Rating of the best covers for heated seats (TOP 7) 2021

During the winter period, you should take special care of your health. It’s unpleasant to find yourself in a frozen car that has been parked in the yard all night in the cold. Not all cars are equipped with a heated driver's seat, while this option is not included in the standard basic package. Heated car seat covers that will protect against hypothermia will help you get out of this situation.

Instructions for installing homemade heating

To install the heating elements yourself, it is better to remove the seats from the car and remove the trim in advance. Also disassemble part of the center console to install buttons and connect wires. Assembly is carried out in this order:

1. Take a thick fabric and cut it to the size of the seat cushions.
2. Lay the previously measured piece of wire in the form of a snake or in zigzags on top of the fabric. For uniform bending, screw the conductor onto 2 nails driven into the board.
3. Cover the improvised heater with a second piece of cloth and connect it to a 12 V power source for testing purposes. If the element is too cold, shorten the length of the circuit; if it is very hot, lengthen it.
4. Sew the heating wire to the top and bottom fabric, bringing the ends out. Solder the connecting wires to them and insulate them with heat shrink tubing.
5. Place the heaters under the trim, assemble the chairs and set them in place.

Connecting heated seats from the cigarette lighter is the simplest solution, since this electrical circuit is already protected by a fuse. To avoid occupying the socket with a plug, bring the wires from the inside and attach them to the contacts. Place the buttons and thermostat in any free space on the console, lay the wiring under the carpet.

Homemade heaters are certainly cheap. But how they will perform over many years of operation is unknown. Therefore, the best option is to use high-quality factory products, although this entails financial costs.

How to connect heated seats?

Installing a heated seat system
As a result, over time they can move, thereby impairing the performance of the system. Then the upholstery is removed. Therefore, as they say, everything should be in moderation. The variable resistor is soldered tightly, there is a special thread there, but go and find a nut for it! You can, of course, use a splitter, but the current consumption will be too high, and the fuse in the splitter will not withstand it. Instructions for connecting the heating Before connecting the heating, it is necessary to dismantle the seats and remove the upholstery and, if necessary, remove the old heating systems. The installation of seat heating begins with the installation of heating elements under the seat trim. We recommend not removing the seat trim completely. Assembly Well, here you will have to be patient and arm yourself with an awl to find holes for all the screws that have been turned out under standard or not very sound insulation. In addition to their considerable cost, heaters in the form of covers have a second drawback - the complexity of installation. That is, if necessary, you can easily remove them.

So, you will need three meters of wire; this piece should be divided into two equal parts. But the final decision is still yours! Now we connect the electrical part. To do this, you need to remove the fabric seat upholstery and install heating elements underneath it.

It should be noted that this version of heating systems is characterized by ease of installation, as well as an affordable price. I decided to connect myself, to try my hand, so to speak. Usually on the box there is no detailed wiring diagram for seat heating for a VAZ, so I will show the wiring connection using a specific example: First of all, you need to cut a hole for the seat heating buttons. And by the way! INSTALLING HEATED SEATS ON THE LADA GRANT WITH YOUR HANDS

Built-in kits and how to choose such heated seats for your car?

Stationary heating sets are mounted in the space between the upholstery and the foam cushion of the chair. In their production, mats are used that are made using the same technologies as for analogues for external use: carbon fiber cloth or reinforced wires. The features of these heating elements are expressed by the following properties:

• Products based on a nichrome spiral in a PVC shell, longitudinal or transverse metal threads are sold at an affordable price. However, such fabrics may have certain restrictions during installation - they have to be adjusted so that in some chair designs the element does not intersect with the reinforcement. Although these problems can be solved with double-sided tape.
• Mats using carbon fiber or thermal fiber have no restrictions in terms of installation - they can be cut in the right place for attaching fittings and placed on a plane. The cost of such models is quite high, but their reliability fully compensates for this drawback.

For those who are still unsure how to choose the right built-in seat heating kit for a car, it is important to pay attention to the options for control modes of the device. They come in two types:

1. Traditional switches.
2. Electronically controlled.

The first option, without electronics, is capable of operating only in two modes - “on” and “off”; control is completely manual. Switches with an electronic unit have several heating modes and are able to turn off independently after half an hour of continuous operation. It is advisable to include a temperature sensor in the kit that is ready to turn off the system in order to prevent overheating. The presence of adhesive material on the canvas greatly facilitates installation, so it is very welcome.

Thus, we can formulate the main advantages of stationary heated car seats:

• possibility of hidden installation of system components and connection wires;
• connecting the power directly to the vehicle's on-board network, the cigarette lighter connection socket remains free;
• the possibility of equipping not only the front seats, but also the rear sofa;
• After installation, the interior of the cabin remains in its original condition.

The disadvantages include some difficulties with installing equipment and connecting it. However, this issue is selective. After studying the technology of the installation process of built-in heaters, especially since almost all products are equipped with detailed installation instructions, installation on your own will become accessible even to novice car enthusiasts. The only thing is that compared to heating car seats from the cigarette lighter, you will have to spend a certain amount of time. As practice shows, this is about 3-4 hours of work per chair.

Popular built-in models

• Waeco MagicComfort MSH-300 - equipped with a carbon element, an electronic control unit and three modes. The kit includes mounting wires, sensors and compact buttons.
• Emelya UK2 - heating fabric with a wire heater laid in a “snake” pattern, rotary control units for 8 heating modes, protection against short circuit and sparking.
• Emelya UK is a budget option with a two-position control button and a temperature sensor.
• Tron - based on thermal fiber patented by Thermosoft LLC with a 5-year warranty, the fabric frame is already equipped with an adhesive layer, which simplifies installation.

