Heated seat covers. Choosing a heated seat cover Material of the cover itself
Let's chat about Gru's popogreyki here?)
Let me start with the fact that, in my opinion, all more or less “smart” popogreikas have been approved by the State Duma and have some kind of freaking logic of operation that gives the car owner more trouble than convenience.
I’ll start with the last one I purchased (I haven’t had time to return it yet - immediately after purchase it says “broken back chain”). This is AUTOPROFI HEAT HOT-700. There are a lot of descriptions on the Internet, all space technologies, blatant benefits, etc. Now about management. Remote control with LCD. I remember I was going to put everything together for my to her simple Emelya some kind of brain, so that it switches itself off based on temperature, has a protective timer, etc. They didn’t like Emeli with a brain like UK-2 because in order for him A began A(pop warmer) to warm up - you need to turn the regulator - unnecessary efforts. Although, of course, protection from fire... In Kaldinovetka (it seems) they tried to deceive this matter - in principle, it is not difficult. But adjusting the heating power until the desired temperature is achieved is a rush - it will take longer to heat - what the hell is that Mosk. So. He took the heat, and there was a remote control with an LCD. And on it: the temperature of the back and seat is set separately! + protective timer for half an hour. There is an inscription on the box - memory of the last settings. Dream! Happiness knew no bounds until I started testing...
So. Memory - this is if you turn it off with a button and then turn it on again. If you pull it out of the cigarette lighter (turn off the car), there is no memory. Fucking memory!
To start heating, press and hold the button for 2 seconds. You walk up to a car with automatic start, plop down into the icy seat and press the button. Lovely! But that’s not all (c). With the button we only turn on the remote control. To start heating, you need to press the appropriate button: the back and/or the butt. If this is not enough for you, you can set the desired temperature again with a few more clicks.
The next feature that I learned from the manual (well, yes, I read them sometimes) is a remote control with a freezing LCD, which you need to unfasten and take with you with a piece of hard cord (and this is even with room temperature), if the temperature is less than -20°. A phone, a player, a recorder, etc. are devices without tails - and few people want to take them off and carry them around, but here is a decent-sized remote control, and even with a thick cord. And this is a device for the cold. I don’t know... maybe they developed it in the summer and thought only about the hot beach..
In general, today this is the most sophisticated device for me.
Come on, I wish I had taken it for myself this time... and the cape would not have been defective... I would have come up with brains that would automatically turn on (although they would have been more complicated than for Emelya), I would have built a remote control near the handbrake... for both myself and to the passenger. Fuck the screen, all sorts of radio tape recorders live and nothing is done with them. But for a person who is not devoted to so many worries - well, what the hell.
Does anyone have any other options in mind?
Every owner dreams of making his car more comfortable. It is difficult to surprise anyone today with many additional functions, in particular the presence of air conditioning. But in the Russian climate, even a very powerful stove will not help to instantly warm up the car when turned on after parking outdoors. Help out the car.
Luxury or necessity?
In fact, heated seats are not additional element comfort, but a necessary function. Sitting on a cold car seat is not only unpleasant in winter, but also dangerous to your health. There are several options for creating warm seats. Some craftsmen They even manage to independently introduce heating elements inside the upholstery. But why put in so much effort when there is a simple and convenient option? When high-quality heating of car seats is required, capes are The best decision. Their main advantage is versatility. Covers can be used in cars of any make and model. Do not forget that there are no difficulties during installation. Any car enthusiast can remove or remove the covers themselves.
How do heated capes work?
Externally, heated seats resemble regular cars. They can be made in any design. Moreover, the material can have not only any color, but also different density and texture. There are heating elements inside the fabric cover. The most common option is high resistance wire. Some models use a special tape. The heated car seat cover should heat up to a pleasant temperature. The thermostat carries out the adjustment. The device can have one or two temperature settings, but in expensive models you can set the desired temperature with an accuracy of a degree. Most capes work from the cigarette lighter, some are connected directly to the car's power system.
What to look for when purchasing?
