Checking driver's seat fabric

Part 1. Preparation and safety

Objective

• Check the driver's seat for security and condition.

Personal safety

Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:

• Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
• Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
• Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
• Hand protection - such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
• Respiratory equipment - such as face masks and valved respirators

If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.

Safety check

• If you use glue to make small fabric or vinyl repairs, do this in a well-ventilated area.
• Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.

Points to note

• If the existing seat cover is damaged, it is sometimes possible to make small repairs with some fabric or vinyl glue, depending on the original material. This will stop the nicks or small tears from getting any worse. If you do this, follow the instructions on how to apply the glue.

• If the seat fabric is badly ripped, or you can see the springs or seat frame, you should take the seat to a specialized upholstery repair shop. In some places, it is a legal requirement that the seat be in a "secure condition", even if it has a fitted seat cover placed over the damage. Poor seat condition can be the subject of a safety defect, making the vehicle unroadworthy. You should check your local laws.
• If the driver's seat is damaged but still safe and structurally sound, it may be possible to swap it with the front passenger seat, if that one is in better condition. The passenger's comfort is less of a potential driving hazard.

Part 2: Step-by-step instruction

1. Inspect visually
   If a removable seat cover has been fitted, remove it so that you can see the original fabric. Inspect the seat for overall condition. The important thing to note is if the springs or frame inside the seat are visible through the fabric. If there are nicks or small tears, then note them down so that they can be reported to the customer.
2. Check the seat security
   Now, look at the seat runners and their fixtures. Check to see that they are mounted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and that the mounting points are free from corrosion or rust.
3. Check the seat operation
   Check that the seat adjustment features operate correctly, as shown in the driver’s operation manual. If any of them fails to function properly, make a note on your work order and report the fault to your supervisor.