Buy or make?

Heated seats Lada Priora

On the modern market of auto parts and accessories, you can easily find removable heating covers (capes) and even entire heated seats. Their low cost and ease of connection are undoubted advantages, therefore, if finances allow, as they say, do not show off and buy a ready-made option.

Of course, if there is no money for it, you will have to do everything yourself.

What you will need.

• Nichrome wire 0.5 mm in diameter and 10 meters long.
• Relay.
• Button.
• Wires and connectors for mounting the heater in a car.

Installing heated seat buttons in the center console.

Wiring diagram for heated seats VAZ 2110

We first select the locations for installing the buttons. In addition to the function of turning on the heating, the buttons also allow you to adjust the heating and have 8 positions. In our case, we decided to install controls for heating the front seats on the console to the right of the handbrake, and for the rear seat above the ashtray. We will not describe the process in detail. Briefly, point by point.

We paste templates for cutting holes in the selected places. Templates are included. If you have a drill bit of suitable diameter, you can drill the required hole in two passes. Due to the lack of such a drill, we used a screwdriver and a 4 mm drill to drill holes along the contour, after which we connected them together using the side surface of the same drill

The edges of the hole were processed with a file and a sharp knife. It is important not to go beyond the edge drawn on the template, so that later there are no gaps along the button.

We insert the seat heating buttons into their new “standard” places. The driver and front passenger seat heating buttons.

Rear seat heating button.

Heated seats: benefit or harm?

Since its introduction, heated seats have caused a lot of controversy. On the one hand, the usefulness of this option is difficult to underestimate: sitting on a cold leather seat in winter is just as “useful” and “pleasant” as, say, on a stone parapet. At a minimum, a common cold, and, at a maximum, diseases of the kidneys and reproductive system are guaranteed. To preserve the health of the driver and passengers, heated seats are installed.

By the way, many European and American insurance companies, when issuing a medical policy, introduce increasing coefficients for those clients whose cars do not have this option, since they are more likely to catch a cold or develop chronic diseases.

However, doctors say that heated seats can also have a negative impact on health. Excessive use of heating turns out to be dangerous for men's health and can lead to impotence and infertility. In this regard, experts recommend using heating less often, especially if we are talking about a fabric interior rather than a leather one: such a coating itself will quickly heat up with human heat. Some automakers, caring about the health of customers, offer an additional option - a special sensor that forcibly turns off the heated seats after a certain time.

Question of questions: is electric heated seats in a car harmful or not?

This question did not arise spontaneously; the problem was raised by the German urologist Herbert Sperling. He stated that heated chairs have a negative impact on male sexual function. Here we need to clarify - the optimal temperature of the male genital organs is in the range of 34-36°C.

If you stay in a heated chair for a long time, the temperature can increase by 4-7 degrees, which affects sperm motility. Thus, overheating of the glands does not affect potency in any way, but has a detrimental effect on reproductive function. Systematic repetition of this process leads to male infertility, which is often observed in professional drivers.

Another aspect of the issue is that when leaving a heated car into cold air, the body suddenly cools down. This can at least result in a cold, and at maximum – problems with the spine or urinary system. Thus, the answer to the question of whether heated seats in a car is harmful will be the traditional one - “you can, but be careful.” Plus, it’s worth listening to useful tips:

• Before traveling in cold weather, be sure to warm up the seat; hypothermia of internal organs is also fraught with the possibility of cystitis in women or prostatitis in men.
• After warming up, it is better to turn off the system and switch to standard interior heating or set it to minimum.
• There is no need to wear warm clothes in a car with heated seats - this always leads to overheating.
• Don't get out of the car naked.

Disadvantages of heated seats

Despite all the advantages, a constantly running pillow heater can lead to:

• fatigue;
• headache;
• neuralgia;
• pinched intervertebral nerves or sciatic nerve;
• decreased reproductive function;
• colds;
• worsening inflammatory processes;
• growth of benign and malignant formations;
• disturbance of temperature balance in the body.

The occurrence of infectious diseases, colds and inflammations is due to the fact that the driver and passengers may not be dressed in accordance with the season, so a sharp temperature change causes various diseases. For those who dress appropriately for the weather, there will be no harm.

for most people using personal transport, this does not pose a danger

What types of heated seats are there?

There are 2 types of seat heating kits: with a copper heating element and with a carbon fiber heating element (carbon fiber/carbon thread).

Seat heating kits are available in 12V and 24V versions.

Seat heating kit with copper wire heating element

A seat heater with a copper heating element is one long zigzag wire where one end has a positive polarity and the other end has a negative polarity, similar to the filament in a light bulb, which also gets hot.

Heated seats with a copper heating element have the following advantages:

1. The copper heating element heats up quickly.
2. Heated seats with a copper wire heating element reach a higher temperature than carbon fiber ones.

Disadvantages of heating with a copper heating element:

1. The disadvantage is that the rapid heating and cooling cycles will thin the wire and eventually it will burn out.
2. Since the copper wire heating element cannot be cut to fit any seat, there are no universal kits that will fit all vehicles. Various sets with a copper heating element are sold for specific car models, or for specific seat sizes. If you are going to install a seat warmer kit with a wire heating element, it must be designed specifically for your car model (to fit), or be smaller than the car seats.

