Best Heated Car Seat Cover: Complete Buyer’s Guide for

Sitting in your vehicle during the winter months waiting for the engine to heat up in the morning, or even during your daily commute can be a miserable experience. Using the best heated car seat covers can easily solve this problem and keep you comfortably warm during your morning commute. Not only will these heated covers keep you warm, but they’ll also protect your seats. I’ve created an in-depth buyer’s guide that will go over the most important features to look for when you’re shopping around for a new set of seat covers for your vehicle, how these seat covers work, and how to choose the perfect covers that are reliable, versatile, and highly adjustable. I’ve also tested out several sets of seat covers on the market, narrowing it down to just six that can keep you warm and comfortable in harsh winter weather. Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes six of the best-selling models on the market.

Heated Car Seat Covers Comparison Chart

Product	Colors	Material	Heat Control Settings	Rating
REVIX Heated Seat Cover Shop On Amazon!	1	Leather	3
KINGLETING Heated Seat Cushion Shop On Amazon!	3	Synthetic	18
SNAILAX Massage Car Seat Cover Shop On Amazon!	1	Polyester	3
Zone Tech Car Travel Seat Cover Cushion Shop On Amazon!	1	Polyester	5
ELUTO Heated Seat Cover Shop On Amazon!	1	Polyurethane Leather	80
Health Mate IN9438 Heated Seat Cover Shop On Amazon!	2	Velour	2

REVIX Heated Seat Cover

Our Rating: (5/5)

This car seat cover by Revix is made out of heavy-duty faux leather, for a classic look. The cover has earned a reputation for its faster than normal heat up time, in addition to the air pore design that prevents excessive sweating as it works to efficiently diffuse heat. Additionally, the cover comes with three heat setting options, including: low, medium, and high. The seat and the backrest have heat settings that can be adjusted independently, so you can lower the temperature for the backrest, while cranking up the temperature for the seat, or vice versa. This model also features a choice of three auto shut off options for thirty, sixty, and ninety minutes. For added safety, the cover comes with an overheating protection system that will automatically shut the cover’s heating element off once it has reached the preset temperature.

Conclusion

As you can see, this seat cover has it all and features a highly adjustable design that will allow you to tweak the settings exactly how you like them. The cover is also built tough and made out of heavy-duty faux leather, complete with a couple of straps with plastic connectors that securely wrap around the seat, preventing it from moving out of place when you get in and out of your vehicle. If you’re looking for a cover that’s adjustable, durable, and one that offers a fast heat up time with several heat setting options, then this model by Revix is an excellent choice.

KINGLETING Heated Seat Cushion

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This cover will provide cozy warmth for the entire back, thighs, and hips. The cover can reach a max temperature of 140 degrees, with a one-minute heat up time. This model also comes with intelligent temperature control, which allows the user to choose between temperatures ranging from 86 degrees up to 140 degrees, in three-degree increments. The timing power off protection feature will automatically switch off the heat based on user preference. Automatic shut off can be set to 30, 60, or 90 minutes. This helps to prevent draining the battery. The included protection thermostat will prevent the seat from overheating. When the temperature reaches the desired level, the temperature remains stable and will not continue to increase. Should the temperature drop, the cover’s heating elements will automatically kick back on to increase the heat to the temperature settings.

Conclusion

It’s not often that you’ll come across a model that’s this adjustable and versatile. It comes with all the features most buyers are looking for and it’s available in three color options, so you can choose a shade that will best match the interior of your vehicle.

This model offers an impressive 18 temperature settings, in addition to thermostat protection, a faster than average heat up time, and a universal fit that ensures the cover will work for most standard RV, SUV, and car seats. This is one of the safest and most reliable heated car seat covers on the market and it’s available at a reasonable price.

SNAILAX Massage Car Seat Cover

This latest car seat cover by Snailax features both heat and vibrations, for a more comfortable ride. After a long day at the office, this seat cover is exactly what you need. Users can choose from six vibrations that help to relieve soreness, muscle tension, and fatigue. The heated portion of the cover includes three heating pads that target full seat and back heat, which is perfect for colder weather. The heat will automatically shut off, thanks to the built-in overheat protection that also keeps the temperature stable. The seat cover remains securely in place thanks to the non-slip bottom, complete with straps. The straps are adjustable, so the cover will work with most types of SUV, truck, and car seats.

