What to use on "leatherette"

[VWAUDI]

I have a 2001 Audi A4 with "leatherette" interior. I'm not sure exactly what is made from. I have heard that it is either a high-grade vinyl or it is a combination of leather and vinyl, with the leather being used in the high wear areas and the vinyl on the rest of the seat.

Which product(s) should I use? I'm not interested in quick but rather using the best product(s) for the vehicle.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi VWAUDI,

You know, I don't have a good answer for you. But I can check into it and find out.

Mike

[Rockpick]

I'll let Mike follow up with you but, most likely, you have both leather and pleather portions on your seats. In short, the areas at which skin would touch the seating surfaces (i.e. back, bottom, and bolsters) are most likely heavily 'processed' leathers. The sides, back, and headrests, most likely, are vinyl.

I don't know this for sure as I've never worked on an Audi but, the majority of automobile manufacturers utilize this practice.

RP

[Bill D]

VWAudi

You have a PM

[Antonio Wright]

Any word on this? I am interested as well.

[Antonio Wright]

Anyone?

[4.6GT]

I wonder if the leather wipes would work -- can't think of why it would hurt the seats.

[TOGWT]

Vinyl-topped (Corinthian) leather: Some leather being used in domestic automobiles has a top veneer of vinyl. This should be considered a vinyl interior and treated with a vinyl dressing.

Do not use a leather conditioner on vinyl-topped leather; the conditioning oils cannot penetrate the vinyl coating to reach the leather. Clean and condition only the leather surfaces. If you're not sure if your car's leather is vinyl coated, check with your car dealer or the manufacturer.

Identifying characteristics- this is a man-made fabric of plastic and cloth. You can identify vinyl by its highly uniform grain pattern; the surface will have a slick feel to it. The backside of the vinyl is lined with a cloth/fabric backing. If you have any cracks or cuts, you can see the fabric backing (usually white in colour).

~Hope this helps~