Adding heated seats to your car can be a fantastic upgrade, especially for cold weather comfort. This process involves installing heating pads within the seat cushions and wiring them to the car’s electrical system.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you add heated seats to your car.
What You Need to Add Heated Seats
- Heated Seat Kit: These kits include heating pads, wiring, and switches and are available at auto parts stores or online.
- Basic Tools: Screwdrivers, wrenches, wire strippers, and a multimeter.
- Power Source: Heated seats need a 12-volt power source, which you can often tap from the fuse box.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Heated Seats
1. Purchase a Heated Seat Kit
- Choose a heated seat kit that is compatible with your vehicle. Kits typically come with two heating pads (for the seat and backrest), wiring, and a control switch.
2. Remove the Seats from Your Vehicle
- Disconnect the car battery to avoid electrical shorts. Use a wrench to unbolt the seats from the car floor, then carefully remove them.
- Note: Some seats may also have airbags or sensors, so handle carefully and consult your vehicle’s manual if needed.
3. Remove the Seat Upholstery
- Carefully remove the upholstery from the seat to access the cushion underneath. This usually involves unclipping or unzipping fabric sections. Be gentle to avoid damaging any material, especially if your seats have leather upholstery.
4. Position the Heating Pads
- Place the heating pads on the seat cushion and backrest where your body makes contact. Most pads have an adhesive backing to help secure them in place. Ensure the pads are flat and wrinkle-free to avoid discomfort and ensure even heating.
5. Reattach the Seat Upholstery
- Once the heating pads are in place, carefully reattach the upholstery over the seat cushions. Ensure it’s snug and that no pads are visible or bunched up.
6. Run the Wiring to a Power Source
- Run the wiring from the heated seat pads under the seat and toward a power source, such as the fuse box. You can use zip ties to secure the wiring under the seat to keep it organized and out of the way.
- Use an inline fuse to protect the circuit. Most kits recommend a 15-amp fuse, but check your kit instructions to be sure.
7. Connect to the Power Source
- Locate an open slot in your fuse box that can handle the current required for the heated seats. Alternatively, you can wire the heated seats directly to the battery with an inline fuse and a relay.
- Connect the wiring as directed in the kit instructions, making sure all connections are secure and insulated with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
8. Mount the Control Switch
- Choose a location for the control switch, typically near the seat or on the dashboard. Drill a small hole if needed and secure the switch in place.
- Connect the switch to the wiring and ensure it functions correctly.
9. Test the Heated Seats
- Reconnect the car battery, start the car, and test the heated seats by turning on the switch. Ensure both the seat cushion and backrest heat up properly.
10. Reinstall the Seats
- Once everything is working correctly, reinstall the seats and make sure all bolts are securely tightened.
Additional Tips for Installing Heated Seats
- Use a Relay: A relay can help prevent overheating by controlling the amount of current going to the heated seats.
- Check Compatibility: Some seat materials, like leather, heat up more quickly than others, so always use heating pads compatible with your upholstery.
- Professional Installation: If you’re unfamiliar with car wiring, consider having a professional install the heated seats to ensure safe operation.
Credit: www.theaudiogarage.com
How Much Does It Cost to Add Heated Seats to a Car?
Heated seats are a great way to stay warm in your car during the colder months. But how much do they cost to install? We’ve got the answers.
According to Cost Helper, the average cost of adding heated seats to a car is $150-$200 per seat. This price will vary depending on the make and model of your car and where you have the work done. If you have an older car, you may need to replace your seat covers or foam before adding heating elements.
Installation costs will also be higher if you have leather upholstery, since this material is more difficult to work with. If you’re handy with tools, you may be able to install heated seats yourself. kits are available for purchase online or at auto parts stores for around $100-$150 per seat.
These kits come with detailed instructions, so be sure to read them carefully before starting the project. Keep in mind that installing heated seats is a fairly involved process and it’s important to follow all instructions carefully in order to avoid damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Can You Put Heated Seats in a Car With Cloth Seats?
Most cloth seats can be outfitted with heated seat elements. The elements are usually installed under the upholstery, so you’ll need to remove the seat covers to access them.
Once the seat covers are off, you can install the heating elements according to the instructions that come with them.
Be sure to read all of the instructions carefully before starting the project, and make sure you have all of the necessary tools on hand. Installing heated seats in a car with cloth seats is a relatively easy project that most people can do themselves.
However, if you’re not comfortable working on your car’s electrical system, it’s best to leave this job to a professional.
Add HEATED SEATS to your car this Winter!
Who Installs Heated Seats near Me
If you’re looking for a place to have your heated seats installed, there are a few options available to you. You can either go to a specialty shop that specializes in installing aftermarket car accessories, or you can find a local garage or mechanic who offers this service. There are also a few online companies that offer heated seat installation services.
When choosing a company to install your heated seats, it’s important to do your research and make sure they’re reputable and have experience with this particular type of installation.
You should also make sure they offer a warranty on their work. Once you’ve found a company you trust, the actual installation process is usually pretty straightforward.
The first step is to remove the old seat covers from your car’s seats. This will give the installer access to the wires and heating elements that need to be installed. Next, they’ll run the wiring through the seat and into the area where the fuse box is located.
They’ll then connect the wires to the fuse box and test everything to make sure it’s working properly. Finally, they’ll reinstall your seat covers and any other trim pieces that were removed during the installation process. Once everything is back in place, you’ll be able to enjoy the comfort of heated seats on those cold winter days!
Conclusion
Heated seats are a great way to stay warm in your car during the winter months. They can also be a nice way to relax after a long day at work. If your car doesn’t have heated seats, you may be wondering how to add them.
There are a few different ways that you can add heated seats to your car. The first and most common way is to purchase seat covers that have built-in heating elements. These seat covers typically plug into your cigarette lighter or 12V power outlet and have a controller that allows you to adjust the temperature.
Another option is to install dedicated heated seats. This involves adding wiring and switches to your car, so it’s best left to a professional if you’re not comfortable doing electrical work. Dedicated heated seats will usually provide more heat than seat covers, but they’ll also cost more money upfront.
If you want the convenience of having heated seats without spending a lot of money, consider buying used seat covers or installing used dedicated heated seats from another vehicle. Just make sure that they’re compatible with your car before making the purchase!
