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torture tests

Seat Covers vs. Chili

Ever wondered just how spill-proof your seat covers can be? Inspired by a customer down south who accidentally tested her seat covers with a hearty spill of gumbo, we decided to put our own twist on the challenge. Being from Minnesota and not quite as familiar with gumbo, we opted for the next best thing—a two-dollar can of chili for this spicy torture test.

The moment the chili hit the seat, we knew our work was cut out for us. For the record, it smelled as bad as it looked—maybe even worse. But this was about more than just enduring a foul smell; it was a chance to prove the resilience of our seat covers.

We started by tackling the larger chunks with a paper towel. Once the big pieces were out of the way, we went to town with an all-purpose cleaner and more paper towels. It was a messy job, but someone had to do it, and we were determined to see it through.

After some vigorous scrubbing, the results were impressive. The seat cover looked pristine, with no stains or lingering smells. It was as if the chili incident had never happened.

This test goes to show that whether it’s gumbo, chili, or any other messy disaster you might encounter, our seat covers are up to the task. They’re not just built to handle the everyday wear and tear of getting in and out of your vehicle; they’re designed to stand up to the messiest of challenges.

So, go ahead and live your life—don’t worry about your seats. With TigerTough covers, they’re protected against spills, stains, and those unfortunate but sometimes inevitable smelly accidents.

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Seat Covers vs. Drywall Mud

Have you ever accidentally gotten drywall mud on your seat covers and wondered how tough cleaning up would be? OK, maybe not, but we decided to put our seat covers to the test and share our findings.

In our usual style, we didn't just apply a little drywall mud; we slathered on a generous amount and then used a heat gun to dry it thoroughly, making sure it really set into the fabric. 

Initially, the big wet globs of mud wiped off with no trouble using a wet wipe—a good start. However, the real challenge was the dried mud, which was too stubborn for a simple wipe. That’s when we had to get serious: out came the scraper to remove the bigger, hardened chunks.

Once the chunks were gone, we liberally sprayed an all-purpose cleaner and scrubbed it with a rag. This part took a bit of elbow grease, especially for the toughest spots that had dried onto the fabric. But after a couple of minutes of persistent scrubbing, the results were clear—the seat cover looked as good as new. All traces of the mess were completely gone, and you'd never even know there had been drywall mud on there at all.

This experiment was another successful torture test. With the right techniques and a little persistence, TigerTough seat covers can handle even the messiest of challenges. So, whether you’re in the middle of a home renovation project or just prone to spills and splatters, rest assured that cleanup can be a breeze.
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Seat Covers vs. Coffee

If you love coffee like we do, spills are bound to happen in your cab. But how do TigerTough seat covers hold up when faced with the inevitable coffee spill? We decided to find out with a torture test that's more than your average accident—because, let’s face it, where’s the fun in normal?

So, we staged a dramatic coffee spill—because a simple dribble just wouldn’t cut it for a proper torture test. The spill was significant, mimicking what could happen in real life but with a bit more flair. 

We spilled and then wiped up the excess with a shop rag. And yes, looking super concentrated while wiping it up seemed to help—or at least it made us feel like we were doing a thorough job.

After the cleanup, it was the moment of truth. We removed the seat cover to inspect the damage underneath. The truck’s seat had some pre-existing stains from its previous life, signs of neglect from past owners. But here’s the real kicker: under the seat cover, it was completely dry. The coffee hadn’t soaked through at all.

This test wasn’t just for show. It was proof that our seat covers aren’t just for looks; they’re a shield against spills, keeping moisture from seeping through and protecting the fabric underneath. The seat underneath stayed bone dry even when faced with a "disaster-level" coffee spill.

So, if you're prone to coffee–or other liquid–mishaps on the road, our seat covers are ready for the challenge. Success? Absolutely.

💡 Have a Torture Test idea you'd like us to try? Let us know here.

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Seat Covers vs. Dozer

Ever wondered just how tough seat covers can be? We decided to put ours to the ultimate test and squash any doubts—literally—with some heavy machinery.

A while back, we posted a video in which we lightly tested our seat covers using a mini excavator. Some folks online argued that the excavator's rubber tracks were too gentle to truly test the toughness of our seat covers. We took that feedback seriously and headed to a gravel pit in search of some real heavyweights to up the ante.

We found exactly what we needed in a John Deere 1050C—a beast of a machine weighing about 80,000 pounds, equipped with steel tracks that don't mess around. It was perfect for showing just what our seat covers could handle. So, we positioned the seat and let the Deere 1050C run over it. Not just once, but twice, to really prove a point.

