"Leather" care???

[Whichwaysup]

I asked this previously on an unrelated thread and never really got a clear answer. My kids cars (Odyssey & Explorer both 250K+ miles) have "leather" seats that are cracked and in rough shape. I really don't want to see that happen to my wife's Honda or my Tremor. I understand that "leather" is not really leather any more and that it is coated in vinyl - so, what's the best way to keep these seats in good shape beyond just cleaning them? I use 303 for all plastic and rubber parts in my boat and truck - is that the best thing for seats as well? I know there are some "leather conditioners" sold at auto parts places, but from what I've read, it's basically snake oil since we don't really have leather.

Does anyone have any expertise here? Just for reference, here are a couple links I found discussing this - none provide anything conclusive.

Leather conditioner? - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

2015 - 2020 Ford F150 - Leather conditioner? - Now that I have leather seats with my new ride, I wanted to see what you guys use or prefer for keeping them conditioned and cleaned? Any specific brand or treatment in particular? Since we are coming up to the hot south Texas summer months, I want...

www.f150forum.com

Leather Seat Conditioner and Cleaner Suggestions........

Looking for suggestions on newer cleaner conditioners for the leather interior. I have used Lexol in the past on some of my Land Rovers but wondering if there is something better!

www.fordtremor.com

 

[Iconic5.0]

From what I understand, only the middle sections of the seat is leather on Fords and the high wear spots like the bolsters and the rest of the back sides of the front seats are coated vinyl. The leather is typically coated too so “conditioners” don’t penetrate. Keeping the surface clean and protected from UV with 303 is probably the best you can do. Pay special attention to the seems and keeping them vacuumed of any grit because that’s the areas that can rub together and usually comes apart first.

 

[Whichwaysup]

From what I understand, only the middle sections of the seat is leather on Fords and the high wear spots like the bolsters and the rest of the back sides of the front seats are coated vinyl. The leather is typically coated too so “conditioners” don’t penetrate. Keeping the surface clean and protected from UV with 303 is probably the best you can do. Pay special attention to the seems and keeping them vacuumed of any grit because that’s the areas that can rub together and usually comes apart first.

That makes sense.

 

[TCU34]

I've used Lexol over the years and always felt like it did a great a job. Window tint helps a ton too.

 

[PNWTremor]

It's not real leather, Ford hasn't used real leather since like 2012.

Any interior plastic detailer works great.