Should you choose SofTex or leather seats for your next new Toyota?

 When you're looking for a new car, you've got a serious number of choices to make. From performance to technology to aesthetics, the options are endless. One of the most common questions we get asked at Toyota of N Charlotte is whether SofTex or leather is better when it comes to a new Toyota's interior, and we're here to answer - check out this quick and easy guide to SofTex vs. leather to help you decide which you should opt for. 

What are SofTex and leather? 

To kick things off, let's discuss what SofTex and leather are. 

• SofTex is a synthetic leather that is a great alternative to actual leather. It has a similar look and lots of perks that come along with it, and contains no animal products. 
• Leather is an animal product that's associated with plush luxury. 

So which is better for your N Charlotte Toyota? Here's a breakdown of some of the main points. 

Maintenance:

• Leather seats require a lot more car maintenance than SofTex. They need routine cleaning, but they also need routine conditioning to keep them supple and soft. If you don't take the time to condition them, they're very susceptible to cracking. 
• SofTex seats just need to be routinely cleaned; they're actually more dirt-resistant than leather. You can clean them up with just soap and water and call it a day. 

Climate: 

• Leather doesn't like heat or sun, so if you live in an area of the country that has one or both, be prepared to put a little extra TLC into your car detailing routine. Additionally, leather absorbs more UV rays than SofTex, which means it can get extremely hot and stay extremely hot (so watch your legs). On the other side of the card, they stay warmer in the winter. 
• SofTex, on the other hand, has a special coating that reflects UV rays so it absorbs less heat. 

How they look and feel: 

• Leather has a high-end look and is associated with luxury - we're all familiar with it. Leather seats are comfortable and also, stylish and sleek. 
• SofTex is thinner than leather but very soft. They look extremely similar to leather seats and come in a ton of colors so you can customize your N Charlotte Toyota's interior. 

Cost: 

• SofTex is definitely the more budget-friendly of the two and is cheaper than leather, but it is more expensive than fabric. 
• Leather is the most expensive interior trim material because of the extensive process used in creating it. 

Decide the SofTex vs leather debate in person at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have questions or want to see these two material in person? Visit Toyota of N Charlotte to compare SofTex to leather and decide. We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Touchless car washes and hand car washes: How they're different

 When it's time to get your car back into like-new shape, do you opt for a touchless car wash or head to the driveway for a hand car wash? These two methods of washing your vehicle are actually pretty different, and both have their pros and cons. So which one is right for your N Charlotte Toyota? Our auto service experts at Toyota of N Charlotte are here to explain each in detail to help you decide. 

How are hand car washes and touchless car washes different? 

Hand car washes: Hand car washes are done by hand (obviously). You'll use special car soaps, sponges, microfiber towels, etc. to get your car spic and span and also to dry it at the end of the process and avoid pesky water spots on the paint. 

Touchless car washes: Touchless car washes are mechanized and automated. It's basically a stall that you drive into; once inside, you put your car in park, sit back, and let the machines wash, rinse, and dry your car. 

Which is better for your N Charlotte Toyota? It really boils down to your personal preference. Here are the pros and cons of hand car washes and touchless car washes as explained by our N Charlotte Toyota experts. 

Pros of hand car washes: Hand car washes are completely in your control. You get to choose which products you use, the steps you take, whether or not you repeat any steps, how long it takes, etc. You can also pay as much attention to detail as you want, getting into cracks and crevices, taking care of stubborn spots, and making sure the undercarriage of the car gets cleaned. Hand car washes are also affordable. All you have to pay for is the supplies upfront (all of which you can find at the Parts Store at Toyota of N Charlotte) and then invest your own personal time. 

Pros of touchless car washes: Touchless car washes are super convenient - you literally just sit there while your car gets washed, and it only takes a few minutes for the entire process. They're also gentler on your paint than a hand car wash, and they're relatively affordable, especially if you get a membership or package of them. 

Cons of hand car washes: Hand car washes take time, so if that's one resource you're short on, they might not be a fit for your routine. You can also damage the paint if you don't know what you're doing (for example, a dirty sponge can leave scratches). 

Cons of touchless car washes: Touchless car washes are convenient, but you don't always get the attention to detail you want. You may end up with stubborn spots and stains still after the fact, and your car's undercarriage won't get washed. Plus, sometimes the air dryer at the end just doesn't cut it and you end up with water spots. 

Still have questions or need to shop car wash supplies for your car? Visit Toyota of N Charlotte today! We're just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville and we're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road. Call us at (704) 875-9199!