Upgrade Your Ride: Can You Add Cooled Seats To A Car?

Yes, you absolutely can add cooled seats to a car that doesn’t come with them from the factory. This is often achieved through aftermarket cooled seats or a seat cooling kit installation. While it requires some technical know-how or professional help, the comfort benefits of adding seat ventilation are significant, especially for those living in warmer climates. This guide will delve into the process, costs, and considerations involved in achieving climate controlled seats for your vehicle, offering a fantastic car seat cooling upgrade.

The Allure of Ventilated Seats

Imagine driving on a scorching summer day, the sun beating down relentlessly. Standard car seats can become uncomfortable heat traps, leaving you feeling sticky and overheated. This is where the magic of cooled seats comes in. Automotive seat cooling systems work by drawing air through the seat’s upholstery, often using a fan system, to create a cooling effect against your body. This not only enhances comfort but can also improve focus and reduce fatigue during long drives.

For those who don’t have this luxury as a factory option, the good news is that it’s not an insurmountable barrier. The concept of ventilated seats retrofit is becoming increasingly popular as more drivers seek to personalize their driving experience and boost comfort levels.

How Do Cooled Seats Work?

Before diving into the retrofit process, it’s helpful to grasp the basic mechanics of factory-installed cooled seats. Most systems utilize a combination of a fan and a perforated seat cover.

• Fan System: A small, quiet fan is typically housed beneath the seat cushion or integrated into the seat’s frame. This fan draws ambient air into the seat.
• Perforated Upholstery: The seat cover, usually made of leather or a breathable fabric, features numerous small perforations. These holes allow the air drawn by the fan to flow up and through the seat, creating a cooling sensation on the occupant’s skin.
• Airflow Management: Some advanced systems might also have a system to exhaust the warm air, further enhancing the cooling effect.

Can You Add Cooled Seats To A Car: Exploring Your Options

When it comes to adding cooled seats to a car, you generally have two primary avenues:

1. Aftermarket Cooled Seat Covers

This is arguably the most accessible and budget-friendly option. Aftermarket seat covers are designed to be placed over your existing car seats and come with integrated cooling functionality.

How They Work:

These covers typically connect to your car’s 12V power outlet (cigarette lighter adapter). A small, discreet fan is usually built into the seat cover itself or into a control unit attached to the side of the seat. The fan pulls air through a breathable fabric, often a mesh material, and circulates it across the surface of the seat.

Pros:

• Affordability: Generally much cheaper than professional retrofits.
• Ease of Installation: Most are plug-and-play, requiring no complex wiring or modifications to your vehicle.
• Portability: You can easily remove them and use them in different vehicles.
• No Permanent Modifications: Ideal for leased vehicles or those who prefer not to alter their car’s original interior.

Cons:

• Aesthetics: While designs are improving, they may not seamlessly integrate with your car’s interior like factory-installed seats. Some might look like temporary add-ons.
• Cooling Effectiveness: The cooling might not be as powerful or as evenly distributed as a factory system. The effectiveness can also depend heavily on the quality of the materials and the fan strength.
• Durability: Cheaper options may not withstand daily wear and tear as well as integrated systems.
• Limited Functionality: Usually, they offer simple on/off and fan speed control, without the more nuanced climate control found in OEM systems.

Popular Cooling Cover Features to Look For:

• Breathable Materials: Mesh or perforated fabrics enhance airflow.
• Adjustable Fan Speeds: Allows for customizable comfort.
• Non-Slip Backing: Prevents the cover from shifting.
• USB Port (Optional): Some advanced covers include a USB port for charging devices.
• Multiple Power Settings: To tailor the cooling intensity.

2. Seat Cooling Kit Installation (Retrofitting)

This option involves a more permanent and integrated solution, akin to factory-installed cooled seats. A seat cooling kit installation involves fitting fans and airflow systems directly into your existing car seats.

How They Work:

A seat cooling kit installation typically involves:

• Disassembling the Seat: The seat covers are carefully removed.
• Installing Fans: Small, low-profile fans are strategically placed beneath the seat upholstery, often in the seatback and cushion.
• Creating Air Channels: The kit usually includes perforated foam pads or channels that help direct the airflow across the entire seat surface.
• Wiring: The fans and controls are wired into the car’s electrical system, often requiring a connection to a power source like the fuse box or battery.
• Reassembling the Seat: The upholstery is then put back in place, often with a newly perforated cover or by making perforations in the existing one.

Pros:

• Superior Comfort and Effectiveness: Provides a more powerful and even cooling experience, much like factory-installed systems.
• Seamless Integration: When done professionally, the result looks and feels like original equipment.
• Enhanced Vehicle Value: A well-executed retrofit can add to your car’s resale value.
• Customization: You can often choose the type of upholstery and control placement.

