Replacing Seats in a Car: When to Do It and What to Consider

Whether you’re going on a long drive or just a trip to run errands, it pays to have comfortable car seats. Otherwise, you might leave your car with various body aches.

Damaged or worn-out seats can put pressure on the legs, back, and other body parts. That can affect blood flow and affect pressure points, causing discomfort and pain. If you’re no stranger to the pain, don’t endure it. Replace or repair your car seats instead.

When to Replace Your Car Seats

Don’t think twice about replacing your car seats after an accident, when they’re severely damaged, or when it’s time for an upgrade.

After an Accident

The impact of a road accident can dent a car steel’s frame and, depending on the point of contact, it could also ruin its seats. The damage could make the seats unstable or uncomfortable.

If you have child safety seats, the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) recommends replacing them after a moderate to severe crash to ensure comfort and safety.

To ensure your child’s safety, you should have your child seats installed by a certified child safety seat installer.

To ensure your child’s safety, you should have your child seats installed by a certified child safety seat installer.

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

When They’re Severely Damaged

Besides car accidents, other things can ruin your car seats. For example, prolonged sun exposure can cause your leather seats’ color to fade over time. Body oils, harsh cleaning products, and other forms of liquid can damage them. Your seats can also get worn out by simply sitting on them.

The damage can make spending time in your car uncomfortable, so consider replacing its seats.

When You Want to Upgrade Them

Changing your car seats can improve your driving experience. Many aftermarket seats offer superior comfort while improving your driving posture, minimizing or eliminating body aches after long drives.

Some car seats can also boost your safety and make your ride look sportier, while others can reduce your vehicle’s weight and improve its fuel efficiency.

What to Consider When Shopping for Car Seats

Shopping for car seats can be overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time in the market for new seats or your tenth, it pays to keep these factors in mind to find the best replacements:

Compatibility

The design, frame, and mechanisms in your vehicle’s seats are specific to its make and model. Choose seat replacements that are similar or have the same specs to ensure they’re compatible with your ride.

You also have to check the seat belts and mountings of the seats you’ll buy. You have to make sure that it’s compatible with your current make and model. If your seats are equipped with airbags, your new seats should also come with airbags too. Your airbag warning light might turn on if you replace your seats with non-airbag seats.

Measure your cabin space as well and consider how the new seats will fit into it. For example, if it has a low ceiling, you might want to steer clear of aftermarket car seats with high backs to avoid making the space feel claustrophobic.

If you’re ordering online, remember to check the product details first before checking out your order.

Car Seat Types

Bucket Seats

A bucket seat wraps around its occupant, providing lateral support and preventing its user from sliding around during abrupt maneuvers. Almost all modern cars have bucket seats up front, but they were mostly associated with sports performance vehicles in the past. This was mainly because drivers of those sportier vehicles often prized stability when making sharp turns and putting the pedal to the metal. Bucket seats are highly adjustable, giving you personalized comfort and support.

Split Bench Seats

The split bench seat is a single, wide seat separated into two sections that you can individually and independently fold away to open up more room inside the vehicle. It can either be split 50/50 or 60/40. Most bench seats have a foldable center section that can serve as an armrest or additional storage space. Sedans, SUVs, and trucks usually have split bench seats in the rear for carrying multiple passengers, including entire families.

Captain’s Chairs

The opulent option among car seat types, the captain’s chair pampers you during long trips and. It is usually found in large SUVs, minivans, and certain luxury vehicles that prioritize comfort. Notable features include plenty of room to move your legs, arm rests that you can adjust to your liking, and temperature control. In exchange for these luxuries, captain’s chairs take up far more space, which means there are usually only two of them in a row.

Folding and Reclining Seats

Folding seats can fold out of the way to free up space for additional cargo, while reclining seats let their occupants tweak the seatback angle to a comfortable setting. Minivans and multi-purpose vehicles usually have these seat types in the back. The combination of folding and reclining seats lets you quickly and easily adapt the best seating and cargo space configuration for a trip.

Power Seats

Want a car seat that adjusts its position to your personal preferences when you press a button or two? Power seats can do this and more, especially if they have a memory function that saves multiple settings for effortless adjustment. They are usually seen in luxury cars, although they are becoming more common in mass market vehicles. Their high cost is the main drawback of power seats, as not everyone can meet the asking price for the convenience they bring.

Budget

Replacing your car seats can be pricey, so expect to shell out a significant sum. If you’re not ready for the costs of car seat replacement, why not reupholster your car seats or buy new seat covers instead? They’ll upgrade your interior’s look and breathe new life into your seats without breaking the bank.

Comfort

Don’t sacrifice comfort for style when shopping for new seats. Keep in mind that uncomfortable seats can distract you while driving and cause different body aches.

Choose ergonomic car seats that offer excellent lumbar support. Consider those that fit your body type for the best driving experience.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Car Seats?

It depends on the type of seat. For example, if you’d like to replace your driver seat with an aftermarket seat, expect to shell out more than $500 for the seat alone. Passenger seats could cause more, depending on their design and features. The cost of installation varies depending on the rates that apply in your area.

Other Seat Options

If you’re on the fence about replacing the seats in your car, you might want to consider reupholstering or getting custom seat covers for them instead.

Seat Reupholstery

If your car seats have tears, slashes, and exposed springs, replacing or upgrading seat upholstery is a great solution.

A great advantage of getting your old seats reupholstered is you can update their look with different colors and materials. It’s a great way to spruce up your ride’s interior.

You can turn it into a DIY project if you’re confident you can remove the seats, set upholstery, and assemble everything afterward. You’ll also need to prepare the special things you’ll need for your DIY project. If you’re going to reupholster or replace old seats, make sure that you know where the wirings and connections are located.

 Otherwise, you can take your vehicle to auto shops that offer car reupholstery services. Expect to shell out around $250 to $750 a seat.

Seat Covers

Seat covers come in different fabrics and styles, so you can choose which style fits your interior. Custom seat covers for cars are available on the market, so finding the perfect fit for your ride is a breeze. A set can cost you between $100 and $250.

Wrapping Up

Your car seats’ condition affects your overall driving experience, so don’t put off replacing them after an accident, when they’re beyond repair, or when it’s time to upgrade them. You can also reupholster them or invest in seat covers to fix or hide stains, discoloration, and minor damage.

Whether you’re replacing your seats or opting for a quicker fix, prioritize comfort to ensure a safer and more comfortable driving experience.

What if You Want to Return Replacement Car Seats?

Don’t worry about your replacement car seats being incompatible with your vehicle or unsuited to your tastes. With a CarParts+ membership, you’re more than welcome to send your qualified orders back.  

CarParts+ offers excellent benefits, including extended 60-day returns. 
You’ll also get access to other exclusive perks, such as VIP Customer Service, Free Shipping, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Sign up today to have that extra confidence on the road.