How Adding Heated Seats Makes For A More Comfortable Commute
There are so many worse things in the world than that little chill during the first few minutes of your commute on a Winter morning.
But, still puffy-eyed and dull, at 7:27 a.m. on a gray December Tuesday before your coffee, in that moment, nothing is worse than shivering and seeing your breath and just being cold and miserable and on your way to work.
Not an issue for those who were lucky, or smart, enough to buy a car with heated seats.
For the rest of us there is AutoPro of Nashville on 1610 Franklin Road in Brentwood. Among their many car-accessory specialties, they install custom controlled-heating seats.
We talked to Dave Echols, their Accessories Sales Manager, about the product and process and he told us how with a phone call and a work day we can all go from cold and cursing in the morning to smart and lucky, and warm by 5 o’clock.
After all, with so many in Williamson County trekking up and back to work everyday in, according to Special Report on Traffic, long, slow commutes, why not be comfortable?
So tell us about getting heated seats put in a car.
Dave: In most cases we do both front seats, and both sides of the seats. They can go in under the existing seat covers or we do a lot of them when installing leather seat covers, which is another popular service. Heated seat installation is one of the really popular things that we do to personalize cars and everybody seems to rave about how much they like them.
How do they work?
Dave: They work on a three way switch: off, low and high. We mount the switch in the most convenient spot in the car- sometimes on the console and sometimes on the side of the seat. Each seat has its own control switch. We wire it in through the electrical system where it is fused and safe. All wiring is concealed below the seat or run under the door sill trim plate, carpeting, etc.
Why do you recommend it?
Dave: It is a very popular option, especially this time of year. When it starts cooling off outside and it takes a while for the car to warm up in the morning, people start coming in. The seats start heating up immediately after the switch is turned on, it is kind of like a heating pad that you would use. I have had people tell me they use them year round, maybe their back hurts and the heat helps. They are not for therapeutic use, but definitely a comfort enhancer.
How long does it take usually?
Dave: If you drop your car off in morning we can have it ready in the afternoon. You can call us (615- 377-6101) or schedule online at Autopronashville.com
How much does it cost?
Dave: The general price of adding heating to the two front seats to an existing interior runs about 500 dollars.
What kind of car are they for?
Dave: Any kind of car whatsoever. It is fully compatible with existing power seats or multi-adjustable sport-type seats finished in cloth, vinyl, or leather. There are a very few exceptions, some cars have airbags in places that might keep us from doing it or sensors in seats that could cause an issue, but we check all that first.
What other accessories do customers who get heated seats also add?
Dave: Since our people trained in electrical systems install the seats, usually other things with electronics: back-up cameras, alarms, and especially popular this time of year are remote starters.