Seat heating kit with carbon fiber heating element (carbon fiber/carbon thread)

The carbon fiber (carbon fiber) heating element has a honeycomb structure. Electrodes (positive and negative) are located at the edges of the heating pad, cells made of carbon fiber are located between these electrodes.

Sets with a carbon heating element have many advantages:

1. The heating element of such heating is a carbon (carbon fiber) thread, which is much stronger than copper wire.
2. The honeycomb structure makes the heating substrate very reliable. Damage to a single cell does not disable the functionality of the entire heating system.
3. Heating elements in the form of carbon fiber can be trimmed with scissors to reduce the size and fit it to a specific seat. This makes the seat heating kit with carbon heating element universal.

Disadvantages of sets with a carbon heating element:

1. Carbon filament takes longer to heat up (about 1-2 minutes longer than a copper wire heating element).
2. The carbon heating element heats up to a lower temperature (about 5 degrees lower than the copper heating element).
3. Heating with carbon wire reaches the highest temperature of 50-57 degrees and the lowest 43-51 degrees Celsius, which is slightly lower than the copper wire element.

As can be seen from the listed advantages and disadvantages, heated seats with a carbon heating element are more preferable, as they are a universal and reliable option. In addition to universal kits, you can also find a seat heating kit specifically for your car on sale. It will fully match the seat configuration of your car, and will have detailed instructions for connecting to your vehicle. The universal kit may need to be adjusted to the location by trimming the lining with heating elements.

Built-in heating systems

Such systems are mounted between the upholstery of car seats and the foam filling. Covers and covers used to heat seats are less durable and convenient to use than built-in heating systems.

Structurally, they consist of multilayer mats with built-in nichrome spirals, or heat and carbon fiber heating elements.

Features of built-in heating:

• Models with nichrome spirals are cheaper than others, but in some cases their installation is difficult;
• Systems with heat and carbon fiber heating elements can be easily mounted on any seat, are easy to cut and bend, but their prices are higher than for other systems.

Advantages of built-in heating::

• Such systems are connected not to the cigarette lighter, but to a special power source that can be installed anywhere;
• Hidden electrical wiring;
• The design provides for heating of all seats, both front and rear;
• Reliability;
• The presence of a thermal relay ensures safe operation.

Heated seats in the form of a cape and cover review and test

The Russian market offers a wide selection of non-stationary seat heating. They are divided into three types - capes, covers and built-in heating.

Built-in seat heaters require complex installation involving dismantling the car seat and wiring the control system into the dashboard. I will not consider them in this review.

Let's consider capes and covers that can be quickly put on the seat and connected using a car cigarette lighter. In turn, they are divided according to the type of heating element. The carbon heating element is more reliable and does not lead to breakdown of the entire system if one of the segments is damaged.

Emelya vs Heyner

The authors of this test compare Emelya, Emelya-2, Emelya-2R with a regulator, Emelya-Potapych, Emelya child heating for a child car seat, Heyner and a Heyner heated cover.

All Emel heating units are made in the form of capes with rubber straps for fastenings.

The strange arrangement of the wire in the Emelya-Potapych case makes me smile, because... the wire is routed forward between the driver's legs. In the rest of the tested heaters, the wire is routed to the side.

The wiring looks more reliable from the manufacturer Heyner.

The simplest heating - Emelya-Potapych is equipped with wire-type heating elements. Carbon heating elements in other Emelyas are more reliable.

The heating control unit is a really useful thing. It is present in the Emelya-2R model along with an overheat protection system.

All Emel seat heaters heat up quickly, but then get very hot. I noticed this myself, as the owner of Emelya. In this regard, the most convenient option seems to be Emelya-2R, in which, using the regulator, after rapid heating at maximum power, you can turn on a weaker mode that will not fry.

Heyner heats up more slowly, but they have a regulator. The Heyner has a better fit on the seat, but the process of putting it on the seat is more difficult. The authors of the test opt ​​for the Heyner case, but I consider this conclusion controversial, because... in cold weather, the heating rate is more important than all other factors listed.

Seat heater test (Main Road)

In this test, the heaters were tested for heating speed, heating uniformity, and fire safety: “Heated Cape” (noname), “Heyner,” “Heat,” “Emelya,” “Gorynych.”

Test of seat heaters from KP-Avto

Another test from kp-avto five years ago gave the following results:

The design and principle of operation of the seat heater from the cigarette lighter

In auto stores you will find heated capes at different prices and with different functionality, which, however, despite the differences that determine the final cost of each model, work on the same principle. Structurally, any model of a heating car cape includes 3 main components:

1. fabric base made of wear-resistant material;
2. a heating element made of carbon fiber or metal wire with insulation (placed evenly inside the fabric base over its entire area);
3. a temperature sensor designed to regulate the degree of heating.

In addition to the functional elements listed above, the design of the heated car cover includes fastening straps that allow you to secure it to the car seat, as well as a connector for connecting to the cigarette lighter. As the personal experience of the author of this article has shown, capes for connecting to the cigarette lighter in budget models often fail. However, this is not a problem and not a reason to go for a new cape. Replacing a broken plug is no more difficult than replacing a refrigerator plug. Any man, even those far from electricians, can cope with this task. This seat heater functions as follows: the current supplied from the vehicle's on-board network through the cigarette lighter connector causes the heating elements to work, which will transfer heat to your back and hips through the fabric covering.

