Auto Upholstery Repair

Selecting the right place for auto upholstery repair work requires doing your homework, asking the right questions, and making an informed decision. When it comes to enjoying and enhancing your car's longevity, and increasing its value for trade-in or sale, maintaining the interior may be as important as exterior appearance and a well-tuned engine. Cracked, torn, stained or broken seats or upholstery make for an uncomfortable, unappealing, and potentially unsafe ride.

Auto upholstery work is first and foremost a precise and tedious job. It requires skill in working with different fabrics, technical knowledge to properly remove and reinstall the seats, and patience to achieve the right look for your vehicle. And since it requires skilled labor, this type of handiwork may be costly. However, if you want the job done right, it's worth it to pay an artisan who knows what they are doing.

There are several things to consider when getting estimates to repair your auto upholstery. First is the batting or foam material which is the primary form of the seat. Car manufacturers use all types of materials for this, so if replacement is needed, you'll want to choose a shop that offers a variety. This way you're more likely to get a consistent look and feel for your vehicle, as well as a material that will last. The other factor to consider is the surface material. Of course, you need it to match what is already in your car if you're repairing a portion of the interior. Whether you need leather or fabric, it's good to have an extensive selection to choose from. If you require a full replacement, pick something that is pleasing to the eye and comfortable, too.

Be sure to ask questions of the person you're considering for your repair work. You want them to be knowledgeable and confident enough in their skills that they won't mind answering your inquiries. Take the time to find out your options for batting, the materials and chemicals that go into making it, and their experience with your car's make and model. As with any other car repair work, it’s a good idea to get more than one estimate so you have some room to negotiate.

There are factory-certified upholstery technicians who do auto upholstery repair, and depending upon the extent of the work you need done, it may be worth it not to go with the lowest price quote. Some shops have photo portfolios of work they have done, and personal referrals are also very helpful. Contact local shops to see if they're familiar with your type of vehicle, then check them out with a resource such as the Better Business Bureau or AAA to verify their reputation.

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