Cons:

• Cost: Significantly more expensive than seat covers due to labor and specialized components.
• Complexity of Installation: Requires significant mechanical and electrical knowledge. DIY installation can be challenging and risky if not done correctly.
• Permanent Modifications: Involves altering your car’s seats and electrical system.
• Time Commitment: Professional installation can take several hours or even a full day.

Who Installs These Kits?

• Professional Automotive Upholstery Shops: These are the experts for this type of work. They have the tools, experience, and knowledge to disassemble, modify, and reassemble seats without causing damage.
• Car Audio/Electronics Installers: Some shops specializing in car electronics also offer this service, as it involves similar electrical work.
• DIY Enthusiasts: If you are highly skilled in automotive mechanics and electronics, you might consider a DIY ventilated seats project, but proceed with extreme caution.

The Process of Retrofitting: A Deeper Dive

If you’re considering a ventilated seats retrofit, here’s a more detailed look at what’s involved.

1. Choosing Your Kit

Several companies offer universal seat cooling kit installation kits. These kits typically include:

• Cooling Fans: Usually quiet, low-profile 12V fans.
• Perforated Mats/Foam: To distribute air evenly.
• Wiring Harnesses: With fuses and connectors.
• Control Units: For adjusting fan speed and power.
• Instructions: Though sometimes vague.

When selecting a kit, look for reputable brands and read reviews carefully. Consider the number of fans per seat, the overall airflow volume (CFM), and the quality of the components.

2. Installation Steps (General Overview)

Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your kit and consult a professional if you are unsure.

Tools You Might Need:

• Socket set and wrenches
• Screwdrivers (various types)
• Trim removal tools
• Wire strippers and crimpers
• Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
• Multimeter (for testing)
• Zip ties for wire management
• Possibly a staple gun and staples (for reattaching upholstery)

Steps:

1. Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery before starting any electrical work.
2. Remove Seats: Carefully remove the car seats from the vehicle. This usually involves unbolting them from the floor. Be mindful of any electrical connectors for airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, or seat memory functions.
3. Disassemble Seat Upholstery: This is often the most delicate part. You’ll need to carefully remove the fabric or leather covers. Look for clips, hog rings, or Velcro holding the upholstery in place. Trim removal tools are invaluable here.
4. Install Fans and Air Mats:
   • Place the perforated air mats or foam pads onto the seat cushion and seatback.
   • Mount the fans securely beneath the upholstery, ensuring they are positioned to draw air effectively and not create an uncomfortable bump. Some kits come with mounting brackets or adhesive.
5. Wire the System:
   • Route the wiring harness from the seats to a suitable power source. Common options include:
     • Fuse Box: Tap into an accessory circuit (e.g., for the radio or 12V outlet) that turns on with the ignition. Use an add-a-fuse adapter for a clean connection.
     • Battery: For a direct connection, ensure you install an inline fuse close to the battery. This is often done through the firewall, which can be complex.
   • Connect the fans to the wiring harness.
   • Install the control module in an accessible location, often under the dash or on the seat itself.
   • Crucially, ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated to prevent shorts and fires.
6. Test the System: Before reassembling, reconnect the battery temporarily and test the fans. Ensure they are blowing air in the correct direction and that the controls work. Use a multimeter to check voltages and continuity if needed.
7. Reassemble Seats: Carefully reattach the upholstery, ensuring all clips and fasteners are secured. If your kit requires perforating the existing cover, do this neatly and evenly.
8. Reinstall Seats: Bolt the seats back into the vehicle.
9. Final Checks: Reconnect the battery. Test the cooled seats again. Ensure all seat functions (like airbags) are working correctly.

The Cost of Comfort: What to Expect

The price of adding cooled seats can vary significantly based on the method chosen and whether you opt for professional installation.

Cost Breakdown:

• Aftermarket Seat Covers:
  • Basic Models: $50 – $150
  • Higher-Quality/Feature-Rich Models: $150 – $300+
• Seat Cooling Kit Installation:
  • DIY Kit Components: $100 – $400 (depending on the kit’s quality and number of seats)
  • Professional Installation: $300 – $800 per seat (this includes parts and labor, and prices vary by region and shop)

Total Cost for Retrofit (Parts + Professional Labor):

• One Seat: $400 – $1,200
• Two Front Seats: $800 – $2,400

Factors Influencing Cost:

• Vehicle Make and Model: Luxury vehicles or those with complex seat designs might incur higher labor costs.
• Upholstery Type: Working with leather can be more challenging and costly than fabric.
• Kit Quality: Premium kits with better fans and materials will cost more.
• Number of Seats: Getting both front seats done will be more expensive than just the driver’s seat.
• Shop Rates: Labor rates vary significantly by geographic location.

