Even if your car runs absolutely fine, too much wear and tear on the upholstery often prompts people to consider selling. However, that does not always need to be the case! If you have messy kids, dogs that love car rides, or you work where you are guaranteed to get dirty, you know just how quickly some seats can get worn out. When you realize that the time has come for you to take action on the current state of your upholstery, and depending on just how much care they need, there are several options available to make sure your seats look as good as new.
Stain and Odor Removal
We’ve all lived on the edge a few times while driving with an open-lid drink in the cup holder. When you have to come to a hard stop or make a tight turn, even the standard coffee lid with the small opening can become a chute for your coffee to spray onto your car’s upholstery – you’re probably familiar with just how tough coffee stains can be to take care of. Perhaps you are a smoker or have had a child or pet have an accident in the back seat. These things not only stain your car, but they can leave a long lasting stench. When it comes to odor and stain removal in a car, unfortunately baking soda just doesn’t do the exceptional job to remove the stain and odor.
You are going to want to hire a professional that has expertise in auto upholstery repair and McDowells Specialty Repair has just the team you need! Not only can McDowells help you with stains and odors, we specialize in both interior and exterior automotive restoration. When thinking about selling your car, the most obvious but important part is that it runs. From there, you have the cosmetics to think about. This is everything from clean seats, fresh smell, clean windows and even smaller things like headlight renewal so they don’t look foggy or worn out. Oftentimes, these cosmetics are the little things that will really sell someone on your car at the end of the day.
Leather Repairs
Traveling with pets often leads to nails and claws doing damage to the upholstery in your car, or even to the paint on the outside. While McDowells specializes in both paint chip repairs and leather repairs, when reupholstering your seats you need to think about how much care you are willing to put into taking care of the seats. Fabric seats are more susceptible to future stains and dirt getting in the cracks, so perhaps you should switch to leather seats instead. Leather seats are overall easier to clean and are more pet-friendly than fabrics. Not to mention – leather also increases the overall appearance of the car’s interior!
Vinyl Repairs
Camping gear, your kids’ sports equipment, or everyday items that get tossed around in your car all have the possibility of damaging your interior. Even scrapping your shoe against the bottom of your car door can leave a mark that can’t be simply buffed out. When it comes time to sell your car, you want to make sure your car looks presentable and there are no glaringly obvious signs of wear and tear. Holes and scratches in steering wheels, dashes, door panels, seats, arm rests, center consoles and rear hatch compartments with hard plastic are all repairable.
Ever since opening in 1993, McDowells has been serving the residents of the Treasure Valley and helping them get their vehicles ready to sell. If you’re planning on selling your car soon, any cosmetic repairs on your vehicle can be done by McDowells Specialty Repairs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you reupholster car seats before selling your vehicle?
Reupholstering removes visible wear, stains, and odors that can deter potential buyers and lower your car's perceived value. Cosmetic details like clean seats and a fresh-smelling interior are often the small factors that ultimately convince a buyer to purchase. Addressing upholstery issues ensures your car looks presentable with no glaringly obvious signs of damage.
Can professional auto upholstery repair remove tough stains and odors like coffee or pet accidents?
Yes, a professional auto upholstery repair service can effectively eliminate stubborn stains and lingering smells that household remedies like baking soda cannot fully address. Spills, smoke residue, and pet or child accidents often leave deep-set odors and discoloration that require specialized expertise to restore the interior to like-new condition.
Are leather seats better than fabric seats for resale value and durability?
Leather seats are generally a better choice because they are easier to clean, more resistant to stains, and more pet-friendly than fabric upholstery. Switching from fabric to leather can also elevate the overall appearance of your car's interior. Fabric seats tend to be more susceptible to dirt accumulating in cracks and future staining.
What types of vinyl and interior damage can be repaired before selling a car?
Holes and scratches on steering wheels, dashboards, door panels, armrests, center consoles, seats, and rear hatch compartments with hard plastic can all be professionally repaired. Everyday items, sports equipment, and even shoe scuffs on door panels can leave marks that cannot simply be buffed out. Having these blemishes fixed ensures buyers don't see obvious signs of wear and tear.