Are your car seat covers dangerous? - finder.com.au
finder.com.au

Are your car seat covers dangerous?

That leopard print seat cover you’ve got in your car could be a ticking time bomb.

Avatar
Ben Gribbin
Updated
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

When picking a car seat cover, you’re probably thinking about which ones look the best or which offer the best protection for your seat. In reality you need to concern yourself with whether the seat cover is safe. But why?

According to Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), anything covering your chair may smother critical airbags built into the front seats on modern cars. The organisation, which assesses new car safety in Australia, also said it tests factory standard models and cannot certify aftermarket accessories.

What’s the problem with car seat covers?

ANCAP used the Honda City as an example. On the 2018 model, there are airbags incorporated into the door side of the front seat backrest. These airbags deploy by bursting through the upholstery thanks to carefully-structured stitching that gives way in the event of a side impact.

These airbags are designed to protect the head and chest area in an accident. Vehicle manufacturers began fitting side-impact protection systems as early as 1994.

Now imagine what would happen if these airbags deployed underneath a seat cover.

First, they wouldn’t work as they should, leaving the body less cushioned from injury. Second, they may inflate at an unpredictable angle and with force, pushing the passenger in an arbitrary direction. The same problem may occur if a chair is re-upholstered or repaired.

Any delay in the airbag fully inflating could mean the difference between walking away with minor injuries or sustaining more severe ones.

Does my car have these seat airbags?

To determine if your car has side airbags installed within the seat bolster, carefully examine the door side of the chair. There should be a tag or marking that reads “SRS” or “Side Airbag”. There may be a plastic blanking plate, which covers the airbag compartment.

You should also check your owner's manual to confirm. If you’re unsure, contact your car dealer who will verify your particular model's safety features.

Can I fit seat covers at all?

Some drivers such as tradies need seat covers to protect the vehicle's cloth upholstery from damage. OAPS and back pain sufferers also tend to use beaded seat covers to alleviate pressure.

If that’s the case, then only buy seat covers that are compatible with chair airbags. Some seat cover makers cut out large sections of material to leave an opening for the airbag to inflate. These covers must securely attach to the chair. If they’re loose, they could slip and present the same danger as a generic seat cover. You must also be sure you’ve oriented the correct cover to the appropriate chair.

It’s essential to check with your seat cover supplier whether its products are safe for use with SRS airbags. Some manufacturers employ a breakable seam in their covers similar to the factory seat trim.

Even better, a handful of suppliers commissioned independent crash testing for their designs, publishing the results. Always favour one of those companies and avoid universally-fitted seat covers which are unable to accommodate for the varying locations of each manufacturer's airbag.

Is my car safe?

Older models are statistically less safe in car accidents. Check your vehicle’s Used Car Safety Rating. If you’re not happy with the level of protection offered, use our car loan comparison to compare deals on newer, safer models.

Picture: Shutterstock

More guides on Finder

Car Loan Offers

Important Information*
Logo for IMB New Car Loan
IMB New Car Loan

You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one up to two years old.

More info
Logo for Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan "Special Offer"
Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan "Special Offer"

You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.69% p.a.
Take advantage of a competitive rate, pre-approval and no early repayment fees when you finance a car under two years old.

More info
Logo for RACV New Car Loans
RACV New Car Loans

You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.

More info
Logo for NRMA New Car Loan
NRMA New Car Loan

You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 2 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.

More info

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site