The result? Where the steel tracks met the steel frame of the seat, they cut through as expected. But here's where it gets interesting: the tracks didn't cut through the seat cover itself, except where they hit the steel frame. That’s right, our covers held up against the raw power and weight of the steel-tracked behemoth.

This test, like all of our torture tests, wasn't just for show—it was a demonstration of the resilience and durability of our seat covers. They're not just another accessory; they're a protective layer that can withstand some of the toughest conditions.

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Removing Crayon from Seat Covers

If you have kids, or spend any time around them, you're probably familiar with the chaos they can bring into your vehicle (and life)—especially when crayons get involved. Removing crayon from seat covers can seem like a daunting task. Here’s a real-life test we conducted to find the best solution.

First, we tried the gentle approach with a wet wipe, hoping for a quick fix. Spoiler alert: it did nothing. Since we're not quitters, we reached for the all-purpose degreaser and started scrubbing. This shifted some of the crayon, but a stubborn stain remained.

It was time to double down. We really put some elbow grease into it, scrubbing hard and then switching to another degreaser. Persistence paid off, and after some more intense scrubbing, the stain finally surrendered.

While it was a tough battle, the crayon was eventually defeated. It’s safe to say that removing crayon stains from seat covers isn’t for the faint of heart, but with the right tools and a lot of scrubbing, you can restore your seat covers to their former glory. Just maybe keep those crayons in a secure spot next time!

Get Seat Covers as Durable as Your Kids

TigerTough seat covers are designed to withstand just about everything you can throw at them. From the daily wear and tear to those particularly challenging messes like crayon stains, our covers are put through rigorous torture tests to ensure they can take it all. And the best part? They come with an unconditional warranty, so you can feel confident that your investment is protected. When the going gets tough, these covers keep going—just toss them in the wash at the end of a rough day, and they’re ready to face whatever comes next. With TigerTough, you’re not just buying a seat cover; you’re equipping your vehicle for life.

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Seat Covers vs. Sandblaster

We tested our seat covers against a formidable opponent: high-pressure dirt at 110 PSI. The goal was to see how much dirt could penetrate through the covers when subjected to such intense conditions and how well the covers would hold up. We weren't just pushing limits; we were pushing sand and dirt at high speed.

The result? While the paint and primer were blasted off the steel, all the sand managed to do to the seat cover was leave some light tracks—no penetration, tears, or mess underneath. We wanted to know exactly how much sand would get through the CORDURA®, and the answer was none. Absolute success.

Our seat covers held up brilliantly, proving that they can handle even the most extreme conditions without breaking a sweat. And we stand by that with an unconditional warranty. So if you're looking for protection that stands up to the challenge, you know our covers are up to the task.

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Seat Covers vs. Fire

This torture test is brought to you by nothing but curiosity. To be clear, our seat covers are not fireproof, but the idea of setting them on fire seemed like too much fun to pass up. Plus, any excuse to roast marshmallows is a good one in our book!

P.S. Don’t try this at home.

Setting the Scene

We decided to test the limits of CORDURA® by introducing it to a controlled fire—not just for the sake of science, but for the sheer joy of it. And yes, marshmallows were involved, because if you're going to play with fire, why not make it tasty?

Unlike other torture tests, this one wasn't done in the cab of one of our trucks (for obvious reasons). We had a standalone seat we tried it on, in an area that wasn't at risk for burning up.

The Test Begins

With an extinguisher nearby, we set up a small fire on the seat.

As the flames licked the edges of our non-fireproof seat cover, the anticipation grew. Was it going to ignite? How would it handle the heat? Between checking the materials and flipping marshmallows, it was an experiment filled with a lot fun.

Assessing the Damage

After a while, we put out the fire to check the damage. Surprisingly, aside from a couple of little singe marks, the damage was minimal. It turns out these materials might not be fireproof, but they sure are tough to ignite—a reassuring discovery for anyone worried about their accidental flammability. And the seat underneath? That one was just fine.

Conclusion

So, what did we learn from our fiery marshmallow roast? First, these non-fireproof materials can handle quite a bit before showing signs of distress. Second, science experiments are more fun with marshmallows. While we definitely don't recommend trying this at home without proper safety measures, it's good to know that a little heat isn't going to cause immediate disaster. 

And if you are looking for fireproof seat covers, we would recommend taking a look at Wet Okole for your truck. They’re not our favorite seat cover, but they do a good job of protecting seats and they’ve got a loyal fanbase. But if you're not planning to have fires in your cab anytime soon, TigerTough should be just fine.


 
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