Car interior repairs: leather seats, steering wheels and trim

The outside of a car gets most of the attention, but the interior is where you spend all your time. Worn leather, a tired steering wheel or scuffed trim can make an otherwise tidy car feel old. Many of these problems can be repaired rather than replaced, often in a few hours at your home or workplace.

Common interior damage

• Worn driver's seat bolsters from years of getting in and out
• Cracked or faded leather on seats and armrests
• Steering wheels that have gone shiny, worn or scuffed
• Scuffed door cards and kick plates
• Scratched or discoloured textured plastic trim
• Damage from harsh cleaning products that have stripped the finish from leather

Leather seat repair

Most car leather has a coloured, protective finish on top. Wear usually happens in that top layer first, which is why bolsters fade and crack before the leather underneath is actually damaged. A typical repair involves cleaning the leather thoroughly, preparing the surface, filling small cracks and scuffs, then recolouring the area with a colour matched finish and sealing it so it's hard wearing again.

Steering wheel refurbishment

A steering wheel gets handled every time you drive, so wear is inevitable. Shiny patches, worn stitching areas and scuffs can make a car feel much older than its mileage. The same process of cleaning, preparing, repairing and recolouring can bring a worn steering wheel back to a like-new look. We've also repaired steering wheels damaged by unsuitable cleaning products bought online, which can strip the finish surprisingly quickly.

Plastic and textured trim

Door cards, sill trims and centre consoles pick up scuffs from shoes, bags and seat belts. Scratched and discoloured trim can often be repaired and refinished, with the texture restored so the repair blends in with the surrounding plastic.

What interior repair can't fix

Large tears right through the leather, badly damaged foam underneath or panels with broken clips may need retrimming or replacing. Small burns can sometimes be filled and refinished. The quickest way to find out is to send us a few photos.

Keeping your interior looking good

• Use a pH neutral cleaner made for car leather, not household or harsh multi-purpose products
• Condition leather occasionally to keep it supple
• Deal with small wear early, before the surface cracks

If you're returning a lease car, interior damage such as burns, tears and stains is commonly charged. Our lease return checklist explains what to look for.