theedge |
09-18-2003 02:53 PM |
Leather Advice from a new owner
Hello all,
I just got my RX-8 day before yesterday! Had to drive a couple of towns over to get the color combo I wanted, but well worth the trip. I wound up getting Titanium with black leather and chapparal. Wound up with the grand touring package and spoiler, loving it so far!!! Best car I have ever owned!!!
Now, on to my two cents on leather care. I have owned (in the past) a Jaguar and Grand Cherokee with lots of leather - the Jag almost completely leather on the interior. It was my understanding, and I'm certainly no expert, that leather being a natural product is porous. The problem with armor all and other generic leather cleaners is that they seal the pores and the leather can no longer breathe - this leads to hardening and then cracking under stress. The Jag was certainly a victim of hardening. I found a product I used call leatherique - all natural, hand brewed down in FL. I can say that it did (at least for the Jaguar) return the suppleness and softness after I treated the car. They have different products depending on your objective - restoration, maintenance, etc. The stuff contains some citrus products and otherwise proprietary ingredients. Everyone with leather may want to check it out. I will most likely clean and maintain with it for the RX-8. The people were really nice and helpful, but I had to call a few times to get them on occasion. I believe the URL was www.leatherique.com , if not google should pick it up.
Hope this helps, and it's definitely just my experience - and I'm two states away and in no way affiliated with them. Just had good success in my cars.
BTW - lots of great posts and great cars here!!!! Glad to be part of it :)!
Wm
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