Three Kinds of Heated Seats
Good things come in threes, including heated seats. There are those installed directly at the factory by the manufacturer, those added by an accessory specialist, and the removable ones you can buy at your local department store.
The first type is relatively straightforward, as most luxury vehicles and an increasing number of affordable models come with heated seats. When installed in a vehicle that also has a remote starter, they can be turned on automatically, so that a welcoming seat awaits you when you enter your warm car.
- Also: Traction Control: From the Race Track to the Law Books
- Also: Will Cameras Replace Sideview Mirrors?
Otherwise, a specialist will be more than happy to install heated seats for you. This involves adding heating elements inside your seats and costs a few hundred dollars. Since these additions have to comply with certain quality standards, you’ll be reasonably sure of the quality of assembly. If you’re the handy type, you can try to install them yourself, just make sure that the materials used to pad your seats aren’t flammable.
Lastly, there are the removable models. You’ll find them in the automobile section of major retailers. This option is less costly than those that you need to have installed and they also offer several other advantages. For example, you can install them in a few minutes, move them from one vehicle to another, or take them out in the spring. However, since these heated seat covers are placed over the original seats, they tend to be less comfortable. Powering them is as easy as pie: simply plug them into one of the vehicle’s 12-Volt jacks.
