easier to tell who really took care of their truck.

The '15 demo at the dealer did seem to have ever so slightly coarser-looking leather, but with 6K miles on the clock it too had creases in the seat. I do suspect they'll be more noticeable over time in the '16s, but the prior years were only marginally better in my short/limited experience. Of all the manufacturers that I've had first hand ownership experience with only 1 made leather seats that LITERALLY looked brand-spanking new when the car was 10 years old: a Merc, specifically a 2012 ML500. I may have applied conditioner a handful of times in 10 years of owning it - but the leather was coarser, and the seats firmly upholstered. Incredible really, except of course it was a bit like sitting on a plank . BMW leather - whether lower or higher end - doesn't fare as well, and neither does Audi. But all 3 of these manufacturers are leagues ahead of the Japanese and Americans when it comes to leather durability, so I'm not surprised that older LCs look less-than-stellar. It's partly an owner-issue (lack of preventative maintenance/care) and partly Toyota's fault for not designing/manufacturing to the same quality standard as ze Chermans....

 

[Katkon]

No problem. I, personally, have always done the one-day-soak regardless of the age of the seats. Is it a bit of an overkill? Possibly, but I like to do a thorough job on anything I tackle.

I'll say this: having conditioned the seats 3 or so times in 2 weeks, I'm continually amazed at how quickly the rejuvenator/conditioner is absorbed by the seats despite me applying it quite liberally. The leather seems "thirsty".

 

[Katkon]

Great thread. I sure hope my seats hold up better than my wife's Lexus IS250. I will order up some leatherique. I have used Mother's and Lexol in the past.

You won't be disappointed! I'm a stickler for "only the best will do", and have personally been very happy with Leatherique. I think it was when I read that it was the product of choice for people who do classic car restorations - vintage Rolls-Royces etc. - that I knew I was onto something special. Pity their website isn't as great as their product, though!

 

[TonyP]

I'll say this: having conditioned the seats 3 or so times in 2 weeks, I'm continually amazed at how quickly the rejuvenator/conditioner is absorbed by the seats despite me applying it quite liberally. The leather seems "thirsty".

Yup. Once you're happy with how it feels/looks use the rejuvenator twice per year and go over the seats with prestine
clean once per month. If you have kids you can use the cleaner as much as you like. It won't degrade any conditioning you've done.

 

[Katkon]

Yup. Once you're happy with how it feels/looks use the rejuvenator twice per year and go over the seats with prestine
clean once per month. If you have kids you can use the cleaner as much as you like. It won't degrade any conditioning you've done.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[MScruiser]

The seats in my 2011 have already torn on the side of the driver's side seat. It's just too soft.

 

[CLHickman]

MScruiser, if ever desired you could always just order a new leather cushion cover. I believe the part number is: 7107260A91B1 for black and 7107260A91E1 for beige. I've seen the OEM leather covers considerably less on e-bay at times. Just food for thought.

 

[luke27617]

I'll say this: having conditioned the seats 3 or so times in 2 weeks, I'm continually amazed at how quickly the rejuvenator/conditioner is absorbed by the seats despite me applying it quite liberally. The leather seems "thirsty".

Is it absorbing or actually evaporating?

 

[Katkon]

Is it absorbing or actually evaporating?

Definitely absorbing. It has a soapy-watery texture and as soon as it goes on the seat looks wet - as if you spilled a healthy amount of water on it. Within a minute or two, the seat looks dry. And this happens when I apply it in the garage in 40-50 degree weather. I know it's working as new creases simply disappear after several applications. I also think the seat leather feel a bit softer, more elastic, following application of Leatherique.

 

[Haggis]

I just ordered the 32 oz kit. My wife's Lexus seats are ivory and really showing signs of wear. This product will definitely be put to the test on her car. Fortunately, my 200 seats are in outstanding condition and I'm hoping this will keep them that way.

 

[TonyP]

I just ordered the 32 oz kit. My wife's Lexus seats are ivory and really showing signs of wear. This product will definitely be put to the test on her car. Fortunately, my 200 seats are in outstanding condition and I'm hoping this will keep them that way.

Like I said, take your time and have patience. Since you're in Wyoming, you can use a hair dryer with garbage bags over the seats to heat them up if you don't have a heated garage. You can find tutorials online for that.

 

[Haggis]

Thanks! Will be in AZ next month for some golf, I think I might try it on the Lexus there.