Note. A good alternative solution to the problem of heating behind the wheel is to use an additional 12 V car interior heater, powered from the cigarette lighter. Such a device can quickly warm up the air in the car. However, such an additional heater will certainly not warm up a cold seat.

Tips for selection and use

• Assess the fire safety of the heating device. Check the quality of insulation of wires and heating elements.
• It is not recommended to kneel on a heated seat (important for wire heating elements), as the device may break.
• Prolonged heating of the pelvis and back is harmful to health. Therefore, turn off the device after reaching a comfortable temperature. Before leaving the car in the cold, turn off the heating, open the side window and stay in the cabin for a few minutes - this will protect against sudden hypothermia of the pelvic organs and spine.

• 
  External seat heating

• 
  Built-in heated seats

Hyundai Sonata Limited: $26,525 thousand US dollars

The Hyundai Sonata is not as popular as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, but the Korean automaker offers its own tricks in pursuit of the buyer. And with each new model, it forces you to reconsider your relationship with this mass Korean automaker.

With a starting price of around $22,000,000, this Sonata falls into the mid-affordability segment. But, if you want to get a high level of comfort in the car for a little more money, then the most rational option for you will be to purchase the Sonata Limited car, which comes standard with heated all leather seats. The interior of the car is finished with textured wood inserts, and dual-zone automatic climate control will keep you from overheating in extreme heat.

Let's say a good set for a price of less than $27,000 thousand US dollars.

Best Heated Seat Kits

Nowadays, more and more drivers are installing heated seats in their cars, which significantly increases the level of comfort when using the car during the cold season. Heated seats are an electrical device that is installed on the front seats of a car, although kits that can be installed on the rear seats are becoming increasingly popular. Heated seats, including the rear seats of the car, are convenient if the driver does not need to use the stove, and the temperature in the back is already below comfortable. In addition, installing heating on all seats of the car ensures more uniform heating of the interior. Seat heating is installed both on the seat and on the back of the chair, warms up to the desired temperature in just a few minutes, and then simply maintains it.

Checking with a multimeter

Contact lost.

In the case when the heater does not produce the nominal temperature, but still heats, we use a multimeter to check the resistance of the heating element itself, each individually:

• The resistance of the pillow heater should be 1.18 Ohms
  with an error of 0.02 Ohms;
• the resistance of the back heating element is 1.13 Ohm
  with an error of 0.02 Ohm;
• the heater assembly should give a reading of 2.31 ohms
  .

Continuity of heating element contacts

One of the weak points of the seat heating contacts.

Each of the heaters consists of a temperature sensor and a heating element

. The connector with control and power wires is located in the rear part on the bend of the seat. Each connector has 4 pins

and first we check the two outermost ones, this is the heater, the other two are the temperature sensor.

If you suspect that the heating element has burnt out

, it can be checked for a break on the two-pin block on the wiring harness coming out from under the seat trim.

Verdict

It is better to personally choose car seat heating from models with a carbon heating element. Significant criteria for a high-quality and safe product are protection against overheating, light indication of operating modes, power adjustment, positive reviews.

If you prefer capes, do not forget to pay attention to the wiring diagram - preferably both on the left and on the right. Among built-in models, the priority is double sets for two seats. There are only two specific recommendations: the Emelya 3 slip-on heating system and the integrated Waeco MagicComfort MSH-300.

Popular

Since the relay is open, turning the ignition on again leaves the heating off and you must press the button again to turn it on. I didn’t take photographs of this process - everything is done locally anyway.

When they are inserted, a toothed metal plate is clamped on top with pliers and cuts through the insulation.

How to install heated seats in a car yourself? By the way, don’t be lazy and install other heating units.

Now you can put the rear trim element on the hooks. In this case, the on-board network will not be affected if the heating fails. Experts recommend choosing the standard ones provided for the VAZ. The connection of control, indication and button illumination was carried out with a two-core wire.

We recommend: Pue frequency of grounding checks

Simple universal heated seats and a diagram of connecting it to the car

I plopped down on the icy seat for a couple of seconds, started the car, pressed the heating button, and within a couple of minutes the seat was already warm. Element Explanation Heating elements These are required for the backrests and seats.

Do you use heated seats? This arrangement of switches will be the most successful from the point of view of ergonomics and comfort. The best opportunity for self-installation of heating elements remains in cars that already have a system installed, but not installed by the manufacturer.

With a correctly assembled circuit, the heating will function only when the ignition is on. Didn't find the information you are looking for?

Bend back the cover at the passenger's feet and remove the cover of the ECU box. The ideal option is either the center console if there is space for installing buttons, or in the space between the gearbox rocker and the handbrake. This option is quite rare on budget class cars. Unclip the trim on the dashboard where the various buttons are located. INSTALLING HEATED SEATS ON A CHEVROLET NIVA WITH YOUR OWN HANDS. HOW TO CONNECT SEAT HEATING.

How to choose a good heated car seat cover

The range of heated seat covers is quite wide, so choosing a good “heater” for your car is not easy. First, let's list their main advantages and disadvantages to make it easier for us to make the right choice.

The main advantages of heated seat covers are as follows:

• Branded capes are fireproof;
• Made from wear-resistant materials;
• Distributes heat evenly;
• Have heating temperature adjustment;
• They work from a regular cigarette lighter.