The classic heated car seat cover only warms seat. If you wish, you can find options that also heat the back, but they will cost significantly more. Pay attention to the fabric from which the cape is made. If it is very soft and thin, you are unlikely to feel comfortable. The best option- quite dense, moderately stiff fabric. There is no point in saving when purchasing heating; in the cheapest models the thermostat works very poorly. This means that, most likely, you will have to constantly turn off the cape yourself. However, it is not recommended to constantly drive with the heating on during normal operation of the stove. The heated car seat cover should turn on as soon as you start the car and run until you are warm. Otherwise, you will steam like in a sauna, and the first time you go outside you risk catching a serious cold due to the sudden change in temperature. Pay attention to the additional capabilities of the cape. Today you can find models in which heating is advantageously combined with a massage effect.
Nothing can warm you up faster on a frosty day than a paycheck notice, a mug of hot tea, or a heated seat cover. Now many people have a car, and each of us tries to make it warm and comfortable for us, both the driver and passengers. The heated seat cover is designed to help us with this in difficult conditions European winter. However, before you buy anything, it’s always a good idea to understand what you are buying and why. In this article we will give drivers a few useful tips on the topic: how to choose a good heated seat cover for a car, taking into account the price-quality ratio.
Device device
Today, there are many ways to achieve a comfortable temperature inside a car. These range from hand rubbing to special cabin heaters. All of them are effective to varying degrees, but only the cape provides direct warmth to the body. This is due to its structure, which we will consider as starting point in the question: “how to choose a heated seat cover?”
Design
Any model for a car seat is a cover made of a special wear-resistant fabric, inside of which heating (carbon fiber or metal) elements are placed. The temperature is adjusted using a regulator, which not all models have, and the heating temperature is controlled using a temperature sensor. A high-quality heated seat cover is not afraid of water getting on it, all electronic elements in it are insulated. The device can be both internal and external, have a different design, type of connection to the machine’s electrical network, have different heating elements inside, and also cover different areas of the body for heating. All these things need to be considered when choosing a good heated seat cover. The device is extremely simple to use - you attach it to the seat with special fasteners, plug it in and warm up.
A heated seat cover is a hot commodity, especially in the pre-winter season. Such devices can be found both in specialized automobile stores and online stores – and in Tajiks selling them on the road. There are a large number of differences between them; the truly significant ones are presented below.
- Appearance, design;
- Power supply system;
- Installation method (inside the seat or on top);
- Heating element material (metal electric thread or carbon fiber);
- Heating area;
In appearance When choosing a heated seat cover, you should pay attention to the material of the cover, the convenience of the fasteners and the very shape of the device. Run your hand over the material to see if it is pleasant to the touch and if it sticks to your clothes. If you are not satisfied, pay attention to another device.
You may want to buy an inexpensive but good device in the shape of a heart, do not deny yourself this, just make sure that it is securely attached to the seat. Even the best custom devices have the problem of slipping on the surface of the chair. Immediately think about the area required for heating, for example, if your back never gets cold, and the underlying surfaces of the body are less frost-resistant, it would be wiser to take the model only on the seat.
External driver model
If you only need to warm up the driver, the wisest thing to do would be to buy a reliable external model that is average in all characteristics, connect it through the cigarette lighter, and no worries. This is convenient in cases when you travel by car from cold to warm regions, for example from Petrozavodsk to Sochi. Or maybe spring has simply arrived. Easily unfastened, removed, neatly folded and stored until new cold weather arrives.
Built-in model
The built-in model is best used for rear seats. Its installation takes much longer than for an external one, the advantages are also obvious. No external wires, no clutter on the seat. In the external version, reasonable advice for choosing a reliable heated seat cover would be to focus on price-quality ratio, giving preference to cheaper models. With the internal model the situation is the opposite. For example, with heating elements. On the forums of companies that produce capes, experts recommend choosing a carbon fiber-based heating element for built-in options for heated seats due to reliability. So, you will save yourself from the need to rip open the cape to find faults in the electrical circuit of the device, which with the built-in version is tedious, time-consuming and difficult.
