discontentment with the current state of the automotive industry is nothing new. With fuel prices skyrocketing and emissions regulations becoming ever stricter, many consumers are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. One way that automakers are responding to this demand is by completely redesigning their cars’ interior temperature control systems.
But is this really such a great idea? After all, most people really don’t want to spend hours in a car on a hot day, trying to find a comfortable position. And what about people with disabilities who need special accommodations?
No Heated Seats in New Cars
The Transportation Research Institute released a study in March that found that no new cars have heated seats. The institute found that the expense and time to install heating would not outweigh the benefits to consumers.
“The study also found that few consumers actually use heated seating, even though it is a popular option on high-end models,” said TRI president Brendan O’Neill. “Heated seats are more likely to be used during winter months when the temperature outside is low, but they are not very common during the summer.”
The study looked at data from 2011 to 2015 and only found two models – the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry – that had heated seats as standard equipment. Subaru did not have any models with heated seats in the study, while Hyundai had only one model with heated seats. Ford has announced they will be discontinuing the use of heated seats in their vehicles by 2020.
There are many reasons why automakers may have decided against installing heated seats in new cars. The expense of installing heating can be high, depending on the type of insulation used. Additionally, automakers may find that few consumers actually use the feature, even though it is available on some models.
The Pros and Cons of No Heated Seats in New Cars
The pros and cons of no heated seats in new cars are both obvious and less so. Obviously, there is the obvious con of not being able to warm up during a cold winter day. Less obviously, car manufacturers may also be choosing not to install heated seats because they think that people will use them less often in colder climates. On the other hand, maybe people will actually use their seat heaters more often in colder climates, since it can be quite uncomfortable to sit in a cold car. Overall, it seems like there are pros and cons to every decision car manufacturers make, and this one is no exception.
What to do if Your New Car Doesn’t Have Heated Seats
If you bought a new car and it doesn’t have heated seats, there are a few things you can do. First, check the manufacturer’s website to see if there is a firmware update available that will add heated seats. If there isn’t an update available, you may be able to request the company to install the feature in your car. You can also contact the dealership and ask whether they would be willing to install the feature on your car for you.
Conclusion
It seems like every year, manufacturers are adding more and more features to their vehicles in an effort to stand out. One such feature that is becoming increasingly common on new cars is heated seats. The idea behind adding heated seats to a car is great – after all, who doesn’t love being warm and cozy when they’re driving? However, there are some reasons why heated seats might not be the best choice for you. First of all, if you use your car for work or commuting, having no heated seating option may be inconvenient. Second, studies have shown that long-term exposure to heat can damage your skin and cause health problems like cancer. So if you want to avoid any potential health risks, it might be a good idea to stick with standard passenger vehicle seating options instead of investing in heated seats.