What are the disadvantages of heated car seats?
Heated car seats are a luxurious feature that many drivers enjoy, especially during cold winter months. However, like any automotive feature, they come with their own set of drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore the potential disadvantages of heated car seats to help you make an informed decision about whether they’re right for you.
1. Increased Risk of Burns
One of the most significant concerns with heated car seats is the risk of burns, particularly for individuals with reduced sensitivity to heat. People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or nerve damage, may not feel the heat as intensely, which can lead to accidental burns. Additionally, prolonged exposure to high heat settings can cause discomfort or even skin irritation for anyone.
2. Potential Electrical Issues
Heated seats rely on electrical components to function, and like any electrical system, they are prone to malfunctions. Over time, wiring or heating elements can wear out, leading to costly repairs. In some cases, faulty wiring could even pose a fire hazard, though this is rare with modern vehicles.
3. Increased Energy Consumption
Using heated seats can put additional strain on your car’s electrical system, especially in older vehicles. This increased energy consumption may slightly reduce fuel efficiency in gas-powered cars or drain the battery faster in electric vehicles. While the impact is usually minimal, it’s worth considering if you’re trying to maximize your vehicle’s efficiency.
4. Added Cost
Heated seats are often included as part of premium packages or as an optional add-on, which can increase the overall cost of your vehicle. Additionally, if the heating system breaks down, repairs can be expensive, particularly if the issue involves replacing the seat or its internal components.
5. Environmental Concerns
For environmentally conscious drivers, the additional energy required to power heated seats may be a drawback. While the impact is relatively small, every bit of energy consumption contributes to a vehicle’s overall carbon footprint, especially in non-electric cars.
6. Limited Usefulness in Warmer Climates
If you live in a region with a warm climate, heated seats may not be a practical feature. They could end up being an unnecessary expense for something you rarely, if ever, use. In such cases, ventilated or cooling seats might be a better investment.
Conclusion
While heated car seats can provide comfort and convenience, especially during colder months, they are not without their disadvantages. From potential burns and electrical issues to added costs and environmental concerns, it’s important to weigh these factors before deciding if heated seats are worth it for your needs. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your vehicle’s features and maintenance. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do heated seats drain gas?
MOTORING experts have warned drivers that opting for heated seats and steering wheels can result in increased fuel consumption as temperatures drop.
Are heated car seats bad for your back?
When we're talking specifically about the heat generation of your heated car seat, the pinpointing of heat to painful areas of the back provides much-needed relief and is good for your back. The caveat, however, is that uncomfortable seats won't do much to improve your posture or to relieve long-term chronic back pain.
What are the cons of heated seats?
What are the disadvantages of heated car seats?
- Skin problems: If you use your heated seats too often or for too long, it may cause skin rashes, lesions, or burns.
- Fire danger: If you leave the seat on for too long, and it gets too hot or malfunctions, it could even start a fire.
What are the side effects of heated seats?
Skin problems: If you use your heated seats too often or for too long, it may cause skin rashes, lesions, or burns.
Do heated seats still work with seat covers?
You can check your owner's manual to know if you actually can put seat covers on your heated seats. Some automakers warn against replacing the seat covers on your vehicle as it can damage the warming mechanism. Some automakers also caution against placing blankets, cushions, or anything that may insulate heat.
Do heated seats work with engine off?
If the engine is running, the alternator is producing so much extra electricity that the seat heaters can run indefinitely. But if the engine is not running, the seat heaters will run off the battery.
What are the problems with heated seats?
You can try resetting the memory seat control module to get the heated seat function up and running. Keep in mind, however, that a persistent issue with the heated seats can indicate the need for a new memory seat control module. This also means that you'll need your local dealership to program the new control module.
Can a car seat cause lower back pain?
If hip, buttock, back, shoulder, neck and head pain occurs after long car trips, it may be related to sitting in a lopsided car seat. There is a relatively simple correction for this problem, the use of a small pillow or towel under the left pelvis.
Do heated seats drain the battery?
That means over a three-hour summer holiday road trip, you'll need to account for around 20 miles for the air conditioning. That's compared to less than half a mile per hour if you use the heated seats and steering wheel.
What drains the battery most on an electric car?
Electric Vehicle Battery Drains
- Driving. Driving your electric car will always drain the battery.
- Acceleration. How hard you press the pedal greatly impacts your battery range.
- Weather Conditions.
- Heat and Air Conditioning.
- Weight.
- Navigation and Infotainment Systems.
- Identify Your Battery Usage.