Conclusion

This heated car seat and massager is just what you need for that long commute home. The heat settings and vibration settings give you several options so you can adjust the settings based on preference. The universal design will work for most types of RV, truck, SUV, and car seats. Overall the seat does an excellent job of both heating the bottom area and back area, while providing soothing vibration that works to loosen up those tight muscles after a long day at work.

Zone Tech Car Travel Seat Cover Cushion

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This set of heated seat covers by Zone Tech are affordable and made out of a combination of polyester and faux leather. The seat covers are kept in place via a couple of cushioned straps with elastic, which prevents them from sliding. Additionally, the elastic straps and size of the covers are compatible with almost any type of seat. The covers come with a couple of heat setting options: low and high and are capable of heating up to 120-degrees, so they’re perfect for harsh winter weather. They also offer a fast heat up time, so they can reach the max temperature in just a few minutes.

Conclusion

These basic seat covers offer a high maximum temperature of 120-degrees, include two heat setting options, and heat up to the max temperature in just a few minutes. These covers don’t come loaded with all of the bells and whistles that you’ll commonly find with higher priced models, but they work well, are efficient, and can provide that extra level of warmth that you so desperately need in the winter.

ELUTO Heated Seat Cover

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This Eluto heated seat cover features a three to five-minute heat up time and is made out of polyurethane leather, which offers excellent heat distribution. The included padding consists of flame retardant CA117 sponge, which further improves heat distribution. The controls allow you to finetune the temperature in one-degree increments ranging from 70 to 150 degrees. This cover will also remain securely in place, thanks to the many attachments including the elastic webbing and buckle on the head, the back side that’s coated with non-slip plastic and the bottom which is equipped with a hook. The included non-slip anchors are inserted into the seat gap. As you can see, this cover isn’t going anywhere, unlike competing seat covers, which constantly move out of place whenever the driver gets in and out of the vehicle.

Conclusion

Unlike other models in my product lineup, this seat cover allows you to precisely adjust the heat in one-degree increments, which is pretty impressive. However, it does have a slower heat up time in comparison. While higher priced models feature a one-minute heat up time, this cover has a three to five-minute heat up time. Additionally, this seat doesn’t have an automatic shut off feature, which may be a deal breaker for some shoppers. All in all, this seat is highly adjustable, made out of high-quality PU leather, and comes loaded with some great attachment options that will prevent the seat cover from constantly moving out of place whenever you get in or out of your vehicle.

Health Mate IN9438 Heated Seat Cover

Our Rating: (4/5)

This heat seat cover offers a max temperature of 114 degrees, which is pretty low compared to higher priced car seat covers that offer a max temp of 130-150. The seat also only offers two heat options of low and high, which can be pretty limiting for some users. The seat is made out of a plush velour material that’s soft to the touch and easy to clean. The seat uses two secure strapping systems that are designed to prevent the cover from moving out of place when you get in and out of your vehicle. This strap system consists of four cinch straps located around the bottom of the cover, two elastic straps and four clips. The seat is also padded with thick polyurethane foam, for added comfort.

Conclusion

This low-priced heated seat cover doesn’t come with many bells and whistles. In fact, it lacks many of the safety features that drivers are looking for such as automatic shut off and overheat protection. Additionally, it has a low max temperature and only two setting options to choose from. However, if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a very basic seat cover that will keep you moderately warm during the winter months, this model is a great buy and one that won’t hit your wallet too hard.

Heated Car Seat Covers Buyer’s Guide

In parts of the country that remain comfortably warm during the winter months, buying heated seat covers may seem like overkill, but anyone who spends ten to fifteen minutes every morning shivering and waiting in their vehicle for the engine to warm up, or for those people who have vehicles with inadequate heaters, a heated seat cover is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

These covers are designed to heat up quickly and can be a lifesaver for older people, those who are sensitive to colder temperatures, vehicles that have low-powered heaters, or anyone who wants to stay comfortably warm during their daily commute.

However, not all heated seat covers are created equal, which is why I decided to create this buyer’s guide and discuss many of the important features to look for that can help you quickly identify which seat covers have what it takes to keep you warm when the temperature drops and which ones don’t. But first, I’ll go over several of the benefits car owners will enjoy when they invest in a set of high-quality heated seat covers.

