array (
  'post_type' => 'sam_ad',
  'post_status' => 'publish',
  'posts_per_page' => 1,
  'tax_query' => 
  array (
    0 => 
    array (
      'taxonomy' => 'category',
      'field' => 'term_id',
      'terms' => 39,
    ),
  ),
  'meta_key' => 'meta_0_voice_increment',
  'orderby' => 'meta_value_num',
  'order' => 'ASC',
)

array (
  'ad_array' => 
  array (
    0 => 
    array (
      'leaderboard_output' => '
',
      'mrec_output' => '
',
      'side_skins_output' => '',
      'premium_banner_output' => '',
    ),
  ),
)

How to select the right car seat covers

Posted 15 December, 2017 min@showpony.com.au

Walk into any car accessory retailer and you’ll notice the range of car seat covers on offer is fairly extensive. So how do you know which ones are compatible with your car, or does it even matter?  

RAA motoring expert Mark Borlace says that if your car has side airbags, it does matter. ‘If the side of the seat is covered, the airbag wouldn’t be able to deploy as it’s designed to in the event of a crash,’ Mr Borlace explains. ‘These days there are more vehicles on the road that are fitted with side airbags in the driver and front passenger seats.’

 

There are two types of car seat covers that are compatible with side airbags:

• Covers with computerised stitching, which is designed to ‘burst’ when the airbag deploys.
• Covers with an open space on the side of the seat.

‘If you decide to purchase car seat covers with the open space, just make sure when you fit them that the open space is over the area where the airbag would deploy,’ said Mr Borlace. ‘If the cover moves out of place, it could have an impact on how the airbag deploys in the event of a crash.’

 

Before you buy car seat covers, either for yourself, or as a gift for someone else, check the following:

• Make sure you are selecting car seat covers that are compatible with the vehicle’s make, model and seat type.
• Confirm whether or not your vehicle has side airbags. If you’re unsure, most seats will have a tag or label on the side of the seat, or you can check the vehicle’s manual.
• Before purchasing, don’t hesitate to check with the retailer’s staff to make sure you’ve selected the right covers for your vehicle, and ask whether the product has been safety tested.
• You could also consider visiting your vehicle dealer’s parts department, as genuine accessories will more than likely be designed to be compatible with the vehicles safety features.
• As a general rule, if the sales staff can’t prove to you the seat cover they are selling is safe, don’t buy it.

 

And when you’re ready to fit them, remember the following:

• Read the fitting instructions before placing the covers on the seats.
• Ensure you are putting the covers on the correct seat – i.e. left and right sides.
• Attach all straps and ties under the seat.
• After fitting cover, check that all the seat adjustments work correctly, which should also ensure that the cover is fitted securely.

           

Banner Text/Image

More from Car advice

Interstate

Do you only have CTP insurance?

Almost one in 10 South Australian motorists only have compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, RAA data has revealed. Here’s...

Interstate

What’s the little button on your seatbelt?

When cup holders first arrived on the motoring scene, it was a revelation. Finally, somewhere to put your cup....

Interstate

Servicing schedule

Our cars need regular servicing to keep them in tip-top condition and to identify any issues before we’re left...

Interstate

RAA: more than just Road Service

RAA Road Service was around when horses were still trotting along King William Street. Since then, our range of...

Interstate

Speeding over a speed bump…

Have you ever sped over a speed bump, ignoring the yellow sign that’s recommends you travel at 30km/h? I’m...

Interstate

What’s in your car’s toolkit?

Whether or not your car has a spare wheel, most vehicles have the tools needed to get back on...

Interstate

Test drive an EV like a pro

Test driving a brand-new car is an exciting mix of unusual smells, fancy tech and shiny paintwork. If you’re...

Interstate

Hot or cold: does it matter?

With winter only weeks away and those chilly mornings on the horizon, you’re bound to have a foggy windscreen...