Car seat heaters keep you warm during the coldest months of the year and are especially welcome on frigid mornings. However, they can malfunction like any other vehicle component. Here are some indications that your seat heaters need repair to continue enjoying a comfortable car.

What Are the Signs of a Faulty Car Seat Heater?

1. Fabric Burn Marks

Look for burn marks on the fabric surrounding the device’s heating element. Scorched fabric tells you the small, delicate wire that causes the seat heaters to warm has broken. While you can temporarily cover the wire with electrical tape, you must get it professionally replaced to handle the heat.

2. Red Skin

If you notice red skin after operating your vehicle, the car heater has become too hot. A rare occurrence, overly hot seat heaters can cause serious injuries in drivers exposed to them for extended periods. Have your malfunctioning heaters replaced with devices that do not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent injuries.

3. No Heat

When there’s no warmth coming from your car heater, the issue may be as simple as an undone electrical plug under your seat. If all plugs are intact, check for debris and corrosion that can prevent the wires from functioning.

Non-operational heaters can also be due to a broken wire or misplaced thermistor. The thermistor gauges seat temperature to make adjustments but will not operate if it is in the wrong place, which can cause the wire to burn out. Check your owner’s manual for the right thermistor location, and request professional replacement services if these adjustments don’t help.
 

Get old or faulty seat heaters replaced at Whitehurst Auto Trim & Upholstery Inc. Based in Dothan, AL, the business offers fabric, leather, and vinyl solutions for cars and boats, including Roadwire® custom leather kits and customized seat frames. Call (334) 792-6145 today to schedule an appointment, or visit the company online for information on their products and services. Get additional vehicle interior help on Facebook.