Heated seats are a luxury for those living in regions that get cold seasons. However, if your vehicle isn't already equipped with them, can you have them added? Let's take a look if this is an option for your vehicle!
Fortunately, heated seats can be added to almost any vehicle, whether cloth or leather. The installation can range in cost depending on the make of model of the vehicle, but on average are $500 for the driver and passenger seat. The pricing can also vary depending on the heated seat you choose.
If you've been longing for heated seats but didn't want to purchase a new vehicle, then you are in luck. This article will take a closer look at the benefits of having aftermarket heated seats installed. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about having heated seats installed, so read on!
Should you add aftermarket heated seats?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding if you should add aftermarket heated seats to your vehicle.
The first is, of course, the climate you live in. If you experience cold winters and want extra warmth while driving, heated seats are a great option.
While aftermarket heated seats are a cost that will come out of your pocket, they can save you money in the long run. If you are in the market for a new car, purchasing a vehicle without heated seats and having them installed later may be a better option.
This is because vehicles that already come with heated seats also come with other features, which raise the overall cost of the car.
So, if you don't need the other bells and whistles [navigation, cooling seats, sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, etc.], having heated seats installed after the fact will save you money.
If you have a used vehicle that is paid off, it may not be worth getting a newer car just to get heated seats. Instead, you can have the heated seats installed and enjoy your used vehicle for a little longer.
Also, heated seats do have a therapeutic benefit. For example, if you are a person who suffers from back pain, then heated seats can help to alleviate that pain.
The installation process for heated seats is not complicated, but it is best to leave it to the professionals. Unfortunately, this means that you will have to take your car to a shop and have them do the installation for you.
It's important to note that there are different heated seats, and not all shops are familiar with every type. So, it is best to do your research before taking your car in.
Can you add heated seats to a car with cloth seats?
Yes, you can add heated seats to a car with cloth seats, and it is becoming a more popular option. The cost of having them installed will be a little less than having leather seats, but the installation process is the same.
There are several heated seat kits to choose from, and the one you choose will depend on the type of cloth seats in your car.
How do I install heated seats?
The seat itself will need to be removed from the vehicle to install heated seats. Then the seat cushion will need to be removed from the cover.
Once the cushion is removed, the wiring and heating element will be visible. The wiring will need to be attached to the battery or fuse box, and the heating element will need to be attached to the heating controls.
Make spots into the dash for the heating controls to be placed. In addition, you may need to remove parts of the dash to get the wiring to connect to the fuse box or battery.
The heated seats must be installed not to damage the car in any way and that they are hidden from view. Once the installation is complete, the seat cover and cushion can be put back in place, and the seat reinstalled in the car.
It is important to note that some heated seat kits come with a warranty, and having a professional install them will ensure that the warranty remains valid.
How long does it take to install heated seats?
Professional installing heated seats can take as little as one day. This, of course, will depend on the type of heated seats you choose, how complex the installation is, and how many seats need to be installed.
It is possible to install heated seats yourself, but it is not a job for the faint of heart. It can be a difficult process, and if you do not know what you are doing, you could damage your car. In addition, if it is your first time installing a heated seat, this process can be time-consuming.
What are the risks of installing heated seats yourself?
If you want to save money by installing aftermarket heated seats yourself, there are some risks. Let's take a look at what could happen if the installation goes sideways:
Damage to the seat
Doing the heated seat installation yourself can result in damage to the seat itself. In addition, since the seat needs to be removed to do the installation, it is possible to damage the clips or screws that hold the seat in place.
In addition, you may not be able to get the seat back into the car properly, and it could end up being crooked or lopsided. This can be very dangerous, as it could lead to the driver or passengers becoming injured in an accident.
Lastly, you could potentially damage the upholstery on the seat by getting glue on it or ripping the material.
Damage to sensors
Another risk is damage to sensors that are in the seat. For example, some seats have sensors that detect when the seatbelt is worn. If these sensors are damaged, it could mean that the seatbelt warning chime won't turn off.
Improper installation could also put the airbags at risk. For example, if the heated seats are installed in a way that interferes with the airbag, it could prevent them from deploying correctly in the event of an accident.
Fire or electrical damage
If something is not installed properly, it could lead to a fire or electrical damage. For example, if you are not careful and accidentally touch the heating element while plugged in, you could get a nasty shock.
If the wiring is done incorrectly, the wires could also cause issues to your power seats.
In addition, the electrical damage could potentially be a fire hazard.
Learning curve
The last risk is a substantial learning curve to installing heated seats. If you have never done something like this before, it is possible to make many mistakes. This could lead to a lot of wasted time and money in the long run.
So, while installing heated seats yourself may save you some money, it is essential to weigh the risks and decide if it is worth it. If you are not comfortable doing the installation yourself, it is best to leave it to a professional.
Are aftermarket seat heaters safe?
Aftermarket seat heaters are safe to use as long as they are correctly installed. If you install them yourself, it is essential to be careful and take your time. The heated seat pads are fire resistant and are unlikely to burst into flames.
However, if there is a problem with the installation and the wiring is not done correctly, it could be a fire hazard.
It is also important to ensure that the seat heaters are turned off when not using them. Leaving them on for an extended period of time can overheat the seats and cause damage.
There have been reports of drivers developing skin conditions from the overuse of heated seats. So, if you will be using the heated seats often, it is important to take breaks and allow your skin to cool down.
How much do seat heaters cost?
The cost of seat heaters varies depending on the make and model of the car. Generally, they can cost $299 to $350 per seat with installation. However, if you recently purchased a vehicle from a dealership, you may get a better price.
Dealerships can usually get better costs because they partner with aftermarket auto part stores. In this case, you may be able to get the driver and passenger seat done for $500.
Final Thoughts
Seat heaters are a great addition to any car and can be very useful during the winter months. However, it is important to weigh the risks before installing them yourself. If you are set on adding heated seats to your car, then having a professional do it is the safer way to go.
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