And one of the main disadvantages of all seat heaters, perhaps, is their ability to harm men’s health if used incorrectly. According to many doctors, long-term exposure to all kinds of “popogreaks” can cause diseases such as prostatitis, hemorrhoids, infertility, and even rectal cancer.

This is due to the fact that when heated, the blood flow becomes quite intense, and its outflow worsens, which can contribute to the progression of the listed diseases. Therefore, for medical reasons, it is best to use heated capes to a temperature of 30-33 °C.

The most widespread in Russia are heated capes of two brands:

1. Heated capes “Heat”
2. Heated capes "Emelya"

They have many positive reviews on the Internet, so it makes sense to consider each of them in turn (note: only those models that are in the video review below).

Heated capes “Heat”

The infrared heated cape “Zhara” (trademark “ZHARA”) is made in the form of a “T-shirt” cover. It uses carbon fiber threads as a heating element. Their advantage is that if one thread breaks, only a small heating area is de-energized, and not the entire device, as with heaters with a metal wire.

Practice shows that the “Heat” cape heats up evenly and quickly, but it only heats narrow zones, and hardly heats the lower back at all. This may depend on the height of the driver, so we wouldn't discount Heat when choosing a good heated cape.

Heated capes "Emelya"

Heated covers for car seats “Emelya” (Russian production) are rightfully considered one of the best “warmers” for a car on the domestic market. Like the previous seat heater, the Emelya cape in question is made on the basis of a carbon fiber heating element, from an environmentally friendly and fire-resistant material.

Emelya seat heaters have many different designs, including for use in child car seats. According to reviews from car enthusiasts, these heated capes also warm up quite quickly and evenly, and are quite suitable for our winters.

And yet, which heated car seat cover to choose?

In our opinion, a good cape should meet the following criteria:

• made of high-quality materials ensuring safe operation of the device;
• equipped with a temperature sensor that prevents overheating of the heating element;
• has a heating temperature regulator;
• Provides fast and uniform seat heating.

At the same time, in order to preserve men's health, it should be used only while the engine is warming up, after which it is better to heat the interior of the car with a standard car heater. And from the next article you will learn why the stove in the car does not heat well, and what needs to be done to make it work properly.

How to choose what to pay attention to

The seat is heated using a fabric-based heating element; the system operates from the cigarette lighter.

Models differ according to the types of heating elements in the design, which are:

• – carbon fiber;
• – in the form of a nichrome spiral with a PVC sheath;
• – wires with Teflon coating;
• – using Fiber Thermetics thermal fiber.

Most heated chair covers operate at 40-100 watts, consuming 4-8 amps. Control occurs using touch or mechanical buttons, depending on the model. Some have a control panel. Be sure to have a temperature sensor to avoid overheating. It is better to stay with branded models, they are more fireproof.

As a rule, the product is attached to the back of the chair with elastic straps and belts, but in inexpensive options they may not be available. Sometimes manufacturers replace them with a special coating on the inside that prevents slipping. It is important to pay attention to the width of the cape, in order to keep all parts of the body warm, and the material of the product. Thus, nubuck is more preferable to use; it is practically not subject to combustion.

Important features when selecting a model:

• – you should choose heated seats with carbon heating fiber, it is more resistant to bending than nichrome wires;
• – uniform and fast heating of the device;
• – pay attention to the principle of diverting wires to the right and left; there is an inconvenient option when they are routed in the middle and interfere with the legs;
• – good fastening and thermal insulation of the wire system to avoid fire in case of accidental ingress of water;
• – it is very important to have a power regulator and a light indicator with bright LEDs, since there are no models that have a shutdown timer, and it is important to control the operation process.

Installation of factory elements

For almost any car you can purchase a heating installation kit, which includes the following parts:

• heating elements for seats and backrests;
• connecting wires with connectors;
• power buttons;
• Temperature regulator.

There are 2 types of kits: original, designed for a specific car model, and universal. The latter are selected according to the size of the pillows.

To install such seat heating yourself, it is recommended to completely remove the seats from the car. Then follow these instructions:

1. For convenience, disassemble the sofa into 2 parts, separating the back.
2. Carefully remove the outer trim (the method of fastening depends on the make of the car).
3. Place the heating elements on top of the foam inserts and secure by gluing or in another way provided for in the kit instructions.
4. Stretch and secure the upholstery, assemble the chair and place it back into the cabin. Lead the wires down and lay them under the floor covering to the point where the buttons are mounted.
5. Insert the button blocks into the free space of the center console. Connect the heaters to the on-board network by installing an additional fuse.

It’s easier to install the original set of products yourself - the buttons are made to fit standard sockets with plugs, and the heating inserts fit perfectly to the size of the seats.
You will have to tinker with the parts of the universal set - the button blocks need to be embedded into the plastic panel, choosing a convenient place. The protruding edges of the heaters are tucked under the side support elements. The many advantages of such kits are overshadowed by one drawback - the not very affordable price of quality products. Cheap Chinese copies that fit the sofas of various cars quickly fail, as evidenced by numerous reviews from car enthusiasts.

How to make built-in heated seats with your own hands?

First, you need to purchase the so-called backbone of the entire structure - heating elements. Why buy and not make it yourself? The issue is your safety. Since the elements are built-in, and any inaccuracy in independent work cannot be identified and eliminated in a very short safe period of time, it is better and more reliable to use ready-made elements. Their selection is quite large. We will focus on domestic (Russia), the quality of products of which is not inferior to reliable Germans, and the price is much more pleasant.

