[watchout-everyone]

Hello, I heard about side of a door handle in the front seat area melting due to heat (which is a known case for E90 apparently).

Before the hot summer comes, i am preparing against that (I bought this protector which should arrive soon)

View post on imgur.com

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone here also uses a seat cover or if that's a norm. I never heard from the previous owner or online about the seat being melted like the panel on the side door so i wanted to double check.

Do you guys use a seat cover for your car (only front because rear window is heavily tinted)? If so, do you guys have any recommendations which brand to use or even avoid?

[StradaRedlands]

Heat & age dries out the leather, so you need to condition it occasionally. But it won't melt like the door handles. I don't think that's heat, it more just materials used.

FWIW I use wool seat vests that I really like.

https://www.sheepskinshop.com/collec...car-seat-cover

[Cal122]

Originally Posted by watchout-everyone

I heard about side of a door handle in the front seat area melting due to heat (which is a known case for E90 apparently).

After replacing all of the interior door handles with new genuine handles, I got into the odd habit of closing the door by grabbing the map pocket at the bottom of the door. Especially if my hands are wet or there's anything on them. Door pulls never looked better!

[Tambohamilton]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Heat & age dries out the leather, so you need to condition it occasionally. But it won't melt like the door handles. I don't think that's heat, it more just materials used.

FWIW I use wool seat vests that I really like.

https://www.sheepskinshop.com/collec...car-seat-cover

These are such a grandad thing! 100% not for me, but if you like them that's great of course.

No seat covers etc etc on my car. Sure, stuff will wear, but that's the nature of it.

I did swap my leather front seats to the half-leather sports seats - great improvement in climate control for my backside!

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

These are such a grandad thing! 100% not for me, but if you like them that's great of course.

No seat covers etc etc on my car. Sure, stuff will wear, but that's the nature of it.

I did swap my leather front seats to the half-leather sports seats - great improvement in climate control for my backside!

You can get the matching steering wheel cover as well!!!

https://www.sheepskinshop.com/produc...in-wheel-cover

[Suvorovo]

I use a sunshade. It makes at least a 20-30 degree difference during the summer. 140F vs 110F is probably huge improvement for electronics and interior. I also remove my jacket when driving during the winter, especially leather.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Suvorovo

I use a sunshade. It makes at least a 20-30 degree difference during the summer. 140F vs 110F is probably huge improvement for electronics and interior. I also remove my jacket when driving during the winter, especially leather.

Prior to getting the newest income-sink, I was thinking about getting some clear IR blocking film for the windshield to cut down on the heat. I use a sunshade as well.

[tcphoto]

I haven't had an issue with my door handles, I treat the interior with cleaner and leather conditioner. Although, I do have a little wear on the drivers outside bolster and I have a kit to clean, re-dye and condition the seats but it's been a little cold lately.

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Prior to getting the newest income-sink, I was thinking about getting some clear IR blocking film for the windshield to cut down on the heat. I use a sunshade as well.

Might as well get a mild tint, maybe 50%? A side benefit is that it would help reduce blindness that is induced by all the insane LED headlights from incoming traffic (mostly Teslas but Toyota/Lexus seems to be the second most common offender.)

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

Might as well get a mild tint, maybe 50%? A side benefit is that it would help reduce blindness that is induced by all the insane LED headlights from incoming traffic (mostly Teslas but Toyota/Lexus seems to be the second most common offender.)

My night vision is getting worse by the day, I don't think tint would help. You have a good point on reducing the glare though!

[Tambohamilton]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

My night vision is getting worse by the day, I don't think tint would help. You have a good point on reducing the glare though!

Are you sure?? I mean, oncoming headlights are nuts nowadays! Occasionally you get a car with properly set lights and it's so damn pleasant by comparison! And I don't just mean an old beater with weak electrics and halogens.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

Are you sure?? I mean, oncoming headlights are nuts nowadays! Occasionally you get a car with properly set lights and it's so damn pleasant by comparison! And I don't just mean an old beater with weak electrics and halogens.

Further research needed. But on my other car with tinted side windows, I have a hard time seeing into side streets I'm turning into at night. Have to really double and triple check for pedestrians. Getting old sucks.

[NZE90]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Further research needed. But on my other car with tinted side windows, I have a hard time seeing into side streets I'm turning into at night. Have to really double and triple check for pedestrians. Getting old sucks.

100% with you there. I think I'm getting grumpier by the day as well.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by NZE90

100% with you there. I think I'm getting grumpier by the day as well.

Now get off my lawn!

[tcphoto]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Now get off my lawn!

Don't make me pull this car over or I'll...