What are Heated Seats?
Electric warming pads built into your seat cushion and backrest.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Heated seats are simple electric heating elements — thin wires or carbon-fibre mats — sewn into the foam of your seat base and backrest. When you flick the switch, they warm up and gently heat you through the upholstery, which is much faster and more efficient than warming the whole cabin with the heater.
"Like an electric blanket built into the foam of your seat."
How it works
Each element is a long resistive wire that gets warm when electricity flows through it (the same principle as a toaster, just much gentler). A controller in the seat regulates the temperature, usually with two or three heat settings, and a thermal cut-out switches the element off if it gets too hot. Power comes from the car's 12V system through a relay, and a temperature sensor keeps things in a safe, comfy range.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Seat heats on one side only or in patches
- ⚠No heat at all from one or both seats
- ⚠Burnt smell when switched on
- ⚠Heating cuts out after a few minutes
- ⚠Visible damage or sagging where the element has snapped
£230–£700 per seat
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.