Key Considerations Before You Buy

Before you jump into purchasing a kit or booking an installation, take a moment to consider these important factors:

1. Airflow vs. Actual Cooling

It’s important to distinguish between airflow and true cooling. Many systems provide airflow, which can be refreshing, but genuine cooling often involves a more advanced mechanism (like Peltier modules in some high-end systems, though these are rare in aftermarket kits). Most automotive seat cooling systems rely on circulating air to wick away moisture and heat.

2. Seat Upholstery Material

• Leather: Generally performs very well with cooling systems, as it’s less breathable than fabric. The perforated leather allows for good air circulation.
• Cloth/Fabric: Can also benefit from cooling, but the natural breathability of the material might make the effect slightly less dramatic compared to leather. However, a good fan system will still provide noticeable comfort.
• Perforations: For true ventilated seats retrofit, the seat covers need to be perforated. If your existing upholstery isn’t, either the kit will include a perforated cover, or you’ll need to consider having perforations made. This adds to the complexity and cost.

3. Electrical System Compatibility

Ensure your car’s electrical system can handle the added load. While most cooling fans draw relatively little power (typically 1-5 amps per fan), it’s wise to confirm, especially if your car already has many aftermarket electronics installed. A professional installer will be able to assess this.

4. Safety Features (Airbags!)

Modern car seats contain sophisticated safety systems, most notably airbags. Any modification to the seat, especially the upholstery and internal structure, must be done with extreme care to avoid damaging or interfering with these airbags. If you are not confident in your ability to handle this, professional installation is a must.

5. Warranty Implications

Modifying your car’s interior, especially its electrical system, could potentially void parts of your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty. Check your warranty terms before proceeding, especially if your car is still under warranty. Aftermarket seat covers are the safest option in this regard.

6. DIY vs. Professional Installation

• DIY: This is a viable option for the mechanically inclined and electrically savvy. It can save money but carries the risk of errors that could damage your car or compromise safety. If you’re considering DIY ventilated seats, research thoroughly and take your time.
• Professional: Hiring an upholstery shop or a reputable car audio/electronics installer provides peace of mind. They have the expertise to ensure a clean, safe, and effective installation. This is the recommended route for most people.

Are Cooling Car Seat Options Worth It?

The decision to add cooled seats is a personal one, based on your budget, comfort needs, and tolerance for heat.

Consider getting them if:

• You live in a consistently hot climate.
• You spend a significant amount of time driving.
• You find your current seats uncomfortable due to heat.
• You value enhanced driving comfort and are willing to invest in it.

You might hold off if:

• You rarely experience extreme heat.
• Your budget is very tight.
• You are concerned about voiding your car’s warranty or are uncomfortable with vehicle modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I add cooled seats to any car?
A1: Yes, generally you can add cooled seats to most cars, either through aftermarket seat covers or by retrofitting a cooling kit. The complexity and cost might vary depending on the car’s make, model, and existing seat design.

Q2: How long does a seat cooling kit installation take?
A2: A professional installation typically takes anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the shop’s workload and the complexity of your vehicle’s seats. A DIY installation could take longer, especially if it’s your first time.

Q3: Will adding cooled seats affect my car’s airbags?
A3: If installed incorrectly, yes, it can. Professional installers are trained to work around seat safety systems, including airbags. It’s crucial to use reputable professionals if you opt for a retrofit.

Q4: Are aftermarket cooled seat covers effective?
A4: Their effectiveness varies. Cheaper models may offer minimal airflow, while higher-quality ones can provide a noticeable cooling effect. They are generally less powerful and less integrated than professionally retrofitted systems.

Q5: Can I install cooled seats myself?
A5: Yes, if you have the necessary mechanical and electrical skills. However, it’s a complex job that requires precision, especially when dealing with car upholstery and wiring. If you’re not confident, it’s best to seek professional help.

Q6: What is the difference between ventilated seats and cooled seats?
A6: In the context of automotive seats, the terms are often used interchangeably. “Ventilated seats” typically refers to systems that circulate air to provide a cooling sensation. “Cooled seats” can sometimes imply more advanced cooling technologies (like thermoelectric cooling), but in the aftermarket and many OEM applications, they both mean air circulation.

Q7: How do I maintain cooled seats?
A7: For aftermarket seat covers, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. For retrofitted systems, ensure the fans are free of debris. Regular vacuuming of the seat upholstery will help maintain airflow.

By carefully considering your options and prioritizing quality and safety, you can successfully upgrade your ride with the luxurious comfort of cooled seats, making every journey more enjoyable, regardless of the weather outside.