Sweep it under the cover: The best car seat covers

These guys are made from soft but durable cotton. In the 'Universal Fit', the covers cover the headrest, too, but for those of you who need separate headrest covers, alterations for side airbags, armrests and seat belt modifications, you can select the 'Semi-custom Fit'. We like these because not only do you get the customisable options, but you also get to choose from 22 different colours. They have foam padding and are machine-washable for easy care.

Naturally, if the set above were available in a full set, it would win the award for the best full set. It is and it has. It is available in the same large colour range as above and with its Universal or Semi-custom Fit options. However, the Semi-custom Fit with this set also includes the option to select what you need for folding seat splits (60/40, 50/50, for example).

Our favourite leather car seat covers aren't actually leather. But these faux-leather seat covers are excellent for anyone after the leather style. Made in the UK, these are quilted for style, waterproof for practicality, and come in four colour options for variety.

Granted, you can indeed find cheaper ones than this. But you will thank us if you elect to pay the few pounds extra for these. Made from durable polyester and PES (polyethersulfone, if you must know), this full set is machine-washable and non-fade. They are compatible with seats with side airbags and come with five headrest covers too.

Car seat covers that are full tartan are a bit much, but these VW Golf GTI-style tartan seats look brilliant. From Shield Autocare, these seat covers are still very functional. They are made from tough polyester with foam padding for comfort, plus the rear seat covers have zips for 50/50 or 60/40 split. On top of that, they are of tremendous value.

Like the leather seat covers above, these are not actually sheepskin, but synthetic. They are very fluffy and soft, which is what people look for in sheepskin seat covers. These are available in a range of colours and patterns, and are easily washable - easy care being one of the major benefits of going synthetic. Also, like the leather-style seat covers, these are made in the UK.

You can see from the shape of this seat cover that it is designed for back support. People with a long commute or undertaking long journeys will notice the difference this cover will make. It has a high-density filling and has a non-slip back plus adjustable straps to hold it firmly in place. An excellent improvement to uncomfortable or flat car seats.

For the best seat protection, this your winner. This cover set is made in the UK from a rubber-lined waterproof fabric. They are a universal fit, meaning they are stretchy in order to fit a variety of seat sizes. There are many cheap pretenders that claim to be tough seat covers, but these are the real deal to protect against spills, stains, pets, tears, and whatever else is thrown into the car.

UK Custom Covers has a very apt name. It makes car, van, and boat covers specific to models, which is partly why its van covers are recommended by us. This particular set is specific to the Ford Transit Custom from 2013 onwards. The hardy fabric is fully waterproof, cotton-backed polyester. The covers fit like a dream and maintain access to all the storage compartments.

This could be used for other animals, too, but it seems overkill for a pet mouse and most people aren't in the crocodile transport business. Functional and at a good price, this simple quilted polyester hammock for dogs in the back seat will resist scratching and stains. There are slits that allow the seat belts to poke through. Headrest straps and a non-slip silicone backing helps to keep the protector in place. It can also be used to line the boot of your car.