Can you fix a cigarette burn in car?

Yes, it is possible to fix a cigarette burn in a car. Cigarette burns can leave unsightly marks and holes in car upholstery that can be difficult to remove. However, there are several methods you can try to repair cigarette burns in your car’s interior depending on the severity of the damage. With some cleaning products, patience, and elbow grease, you can make cigarette burn holes and marks virtually disappear.

What causes cigarette burns in cars?

Cigarette burns in cars are caused by direct contact between a lit cigarette, cigar, or other smoking material and the interior fabric or surface area. When the hot ash or ember of the smoking material comes into contact with the upholstery, plastic, or leather, it singes or melts the material leaving behind a burn mark or hole.

Cigarette burns most commonly occur when a passenger is smoking inside the vehicle and the lit end of the cigarette accidentally touches the seat when dropped or when the passenger exits the vehicle. However, burns can also be caused by cigars, ashes, or embers from smoking materials blowing into the vehicle from outside and coming into contact with the interior.

Are cigarette burns in cars permanent damage?

Cigarette burns can cause permanent damage to car interiors. However, the extent of the damage depends on factors like:

• Type of material – Leather is more durable while fabrics are more prone to permanent holes from burns.
• Severity of burn – Light singes may only discolor while deeper burns can create holes and melted spots.
• Time – The longer a burn is left untreated, the more likely it is to leave lasting damage.
• Location – Burns in high traffic areas like seating get worse over time.

While discoloration or minor singeing can potentially be repaired, deep cigarette burns that penetrate and hole materials are usually permanent. Still, even some fabric holes and melted spots in leather can be patched and filled during restoration.

How to Fix Cigarette Burns in Car Upholstery

Here are some tips for repairing cigarette burns in car upholstery:

1. Blot the burn immediately

Try to blot out the burn right after it happens before the area gets too damaged. For a fresh burn, gently press down on the area with a damp cloth or paper towel to lift any melted fibers or soaked up liquid. This can minimize the burning.

2. Clean and deodorize

Use upholstery cleaner to scrub out the cigarette burn scar and any odors. Lightly rub the area to lift dirt and deodorize without causing extra wear. For leather, use leather cleaner. Vacuum when dry.

3. Use commercial cigarette burn repair kits

Repair kits contain compounds you rub into the fabric or leather burn to fill holes and bind fibers. The filler creates an even surface when dried. Kits come with color-matched compounds to hide any discoloration.

4. Try touching up leather burns

Use a leather dye kit from a hobby or shoe repair store to fill and color-match small leather burns. Clean the area first before applying thin coats of dye with a small brush.

5. Patch holes

For upholstery fabric holes, cut a patch piece from a hidden spot in the car or use matching scrap fabric. Adhere the patch over the hole with fabric glue or thread around the edges.

6. Reupholster areas

For severe cigarette burns that holes or ruins the upholstery, it may need professional reupholstering. This involves replacing the damaged upholstery section with new fabric.

How to Prevent Cigarette Burns

Avoiding smoking in your car is the best way to prevent cigarette burns from happening in the first place. But if smoking occurs, these tips can minimize burn risks:

• Use deep ashtrays – Avoid resting lit cigarettes on seats or dash.
• wet cigar/cigarette butts before disposal
• Don’t smoke when tired or distracted
• Check seats before exiting vehicle
• Keep cigarette lighters properly mounted
• Use flame retardant seat covers
• Ask smokers to be cautious

Being careful when smoking and acting quickly after burns helps limit damage. But preventing burns altogether by not smoking or permitting smoking only outside the vehicle is best.

Can you claim cigarette burns on car insurance?

You may be able to file a claim for cigarette burns through your car insurance policy, but policies vary in coverage. Here are some factors that determine if cigarette burns are covered:

• Comprehensive vs. liability coverage – Comprehensive covers interior damage while liability only applies to damage you cause to others.
• Cause of damage – Was it truly accidental or negligence on the part of the policyholder or other driver?
• Severity of damage – Minor burns may fall below the deductible threshold to claim.
• Policy limitations – Some policies specifically exclude damage from smoking materials.

To have the best chance of covering a cigarette burn claim, have comprehensive coverage and pay your deductible. But submitting photos and a repair estimate is no guarantee the claim will be approved if the damage is extensive or falls outside policy terms.

How much does it cost to repair cigarette burns in a car?

The cost to repair cigarette burns in a car ranges from $200 to $1000+ depending on the size, location, and materials affected. Here are typical repair costs:

• Cleaning and touch ups – $200-$300
• Spot repairs to a small burn – $300-$500
• Full seat reupholstering – $500-$900
• Replacing dashboard panels – $600-$1000+

Leather repairs tend to be more expensive than fabric. And if burns penetrate through to seat cushions or require replacing multiple pieces, costs add up. Getting a detailed estimate from an upholstery or auto detailing shop is recommended before proceeding with repairs.

Is it worth repairing cigarette burns in cars?

Repairing cigarette burns in your car interior is worth considering if:

• The upholstery damage is mostly cosmetic and not worn out.
• The repair cost is less than replacing the affected component.
• The burn odor and stain bother you.
• You plan to keep the car and want to protect its value.

However, repairs may not be economical if:

• The burn damaged an older seat due for replacement anyway.
• The repair quote exceeds the decrease in car value from the damage.
• You intend to sell or junk the car soon regardless.

Evaluate the sentimental, functional and financial factors before deciding if fixing the damage is a wise investment for your situation. Cosmetic burns may not warrant expensive repairs in a high mileage car.

Conclusion

Cigarette burns in a car’s upholstery can be annoying and unsightly. But in many cases, with some elbow grease and the right tools, these burns can be repaired successfully. For mild singeing and discoloration, cleaning and touch up kits help improve the appearance affordably. More severe holes or melted spots may require professional patching, re-dying, or reupholstering for the best results. Preventing smoking inside the car is ideal. But acting quickly when burns do occur and utilizing effective repair methods, you can often eliminate ugly cigarette scars.