Motor Expo 2026

How do we know if our car seats are genuine leather or synthetic leather? Gurus say just press with your finger... Let's take a look.

Genuine Leather: Soft, Comfortable Seating

Most genuine leather car seats are made from cowhide that has gone through tanning and dyeing processes. The leather is therefore soft, odorless, beautifully colored, exceptionally durable, and coated with a WATER REPELLENT solution, giving it waterproof properties and good air ventilation.

Genuine leather has high flexibility due to the moisture from animal fat. Visually, it gives a luxurious, dignified feel more than other types of leather. Cowhide seats are expensive; re-upholstering can cost tens of thousands, and they typically come with a product warranty of 1-2 years or more.

Maintenance requires regular application of a coating solution to keep the leather moisturized and prevent cracking, which is a cause of stubborn stains that are difficult to clean.

Synthetic Leather: Durable, Affordable

Synthetic leather seats are divided into two types: PVC synthetic leather (POLYVINYL CHLORIDE) is made from POLYVINYL CHLORIDE plastic material, which is tanned, dyed, and then sewn onto fabric fibers for durability and tear resistance. It has a thickness of 1-2 mm. When sitting or touching it, it feels stiff and not soft. If the leather deteriorates, it will become even harder.

PU (POLYURETHANE) synthetic leather is scientifically synthesized using POLYURETHANE rubber, with polyol and diisocyanate as production ingredients. This makes the surface soft, similar to genuine leather. It is heat resistant and has a longer lifespan than PVC leather. Additionally, this type of leather can be embossed with patterns as desired.

This type of seat is easy to maintain; just avoid heat from direct sunlight. 

What kind of car leather seats do you have? Press with your finger, and you'll know ! 

1. Low-grade synthetic leather seats (PVC): When you press with your finger, the seat will indent in a circle with no wrinkles. The surface will feel taut and stiff.

2. High-quality synthetic leather (PU): It will feel different from low-grade synthetic leather. When you press down with your finger, you can feel the thickness, but there is clear elasticity, forming wavy lines on the leather. 

3. Genuine leather: When you press down with your finger, you will feel its thinness, softness, and smoothness, not rough to the touch. It will show wrinkles similar to human skin. When sitting, it feels soft and comfortable. 

Source 4WHEELS Magazine