Included in this set you will find an electronic temperature controller and overheat protection.

The heating element in Emel is represented by reinforced cable or carbon fiber.

Additionally you will need:

• Screwdriver Set,
• wrenches for disassembling the chair,
• plastic clamps,
• scissors,
• knife with replaceable blades,
• insulating tape,
• multimeter,
• heat shrink tubes,
• pliers, marker,
• soldering iron,
• double-sided tape (you can use glue 88),
• stranded wire 2.5 mm sq. cross section - for wiring.

First, decide on all the control buttons and their fastenings, so that if necessary (suddenly they don’t fit in their regular place), purchase the ones that are suitable for this car.

Now we can get down to business.

1. Disassemble the seats: start with the headrest, then remove the plastic elements, then the seat upholstery, making room for laying heating mats. To remove the “back” trim, remove the plastic bushings for the headrests.

Place the sheet with heating elements on the seat foam, marking its dimensional contours with a marker. Following the marked lines, stick on strips of double-sided tape or use glue 88. If there is a temperature sensor, also install it on the foam rubber. Glue (attach) heating mats to the designated area on the seats

Here you should pay special attention to the location of the wires. Don’t forget that they should be on the right on the driver’s seat, and on the left on the passenger seat

Remove the power wires.

1. Install the “original” skin on the supplemented foam base, using plastic clamps in the required places. Also return all plastic elements, headrests to their original position and install the seats in their original places. The wiring should be laid in the locations where the power connections and controls are located.

A very important point: the wires going to the heating mats from the regulators cannot be laid under tension; leave such a margin that you can easily move the chair away if necessary.

It's time to connect the heating elements. The instructions included with the installation kit should help you with this issue. If it is not an assistant for you in connecting the unit to the on-board network, it would be better and more correct to turn to professionals for help

If you are confident in the correctness of your actions and are ready to try to figure out this stage yourself, we recommend that you pay attention to certain recommendations:

• It is necessary to detect the power (12V), ignition and backlight circuits using a multimeter.
• Connect the positive wire of the thermal relay to the ignition switch connector, where power appears only after turning the key.
• Connect the power wire to the positive terminal of the battery through a fuse.
• Connect the negative wire to ground, and the button backlight wire to the cigarette lighter contacts.
• All connections, of course, must be soldered and insulated. Then you can check the system.

An important point: a correctly assembled system will only work when the ignition is turned on. Otherwise, you risk not starting the car someday.

Only one question remains unclear: what to do with the rear sofa and its heating? For those who constantly travel with their family in a car, this is a very important point. But there is nothing complicated here either: installation and connection of the rear seat heating system is similar to that described above. The only difference is that for one sofa you will need two sets of heating elements.

TOP 7 best heated seats

Our rating includes the following models of heated seats:

• Emelya 3;
• GT H01;
• Mitsumi M-7011;
• MagicComfort MH-40GS;
• SKYWAY series S022020;
• Airline AHC-SF-05;
• Warmth UK1.

Emelya 3

The electric heater is designed for installation on the back and seat; carbon fiber is used as the main material. It can withstand loads of up to 100 kg and resist mechanical stress, including bending. Thanks to the parallel arrangement of carbon threads in the structure, due to which, in the event of a rupture of one component, the others remain fully operational, the device is highly durable and reliable. The model is equipped with four different operating modes, adjustable using the control unit. The manufacturer offers a choice of several heating color solutions, among which every driver will find one he likes.

Average price tag: 1450 rubles.

pros

• suitable for LADA;
• no wire visible;
• easy installation.

Minuses

• The cigarette lighter space is occupied.

An excellent heater, nothing superfluous, connects easily and quickly. During long trips it does not overheat and operates flawlessly. I work as a driver of a company car, and have long been looking for the best way to heat the seat. The company's cars change frequently, so I needed a removable model. The choice fell on Emelya, I’ve been riding with him for the second winter in comfort and warmth.

GT H01

A universal seat heating device with two operating modes. Thanks to high-quality material, the model retains its shape and properties over a long period of time. Heating occurs evenly. The device is designed for one car seat; it is installed on the back and seat. The design consists of two carbon fiber mats. Due to its small size, the model fits almost any make of car. The modes are set using a convenient round button, which makes it easy to adjust the degree of heating while driving. The system has an autonomous shutdown function if the temperature reaches above 65 degrees.

Price: from 2000 to 3000 rubles.

pros

• low power consumption;
• connects directly to the vehicle wiring;
• high efficiency.

Minuses

• complex installation.

Good built-in heated seats. I installed it last winter on the driver's seat. Usually I turn on the most powerful mode, and then switch to a weaker one. The material is very dense, does not deform, and holds its shape well. This way the chair heats up faster, and then simply remains at a constant temperature. I plan to buy another set this fall, but for the front passenger seat of a car.

Mitsumi M-7011

This car accessory is designed for Toyota vehicles. The heating is installed under the upholstery of the chair. The model has five temperature settings; they are regulated using the machine’s on-board system. The design is equipped with protection against overheating and wiring short circuits. The operating principle of the device is to initially heat up to 40 degrees and then maintain the desired heating level. The manufacturer produces the model in two different configurations, differing in control buttons.

Average price: 2600 rubles.

pros

• there is a short circuit protection function;
• space remains free for the cigarette lighter;
• safety.

Minuses

• highly specialized device (for Toyota cars).

I've been looking at this type of heating for a long time. I read a lot about it and compared it with other similar options. However, I still couldn’t find the best device for my requirements. Buying a car heater was undoubtedly the right decision. I installed the device quickly, leaving the adjustment button so that my hand could easily find it while moving. I especially like the presence of as many as 5 levels of temperature control, which creates an ideal microclimate in the car.

MagicComfort MH-40GS

The car seat heater is powered by the cigarette lighter. It is made in the form of a cover, inside of which there is an orthopedic pillow for the lumbar region of the back. Due to its presence, the design reduces the load on the entire spine, ensuring comfortable well-being during long trips. The model has two modes of operation, controlled using the built-in remote control. Thanks to operation from a standard voltage of 12 V, heating is suitable for most brands of cars.

Cost: from 2200 to 3000 rubles.

pros

• the cape allows air to pass through well;
• quickly attaches and removes;
• large size (45x100 cm).

Minuses

• The cigarette lighter space is occupied.

I am very pleased with the purchase of this case. It has additional pillows under the back, which effectively reduce fatigue and tension. I often have to travel to a neighboring city for work, the journey takes 2-3 hours one way. After such trips, my lower back always ached, but as a result of purchasing the MagicComfort MH-40GS, the pain became much less, and sometimes it was completely absent. Even in the most severe frosts, the cape heats up in just a few minutes.

SKYWAY series S022020

The advantage of the model is the reliable protection of the power cord from external influences. The material will retain its elasticity even after several years and will not crack. The heating is made in the form of a laconic cover, suitable for any interior. It has an ergonomic shape, thanks to which it is possible to reduce the load on the back of the passenger or driver. The device is equipped with quick-release fasteners, so installation takes only a few minutes. Overheating protection increases the service life and makes the device safe to use. Heating is controlled using a special convenient regulator.

Approximate price tag: 3000 rubles.

pros

• holds firmly on the chair, no adjustment required;
• many color options;
• quick installation.

Minuses

• Dust sticks to the fabric.

I bought a heating unit to replace the old version that had fallen into disrepair. SKYWAY is the most profitable option of all that I looked at. It combines many functions, but on the other hand there is nothing superfluous in it. The manufacturer has thought through everything to the smallest detail. A special plus is the convenience and speed of installation. I spent about ten minutes on the whole process. I recommend it, you won't regret it. Driving in winter will be a pleasure.

Airline AHC-SF-05

The heating is designed for a maximum heating temperature of 40 degrees, it is designed for the most severe weather conditions. The cover is designed for installation on the back seat of a car. The main element is carbon material, which has great flexibility and durability. The model is secured with rubber bands, which allow for quick installation and removal of the cover in case of contamination. The system is suitable for vehicles with side airbags. It is equipped with a control panel with three temperature settings.

Exploration or heated seats, which layout is better to choose for long-term use

Characteristics of the optimal kit

Overheating is extremely harmful to the male gonads, so in determining which seat heating is the best and safest for use, the appropriate advice would be to pay attention to models with thermostats. Activation for 3-5 minutes in the minimum heating mode followed by de-energizing until the end of the trip provides an optimal dose of heat that does not cause harm

It is not possible to set the moment of shutdown - there are no models with a working time timer. The only thing that can remind you in a relaxed atmosphere about additional infrared radiation is a light indication. As it turns out, there is also a requirement for it - the built-in LED must burn brightly, otherwise a quick glance at the middle console will not reveal any deviations from the norm.

The presence of heating power adjustment and a powerful indicator lamp will not say anything about whether this product is dangerous to use or not. Security can be indirectly judged by the presence of a certificate. In Russia, it can be obtained after testing according to the fundamental points of GOST 27570.01-92:

• The labeling contains complete information about the electrical characteristics of the device.
• Availability of protection against electric shock and overload.
• Compliance of the declared rated power with the actual one.
• Moisture resistance.
• Decent mechanical strength.
• Good insulation of connected wires.
• Use connecting wires of the required cross-section.
• Fire resistance of fabric material.
• Corrosion resistance.

It is clear that the test is carried out behind closed doors, and only for domestically produced products. We can only be guided by the generally accepted norm when choosing a product of any range, i.e. reviews and recommendations.

1. Carbon heating fiber is resistant to much greater bending cycles than nichrome wire. The carbon heater can be adjusted to the location by cutting off excess honeycomb; it is moisture resistant and heats up quickly.
2. Overheating protection is a must.
3. The minimum warranty period is 2 years, the optimal duration of work according to reviews is 5 years.

Cape or integrated heater

External heating systems for seats are attached to the upholstery or under the cover using elastic straps. Connection: like a homemade interior heater - through a plug into the cigarette lighter socket. More convenient and easier than digging through the guts of seats and remembering the basics of electricity. But exposed wires and the use of tees for outlets are not everyone's cup of tea.

Aesthetes are unlikely to be helped by different color schemes for capes - modifications can only be hidden under a cover, which are not relevant for a leather interior. The only downside to built-in products is that they take a long time to install. Among the striking advantages are kits available for two front seats at once, discreet and safe power supply. There are options for the rear sofa.

Rating of the best covers for heated seats

The choice of devices for seat heating is quite wide; the market is dominated by Chinese and Russian manufacturer brands. We have selected the TOP 7 offers based on owner reviews and popularity.

Teplodom Potapych

Teplodom produces heating devices, which are reviewed positively by experts; they fully comply with technical requirements. This is a Russian brand and uses a carbon heating element. The cape is designed for the front seat of a car, its size is 90x44 cm, there is a thermostat temperature regulator, and mode illumination. Heating occurs in just a few minutes, up to a maximum of 45 C.

The price varies in the range of 565-1050 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• simplicity and ease of use
• appearance
• fast heating
• secure ties for fastening
• price

FLAWS

• short power cable (60 cm)

Teplodom Potapych

Airline AHC-SF-05

This model has good customer reviews. It is intended for the rear seat of a car and is designed for three passenger seats. Its length is 135 cm, width 48 cm, and the wire is 215 cm. Suitable for any car, there are three heating positions. At a temperature of 65°C it automatically turns off. Prices range from 1218-2037 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• nice, soft material
• smooth, strong seams
• reliable cable
• uniform heating
• heating control panel (three positions)

FLAWS

• marriage is common

Airline AHC-SF-05

Dollex 950x450 mm, with electric heating and regulator

This one-size-fits-all cover is designed to fit both seat and backrest. Length 95 cm, width 45 cm. There is a power regulator, a bright red LED is conveniently located on the power plug. Made in China. The average price tag is 1090 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• quality material
• presence of power regulator
• heat for 1-2 minutes
• Fits any car seat
• heats evenly

FLAWS

• unreliable fastening

Dollex 950x450 mm, with electric heating and regulator

AVS HC-008

Low energy seat cover with practical design. Has an auto shut-off function and a safe thermostat. It has a copper heating element, length is 50 cm, width - 45 cm. It cannot heat up above a temperature of 65 ° C. Sold from 596 to 1250 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• good price/quality ratio
• fast heating
• wear-resistant material
• heats up evenly
• qualitatively stitched

FLAWS

• according to reviews from some customers, it quickly fails (after 1-2 months)

AVS HC-008

PSV Fervor

The cape with velor material of this brand has a low and high heating mode. It is designed for the front seat of the passenger and driver, in a set of 2 pieces. Made in China. Prices vary from 1132 to 1595 rubles. It is important that it is available in beige, brown, red and gray colors. Dimensions are 104x51/48x26 cm, cable 130 cm.

ADVANTAGES:

• possibility to choose color
• pleasant to the touch fabric
• presence of a regulator, 2 heating modes
• easy to install
• heats up quickly

FLAWS

• frequent color mismatch (for example, beige is more of a yellow tint)
• connection is problematic for right-hand drive cars (the wire is on the right)

PSV Fervor

DOMETIC MagicComfort MH-40GS

The price of this cape is 3590 rubles and is made in China. It has two modes of operation, a long cord of 140 cm, large good dimensions of 1000x450 cm. There is a pad under the back and a cover with a zipper for storage. Made of cotton and foam rubber in gray color.

ADVANTAGES:

• uniform heating of the seat and backrest
• presence of heating regulator, 2 modes
• convenient fastening
• long service life (according to reviews, at least 5 years)
• does not move, does not wrinkle, fits perfectly to the seat

FLAWS

• not detected

DOMETIC MagicComfort MH-40GS

Torso 916334/916338

This is another model from a Russian manufacturer. Designed for the front seat, with a backrest. Made in brown and gray colors from eco-leather, there is a regulator and protection against overheating.

ADVANTAGES:

• 2 color options
• overheat protection
• long wire (1.1 m.)
• heating power adjustment
• easy to clean from dirt

FLAWS

• Leatherette may crack over time

Torso 916334/916338

Covers with heater

Agree that installing heated mirrors or organizing heated windshield washer nozzles is not so difficult. But installing a complex system to increase the temperature of the rear sofa yourself is problematic.

Not everyone decides to undertake such experiments. Especially with your own hands. Therefore, they are looking for the simplest, but at the same time effective method.

This is the purchase of special cases. They can be taken specifically for a specific car model, such as Prado 150, Tiguan or Solaris, or you can purchase a universal solution. It is mainly used on inexpensive cars such as Lada Priora, Lada Vesta, Hyundai Solaris, etc.

Covers come in 2 options:

• Heated pads
  . This is a simple design that is mounted on top of the rear sofa. It can be integral for the entire row, or in the form of separate elements for 2-3 seats. The point is that the cape is fixed and the cord is pulled to the cigarette lighter. If it's not at the back, it's a problem. Fixation is carried out with elastic bands or hooks. But their problem is that most models do not have temperature control. Universal models often fall off, and it looks so-so;
• Covers with heater
  . This is already a stretch for a chair in the form of a cover. Made from different materials. It is distinguished by the presence of built-in spirals for heating the seat. They look beautiful, are adjustable, and do not take up the cigarette lighter socket, since they are connected to the on-board network. But it is difficult to install such a system on your own. It's better to contact specialists.

Here, I think, the choice is obvious.

If you want it quickly, cheaply and with your own hands, take the overlays. If you need comfort, convenience, adjustment and a beautiful appearance, only covers with built-in heating.

Classification of heating kits for car seats

• External ones - made in the form of covers and capes, secured with belts and connected to the cigarette lighter socket.
• Built-in - mounted under the upholstery of the seat and connected to the vehicle's on-board network.

Each of the options has every chance of being purchased; the only question is the financial capabilities of the owner and his technical skills. In addition, it is worthwhile to dwell in more detail on the design features of each type of heating systems, their advantages and disadvantages, and also consider popular examples of these accessories.