Design
Also take into account the location of the temperature regulator relative to your hand when sitting, do not neglect the opportunity to check it when making a direct selection. Pay attention to the sensitivity of the regulator, find out whether it is possible to set a comfortable temperature just for you. Modern models(especially with internal placement) are often equipped with automatic temperature control. This useful feature. Take a closer look at these devices. Be sure to make sure that there is a function to safely shut down the device in case of overheating. If it is not there, then you are dealing with a fake.
What else to look for when choosing
Before purchasing a heated seat cover, check with the major manufacturers of such devices. Only they can guarantee the required quality. Buy only from those manufacturers who can guarantee the fire safety of their products and their high-quality assembly. Heating of the entire device must be uniform; this is a kind of guarantee of build quality. Choose external model- that means check her with your body, sit down, spin around in place. Are you comfortable? Is it too bulky or rough?
Brand
Brand. It's worth paying attention to. Among reputable manufacturers you will find the most original devices without losing quality. For example, an option with heating and a massage function. A heated seat cover is an imperfect device and will not heat your car. It has a direct purpose - to warm directly back body (like a heating pad). Remember this, and if necessary, equip the car with additional heating means. If you have no experience working with such devices, use someone else’s, rely on ratings, customer reviews, consult with a friend who has already been able to experience the pros and cons of the device after purchase.
Is it safe?
No device can do without fans and without opponents, and over time it becomes overgrown with rumors and myths; heated seat covers are no exception; here we will briefly look at some of them.
There is an opinion that heated seat covers have a detrimental effect on the reproductive function of men, or more precisely on the quality of semen due to overheating, but this point of view is not substantiated. This device is no more dangerous than a regular heating pad. However, if you are still afraid, then simply do not set the maximum temperature regime. The roots of the first myth grow from the next one, they say, it’s easy to catch a cold after sitting on such a heating pad. These are also just assumptions, but it’s never a bad idea to take care, don’t go out into the cold in your underwear and everything will be fine.
Design
Contrary to popular belief, a fur coat can only be ruined by a low-quality model that does not have automatic adjustment temperature, or none at all. Beware of these models of heated seat covers, you will be warm and inimitable in your fur coat. But for those who are tormented by irrational fears, we can advise you to find out at what temperature the fur coat that adorns your proud figure dries, and not to raise the heating to that level on the heated seat cover. Although the heated seat cover operates in a similar way to the metal coil, the former is equipped with sensors and overheat protection, and will only ignite if you douse it with gasoline and set it on fire. Keep calm.
An article about how to choose a heated cover for car seats. Features and characteristics of products. At the end of the article there is a video about heated car seats.
The content of the article:
The only thing worse than a cold car interior in winter is an equally cold seat. And if the interior can be heated quite quickly using a special heater, then the seat will have to be brought to a comfortable temperature using the so-called “fifth point”. And this pleasure is not pleasant. But technology does not stand still and the problem of cold seats can be solved by purchasing a heating cover.
What is a heated cape? Its design and features
Heaters for car seats different models And price categories have some differences, but they are all made according to the same principle. The design of the heated cape consists of three components:
- Fabric base made of wear-resistant material.
- A heating element that can be made of insulated metal wire or carbon fiber. The thermoelement is built into the fabric base, evenly distributed over its area.
- Thermal sensor with which the degree of heating is regulated. The device is attached to the seat using special fixing straps and connected to the cigarette lighter socket.
- carbon fiber;
- nichrome wire with a PVC insulating layer;
- Teflon coated wires.
- comfort in the cold season;
- there is no risk of catching a cold due to prolonged sitting on a cold surface;
- additional protection of seat material from wear.
- if used incorrectly, the cover can cause serious illness;
- if the insulation is broken during use, this can lead to unpleasant consequences, up to a fire in the cabin.
How to choose a heated car seat cover and not be disappointed
The choice of titles is considerable, both design features, and in terms of cost. It is better to discard cheap options immediately if you plan to use the cape for a long time.
What to look for when purchasing:
Material of manufacture of the case itself
The ideal option is artificial nubuck, made from a polymer material. It not only has moisture-repellent properties, but is also not subject to fire, which is very important in this case.