Benefits of Heated Car Seat Covers

• Of course, the most important feature these seat covers have to offer is their ability to keep both you and your passenger warm. Driving around when it’s freezing outside can be very unpleasant. Covers that are highly adjustable will allow each user to adjust the temperature based on their personal preference.
• These seat covers also do a great job of protecting your car’s interior. When you’re constantly getting in and out of your vehicle your tracking in dirt, debris, and allergens. Using a set of durable heated seat covers can lengthen the lifespan of your vehicle’s interior and protect your seats from excessive wear-and-tear.
• Many manufacturers produce seat covers that are available in a wide variety of styles so you can add a more custom look to your vehicle’s interior, or you can match the seat covers to the existing interior.
• Since many heated seat covers come with extra padding they can also provide much-needed lumbar support. This will help to keep your spine aligned for added user comfort.
• If you or someone in the car is always complaining about still being cold, even when other passengers in the car claim to be comfortably warm, then a seat cover can easily solve this problem, allowing the user to crank up the heat, without disturbing other passengers in the vehicle.
• If your car seats are damaged from wear and tear, these seat covers can also instantly improve the appearance of your car’s interior. Many sets are available in a variety of colors and styles.

Important Features

How a heated seat cover works is similar to how an electric blanket works. The built-in mechanism inside the cover will keep the legs, thighs, and back warm, with some models equipped with controls that will allow you to precisely adjust the temperature.

The heating mechanism in the cover consists of three parts:

• Thermostat
• Relay
• Resistor

The resistor, also referred to as the heating coil, is a thin strip of wire that the electricity flows through. This wire’s resistance to heat creates friction that’s released in order to create heat.

The relay switch is a type of trigger that will allow the electricity to flow from the vehicle’s battery to the resistor. After a cover is switched on, the resistor receives electricity from an initial circuit, which results in the formation of a magnetic field. This field is what triggers the relay switch, which activates the flow of electricity from the battery.

The thermostat prevents the cover from overheating by limiting the amount of electricity the resistor receives. Basically, the thermostat is designed to regulate the temperature, based on the temperature the user has it set to.  When the seat begins to cool down, it will trigger the initial circuit, and set the heating process in motion once again.

Now that you know more about the basics of how these seats work, it’s time to learn about the different features they have to offer, which will help you to choose a seat cover that can last season after season.

Power

Most heated seat covers for SUVs, trucks, and cars will operate using a 12-volt power source that’s usually plugged into an auxiliary power output or cigarette lighter. Most seat covers will come equipped with an automatic shut-off feature or timer for added safety. Inside most heated seat covers you’ll find electric coils or wiring that runs throughout the padded cushions, operating in much the same way as an electric blanket does.

Automatic Shut-Off

Some models will come with an automatic shut-off feature that will switch the seats off automatically once the fabric gets too hot. This feature will kick in once the seat has been on for a determined amount of time or the temperature reaches a high level. On average, the automatic shut off feature will switch the covers off after twenty to thirty minutes. With this feature, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to shut off the seat covers, which can result in a drained battery.

Temperature Settings

Higher priced sets will feature individual heating options. This can include a few heat setting options ranging from low to high, or some seats will allow you to choose a specific temperature setting based on degrees. Heat controls are available in either dial or button form.

Indicator Light

An indicator light will simply show you whether or not the seat is functioning. It can also change color depending on whether the cover is still heating up and will alert you when it’s reached the desired temperature setting.

Number of Covers

Seat covers can be sold individually, just for the driver’s side, in a set of two, or you may even find a set that includes two covers for the front seats and a bench cover for the backseat.

Cord

Most covers will come with a cord that’s two to three feet in length. This allows you to reach the nearest power outlet and use the cover for the front or backseat.

Heat up Time

A seat cover that heats up quickly is always preferable. On average, most covers will take two to three minutes to heat up to the ideal temperature. Higher priced covers boast a sixty second heat up time.

Padding

A heavily padded cover will be more comfortable to use. Extra padding in the lumbar area can also provide support and will promote user comfort.

Cooling

Cooling capabilities are not a standard feature, but you may come across some covers that can heat and cool, adding more value and functionality so a seat cover can be used year-round.

Size

One of the most important features is the size. Before you buy, take a look at the cover’s dimensions. Some car manufacturers may also list what types of vehicles the covers are compatible with. Fortunately, many manufacturers will make universal sizes, however, it’s still important to check out the measurements before buying.

Timer

A timer is a great way to avoid leaving your seat cover on all day. The timer will cause the seat cover to switch off after a determined length of use. This will minimize the chances of the cover overheating.

Dual Interface

Sets with a dual interface are designed to power more than one seat. Since vehicles only come with one 12-volt outlet, a dual interface will allow the single outlet to power both the driver and the passenger seat covers.

Heating Zones

With most models, the wires or coils will be placed in a few key areas such as the upper back, lower back, and bottom. Higher end covers may include internal heating or cooling pads for the legs, shoulders, and neck area. Essentially, the more heating coverage a cover provides, the higher the price tag.

Material

Most covers will be made out of high-grade polyester which is light, durable, and breathable. You can also find covers that are made out of faux suede or velour.

Anti-Slip Straps and Bottom

Covers with an anti-slip rubber bottom will prevent the cover from moving out of place each time you get in and out of your vehicle. Elastic straps may also be used to keep the cover securely in place. Micro-beaded patches strategically placed throughout the cover’s design can be used instead of a rubber non-slip bottom, but they don’t do as good of a job of preventing the cover from moving.

Massage

If you’re looking for a multipurpose car seat cover, then search for one that also comes with a vibration/massage feature. This type of gentle vibration is designed to relax the muscles in the back and help to loosen tense, tight muscles and improve circulation.

Price

The cost of heated seat covers can depend on the brand, heating capability, adjustability, and the type of materials it’s made out of. Higher priced models often offer more options in terms of temperature control and safety features. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $100 per cover. Of course, models that are loaded with extra features such as massaging or cooling will cost more, but these added features will allow you to use your seat covers all year long.

Warranty

Warranties for this type of seat cover can protect against faulty heating elements, so they’re a must. However, most companies will only offer warranties that range from thirty to ninety days. Higher priced covers can include a guarantee or warranty for six to twelve months.

Care and Maintenance

Because of the internal wiring, most covers cannot be placed in a washing machine or submerged in water. Instead, the covers must be spot cleaned by hand using a mix of warm water and a gentle cleanser. Before cleaning, make sure the cover is unplugged and has had adequate time to cool down. These covers cannot go in a dryer. They must be air dried.

Storage

When the warm weather hits, most drivers will not have any use for their heat car seat covers. Fortunately, many models are easy to store. However, you should avoid storing the cover under any heavy items and avoid rolling the cover if possible. This is because some models have fragile coils and wiring that can break or become damaged if not stored correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if You Leave A Heated Car Seat Cover on for too Long?

When you invest in a new set of seat covers, it’s important to find a single cover or set that comes with built-in safety features. But why? Accidentally leaving a cover on can cause the seats to overheat, burn out, drain the battery, or in rare cases, it can damage the car seat itself. Because of this, many high-quality models now come with automatic shut off features, but for those covers that don’t you’ll need to be extra careful and make sure you shut the cover off once you’ve reached your destination.

Do Heated Seat Covers Also Cool?

The covers are usually made out of a type of porous material which allows for air to flow through them. This type of porous material will allow the body to breath, which will make you feel cooler and less sweaty. Additionally, you can also find heated car seat covers with built-in fans designed to keep you cool in hotter climates.

Are Heated Seats bad for Your Back?

No. In general, heat is good for the back. However, the amount of heat that these seats generate cannot penetrate deep into the muscle tissue, especially when the driver is bundled up in winter clothing.

How Long do Heated Seats Take to Warm Up

This can vary from set to set. On average, it will take approximately two to three minutes for the seats to reach the desired temperature. However, in some cases it may take longer. This will ultimately depend on the quality of the seat.

Are Heated Seat Covers Necessary?

For some people they will be. It ultimately depends on whether the driver feels that their vehicle’s heater is inadequate, there are other passengers in the vehicle that prefer a higher temperature, or the driver simply prefers the added warmth. For some, a car’s heater will be sufficient. But for those who live in a part of the country that experiences harsh winters, a heated car seat cover can be essential.

Are Heated Seat Covers Worth it?

For many, they are. They’re a great added luxury that can keep the driver nice and warm during their commute. They can also be used for the passenger seat or in some cases, the backseats.

Final Thoughts

Using the best heated car seat covers will allow you to say goodbye to cold nights or freezing mornings, sitting inside your vehicle and waiting for your engine to heat up or shivering on your way to and from work. These seats can be a great choice for vehicles with faulty heaters, people who are more sensitive to the cold than other passengers in the vehicle, or anyone who lives in a part of the country that experiences freezing temperatures in the winter. The models I’ve included in my top six list each have something special to offer, whether it’s a faster heat up time, more temperature options, or a heavily padded design that will reduce driver or passenger discomfort. By using this buyer’s guide and paying close attention to the extra features, measurements, and heating options each top-selling set has to offer,  you should have no trouble finding a set of heated seat covers that will keep you nice and toasty during even the coldest winter.