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Ventilated seats are mostly offered as optional extras in certain car trim levels. So, if you need it installed in your car, you will have to pay an additional cost; this pushes the question, “Are ventilated seats worth it?”
Well, the answer to this question depends on individual preferences and “luxury taste.” If you always drive short distances, you may not need ventilated seats in your car. Ventilated seats are mostly needed by people that drive long distances.
But this does not mean that you can’t get ventilated seats in your car, regardless of the distance you drive on a daily basis.
What are Ventilated Seats?
Put simply, ventilated seats are porous car seats that allow air to pass through them. Basically, car seats aren’t porous; they are somewhat rigid – though not impermeable.
The essence of ventilated seats is to allow drivers and passengers to feel more comfortable, regardless of how long they travel.
With ventilated seats, you won’t feel uncomfortable due to heat buildup as a result of resting your back on the car’s seat for a long time. Ventilated seats are like an extension of your car’s AC, but this time, it’s designed for your back, buttocks, and laps.
Not all cars come with the ventilated seat option, but you can buy aftermarket ones and fix them in your car. But before you spend on ventilation seats, it is important to understand the pros and cons, and how they work.
How Does Ventilated Seats Work?
You may love to know that ventilated seats do not use refrigerated air; they are typically designed with small fans installed inside, and the fabric is made to be breathable.
Some ventilated seats are designed to suck air into the seat to keep the seat occupant comfortable, while some others are designed to blow out air to the seat occupant.
In some cars with ventilated seats as a standard feature, you can turn off the “ventilation” function at any time you don’t feel it’s useful.
Are Ventilated Seats Worth It?
If you always feel uncomfortable sitting on regular car seats for a very long – probably on long trips – then getting ventilated seats could be a great deal for you.
On the other hand, if you feel comfortable sitting on your regular car seat in long trips, then getting ventilated seats may not be a great deal for you.
Ventilated seats, even though categorized as a luxury, are not basically a necessity; you can do without them. However, they improve the comfort you feel while driving, especially on long trips. They are different from cooled seats and heated seats, and they have advantages and disadvantages too.
Ventilated Seats Pros And Cons
You just may have been reading about the good sides of having ventilated seats in your ride, but of course, ventilated seats have their downsides.
Firstly, if you don’t install the most suitable ventilated seats in your vehicle, they won’t work effectively. So, what are the pros and cons of ventilated seats?
Let’s see!
Pros of Ventilated Seats
- Keeps the seat occupant cool at all times, which may mean more comfort for some people
- It is a luxury feature; adding ventilated seats in your car can increase the resale value
- Ideal for gym freaks, athletes, and people who sweat frequently
- Compatible with other car seat features that may be available for your car
- Generally promotes comfortability, especially during long trips
Cons of Ventilated Seats
- The fans make noise when the ventilation feature is turned on (this doesn’t happen on vehicles that come with the feature as an OEM stock option)
- Doesn’t really keep cool like “Cooled Seats”
Well, getting ventilated seats has more PROs than CONs. However, it still points down to individual preferences.
Related Questions
Are Ventilated Seats Better?
Ventilated seats are a better option for athletes and gym freaks, or anyone who sweats while driving (even when the car AC is turned on). They are pretty much better than cooled seats because they do not use refrigerated air.
Can You Put Seat Cover On Ventilated Seats?
No. You shouldn’t do that. It is not advisable to protect ventilated seats with car seat covers; doing so would block the ventilation. You should use ventilated seats with their default fabric. That said, when choosing ventilated seats, check through the available options and pick the most suitable one for you.
Does Ventilated Seats Make Noise?
Yes, in some vehicles, ventilated seats make a little noise when the fans start blowing air through the seat pores to make the occupant feel cool and comfortable.
What Cars Have Ventilated Seats?
Kia Sonet, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen T-ROC, Honda Accord Touring, 2022 Hyundai Sonata Limited, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Mustang, Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport, and pretty many other cars come with vented seats to provide more comfort while driving.
Summary
Are ventilated seats worth it? Yes, they are worth installing in your car; they make you feel much more comfortable and keep you cool at all time.
However, vented seats do make noise in some cars – this might be a turn off to some people. Hence, whether getting ventilated seats is worth it or not depends on individual preferences.
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