Heating element material
There are two types of heating element: metal and carbon fiber.
Everyone knows how constant loads and deformations act on metal. But the seat is exposed to external, and very active, influence. Plus, the insulation also wears out, which leads to the need to either repair the heater or replace it.
Therefore, you should pay attention to products whose heating part is made of carbon fiber.
Carbon fiber is a material that is based on very thin threads formed by carbon atoms. Its features include such qualities as light weight, high level thermal expansion and, most importantly in this case, increased tensile strength. These characteristics not only ensure the fire safety of the product, but also guarantee a long service life.
Availability of straps for fixation
Some models are limited only to belts that secure the device to the back of the chair, leaving the seat itself free. This creates additional troubles, since even covered special material The product is anti-slip and “travels” back and forth. This state of affairs creates inconvenience for the driver (or passenger) and leads to accelerated wear cover.
Therefore, you should purchase a cape that is equipped with special fasteners not only for the back of the chair, but also for the seat.
Availability of temperature sensor and temperature controller
Some budget models are not equipped with such a part or its functionality leaves much to be desired. However, this is perhaps the most important element designs. It is the temperature sensor that allows you to control the heating level and prevents the product from exceeding the permissible temperature limit.
Even if you ignore the excessive energy consumption and damage to comfort, a sensor is necessary. Too intense heating affects human health - prolonged use of the cape, and even in the “increased heat” mode, can provoke problems such as hemorrhoids, prostatitis, infertility and even, according to some data, rectal cancer.
The temperature controller is also important, with which you can select the most suitable heating mode based on personal preferences, weather conditions and other factors.
Power
Typically, the power of the device ranges from 40 to 100 W. However, lightweight options can also be found on the market. For example, one of the models of the Zhara brand had a power of 36 W, which made it practically useless in Russian winter conditions. The heating process at this power lasted for at least half an hour; During this time, the driver could well have arrived at his destination, having warmed the seat with his body.
For the same reason, it is worth paying attention to the products domestic production. They may not be as technically advanced, but they were designed taking into account local weather conditions.
Presence/absence of remote control
Controlling a “smart” thermal cape using a remote control promises some advantages. However, as in the previous case, the products may not be adapted to the harsh Russian realities. Typically, the manufacturer recommends taking the device with you to a warm room. remote control. And even with a slight drop in temperature. What will happen to him at -30?
External or built-in model
Heaters can be of two types - removable and built-in. The first are a cape in the full sense of the word. The latter, although they fall under the category of capes, are a heating element built into the structure of the seat.
The principle of operation and features of choice are similar for both options, however, the built-in model has some features that are undesirable to ignore:
Connection to on-board network
This type of device usually operates from the mains, which allows you to relieve the burden on the cigarette lighter connector, from which most of the car’s electronics are already powered.
Installation is a bit difficult
To install such heating, you will have to, at a minimum, remove the seat upholstery, install a heating element, adjust its dimensions and connect it to the network.
For this reason, it is not worth saving by buying dubious products. Changing a removable cape if necessary is not difficult, but you will have to tinker with a built-in one. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to carbon fiber heaters. Even though they are more expensive than metal ones, their service life is much longer.
The ideal solution for heating rear seats
First, attach a regular cape to back seat problematic. Secondly, as a rule, the load on these chairs is less, so the service life of the device will be much longer.
For the front seat, especially for the driver’s seat, it is better to purchase an external version, which, if necessary, can be removed or replaced.
Child seat heating
In fact, the features of choosing a thermal cover for a child seat are no different from the adult version. The thermostat must be present; If you can still risk your health, then in the case of a child such freedom is unacceptable.
Another nuance is the base material. The fabric must be well breathable and have moisture-conducting properties. In all other respects the requirements are similar.
Conclusion on choosing a seat cover
When used correctly, a thermal cover for a car seat will make life easier for its owner and save him from many troubles. At least against a cold.
It is only important not to abuse the benefits of the device. After the seat has warmed up, it is best to turn off the device and switch to normal interior heating. This is especially true for men, whose health is not affected by intensive use of a thermal cover. in the best possible way.
Video about heated car seats: