In the chilly winters of the UK, the idea of slipping into a warm car with heated seats can be an alluring proposition. While it is common for modern luxury cars to have heated seats as standard equipment, this isn’t always the case with older models. As an owner of an older car like a vintage Porsche, you might be pondering the viability of retrofitting seat heaters into your vehicle. This article provides valuable insights into what you ought to consider before embarking on the retrofitting journey.
Choosing the right seat heaters for your car
Before deciding to retrofit seat heaters in your car, it’s crucial to understand which type is right for your vehicle. Seat heaters can be of two types: universal and custom-fit.
Universal seat heaters are typically more affordable and can fit in a wide range of vehicles. However, they might not perfectly fit the seat contours or offer consistent heating. On the other hand, custom-fit seat heaters are designed specifically for a certain model or seat type, offering better fit and heat distribution.
Online platforms and forums offer a plethora of options and reviews to help you make an informed decision. For instance, a Porsche specific forum may have threads where members share their experiences or suggestions regarding seat heaters for specific Porsche models.
The Wiring Process
Once you’ve decided on the type of seat heater, the next step is to consider the wiring process. The wiring process for retrofitting seat heaters can be a complex task, as it includes connecting the heaters to the car’s electrical system, installing switches, and possibly modifying the seats.
The heaters need to be connected to a reliable power source, often the car’s battery. The wiring should also include a fuse for safety. Installing switches is another significant part of the wiring process. These switches can enable you to turn the heaters on and off and possibly adjust the temperature. Their location is vital for convenience and aesthetics – they should be within easy reach but not obstructive or out of place.
Installation Location and Procedure
Deciding on the location of the seat heater is another critical consideration. Seat heaters should typically be installed under the seat cover, ensuring close contact with the seat occupant and efficient heat transfer.
The installation process involves removing the seat covers, positioning the heaters, and reassembling the seats. This process might vary depending on the heater type and the car model. It’s essential to adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the heaters or the seats.
While this can be a DIY project for those with some mechanical prowess, inexperienced persons should consider professional installation. It might cost more, but it will ensure a safe and correct installation, and it’s often covered by a service warranty.
Regulatory Requirements and Safety Considerations
Safety should be your priority when retrofitting seat heaters in your car. Overheating can cause burns or fire hazards, so it’s essential to choose seat heaters with built-in thermostats or temperature controls.
Furthermore, you need to be aware of any regulatory requirements for retrofitting seat heaters. Some regions may have specific regulations regarding this type of modification, and non-compliance can lead to penalties or void the car’s insurance.
Posting a query on a local car forum or contacting the relevant authorities can provide you with the necessary information. For instance, if you’re retrofitting seat heaters in your Porsche, you could post your query in a dedicated Porsche forum.
Maintenance and Longevity of Seat Heaters
Finally, once your seat heaters are installed and working, it’s essential to maintain them to ensure longevity. This includes regular checks for any signs of wear or damage, especially to the wiring, and immediate repairs if necessary.
You should also clean the seats regularly but avoid the use of harsh cleaning agents, which might damage the heating elements.
In conclusion, retrofitting seat heaters in older car models involves several considerations, from choosing the right type of heaters and wiring them correctly to ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. It’s a task that requires careful planning and possibly professional assistance but can significantly enhance your driving experience in the chilly UK winters.
Understanding the Role of Seat Material and Type in Retrofitting
The role of seat material and the type of seats in your car play a significant role when retrofitting seat heaters. Traditional leather seats are generally more conducive for seat heating as they trap and radiate the heat more effectively. Heated seats are more commonly found in cars with leather seats due to this reason.
However, if your car has fabric seats, you need not worry. Modern seat heaters are versatile and can be installed in both leather and fabric seats. You’ll need to ensure that the fabric is thick enough to protect against overheating and potential burns.
Speaking of seat types, those with sports seats might find the process slightly more complex due to their contoured shape. A custom-fit seat heater would be more appropriate for such seats. However, this might also increase the cost of retrofitting.
Remember, the end goal is to ensure that the heating elements in the seat heaters make maximum contact with the seat material for effective heat distribution. Therefore, choose your seat heaters appropriately.
Adapting Seat Heaters to Vintage Models
Retrofitting seat heaters in vintage models, like a classic Porsche car, can be tricky. These older vehicles were not designed with heated seats in mind, and modern heating elements may not be compatible with these classic interiors.
Before investing in seat heaters for your vintage model, research is paramount. As previously mentioned, online forums can be very useful in this aspect. Members post their experiences and suggestions, and you could quote originally posted information to gain a better understanding. Porsche specific forums, for instance, could provide a wealth of knowledge for Porsche car owners.
In older models, it might be necessary to modify certain parts of the seat for the heaters to fit correctly. The parts may include seat padding, covers, and even seat frames. Be prepared to search for car parts online or in physical stores if you want to maintain the original appearance of the car.
Finally, remember that retrofitting seat heaters to a vintage car may affect its value, especially if the vehicle is a collector’s item. This is important to consider if you plan on selling the car in the future.
In Conclusion
Retrofitting seat heaters in older UK car models requires careful consideration of various factors. From selecting the right type of seat heater, understanding wiring complexities, deciding on the location and procedure of installation, to being aware of regulatory requirements and safety measures, the process is indeed detailed. It’s also important to consider the type of seats in your car, and how well seat heaters would adapt to vintage models like a classic Porsche. However, the comfort offered by heated seats during the chilly UK winters makes the effort worthwhile, providing a modern touch of luxury to your older vehicle. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer professional assistance, with meticulous planning and the right resources, retrofitting seat heaters can be a rewarding project.
