Question about leather seats

[blue_rocket2]

I am thinking about getting some wet okole seat covers for my MINI. I have the black leather seats (not leatherette, the black/grey textured seats). If I put the seat covers over my leather seats, do I need to remove the seat covers and condition the leather seats on a regular basis? I have had my MINI since Jan 2003, and have cleaned and conditioned my seats about every six month. They still look new. The seat covers are just because I want more color in the interior. Any suggestions or advice will be greatly appreciated.

[morknmini]

Yes. Even if leather is protected from dirt it can still dry out or, if you live in a very humid place, the opposite. If you treat good quality leather well it should last 20-30 years. This is what Mercedes wrote in its brochure on the care of its car seats in the 1950s. I do not know if either MINI or Mercedes uses that quality leather, but it is still available.

[911Fan]

I don't know about those particular covers but you might be giving up some airbag protection by using them.

[blue_rocket2]

Thanks for the info. Wet Okole seat covers are custom fit to MINI and have cutouts on the side to accommodate the airbags.