Preserving Your Car's Interior

It may seem natural for most people to lavish the most attention on the outside of their car, but actually it’s the interior where you’re spending most of your time. As it goes through the repetitive strains of passengers jumping in and out, accidental spillages, muddy shoes, high temperatures, overnights frosts and more, it’s also one of the first places that major wear can show.  

While classic cars are a little more fragile, modern cars undergo strenuous tests that ensure durability of materials. But ultimately, your car’s interior will never remain pristine so it’s worth putting in the effort to ensure you’re doing everything you can to keep it looking fresh.

Material Matters

Modern car interiors typically feature durable leather, stain-resistant fabrics, and UV-protected plastics. Before a material can be signed off for automotive use it has to undergo a number of grueling tests in the lab, so they can withstand everything from coffee spills to intense sunlight. However, they can still degrade if not properly maintained, particularly in areas that see frequent contact like steering wheels and gear shifters.  

Classic cars, on the other hand, often boast genuine leather, wool carpets, and real wood trim—materials that exude luxury but demand careful attention. These natural materials are more susceptible to environmental factors and can dry out, crack, or fade if neglected. The wood veneers found in luxury classics are particularly vulnerable to sunlight and humidity changes, requiring regular conditioning to prevent splitting or delamination.

Regular Cleaning Rituals

For modern interiors, regular vacuuming and wiping down surfaces with appropriate cleaners is usually sufficient to get rid of some of those oils that can begin to break down materials over time. It’s also worth using a special leather cleaning product to keep the seats from cracking as they dry out. Most modern materials can handle mild cleaning products, but just be careful to avoid alcohol-based cleaners on touchscreens and digital displays. Some of them have special hydrophobic coatings that some cleaners can damage or remove completely.  

Classic car interiors require a gentler approach. Leather should be cleaned with specialised products that won't strip the natural oils, followed by a proper conditioning treatment. Leather needs regular conditioning—typically every three months—to prevent drying and cracking.  

Wool carpets should be carefully hoovered and occasionally cleaned with appropriate wool-specific products to prevent shrinkage or colour bleeding. Chrome trim and metal surfaces should be polished with non-abrasive compounds to maintain their lustre without scratching.

Climate Control

Modern cars benefit usually have UV-resistant windows, but for the ultimate in protection try to park in the shade or use sunscreens. Direct sunlight, can cause dashboard cracking and fabric fading to appear in just a matter of a few years.  

For classic cars, leather and wood are particularly sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Ideally, you’d be ensuring a consistent ambient temperature to help prevent wood trim from expanding and contracting. Some collectors even use small moisture absorbers inside their cars when stored.

Call In The Professionals

Professional detailing every couple of years can help maintain that new-car feel, and the best will even remove parts of interior trim to ensure all cracks and crevasses are totally clear.  

For classic cars, specialist restorers understand the unique characteristics of vintage materials and can advise on preservation techniques and they can also perform repairs as they go using period-correct materials and methods.