Can You Put Car Seat Covers on Heated Seats?

Heated seats aren’t just in luxury vehicles anymore; now, they’re common in all kinds of cars, from your family SUV to your rugged 4WD. As they’ve grown in popularity, so too has the desire to keep them in good nick — which raises a common question: can you put car seat covers on heated seats? If you’re travelling between job sites but still want to keep toasty, this is a totally valid concern to have. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at how heated seats work, whether seat covers impact them, and what kinds of materials are safest and most effective to use with a heated seat. We’ll also explore your best options, from neoprene to canvas seat covers.

How Heated Seats Work

Before we can get into whether seat covers are safe for heated seats, we first need to understand how the heating system actually works. 

Heated seats (sometimes also called seat warmers) usually rely on a series of electric coils or carbon fibre elements that are built into the seat’s base and backrest. When you switch on the heating function, the elements generate warmth, creating that cosy feeling on cold mornings. It’s the electricity flowing from your battery into the coils that heats the system up. Most systems come with adjustable settings so you can control the level of heat.

Beyond comfort, heated seats help relax stiff muscles, making long drives and offroading a lot more bearable — especially during winter. 

To learn more about protective materials for your seats, check out the benefits of neoprene seat covers. Now that you know heated seats work by superheating metal coils with electricity, it’s clearer why the type of cover you use matters. 

Do Seat Covers Affect Heated Seats?

Can you put car seat covers on heated seats? The answer is yes… but with a few caveats.

Seat covers won’t stop your heated seats from working altogether, but they will affect how quickly the heat comes through. Thicker or poorly fitted covers may delay warmth or block it in places. But don’t worry — you won’t have any issues, so long as you choose covers made from the right materials.

The real key is choosing seat covers that are heat-compatible. Always check your car’s owner's manual first. Some manufacturers will provide specific guidelines about using covers on heated seats. If you’re unsure, it’s also worth chatting to a seat cover specialist at The Wetseat for peace of mind.

Safety & Buying Considerations for Heated Seats

While you’re shopping for seat covers for heated seats, remember that safety and compatibility are just as important as your protection and comfort. Here’s what we think you should keep in mind:

Check Your Owner’s Manual

Before buying or installing seat covers, check your car manual. Some manufacturers recommend specific materials or warn against certain types altogether.

Choose Heated-Seat-Compatible Covers

The best materials for heated seats are those that balance heat resistance, breathability, and durability.

• Neoprene is one of the most popular and effective choices. The properties of neoprene include water resistance, flexibility, and heat stability — all of which make it the perfect material for protecting heated seats without compromising performance.
• Canvas or denim are another great option. These fabrics are tough, breathable, and well-suited to heavy-duty use. You might find that the heat comes through the canvas faster than other materials. However, canvas can be too harsh on leather and leatherette fabrics. If your heated seats are leather, we would recommend sticking with neoprene to avoid scuffing.  

Custom-fit covers are also key. They’re tailored to your specific seat shape and size, reducing bunching and maintaining consistent heat flow.

Protect Your Heated Seats the Right Way

So, can you put car seat covers on heated seats? Absolutely — as long as you choose wisely. Materials like neoprene and canvas are heat-safe and protective. Plus, when you buy a car seat cover from The Wetseat, it’ll also be tailor-made for your vehicle’s seats. These covers offer the perfect balance between function and comfort, keeping your ride toasty and tidy.

At The Wetseat, we offer a wide range of seat covers available in plenty of fabric and colour combinations. Whether you’re driving a rugged ute or a family 4WD, we’ve got the right fit.

Browse our range online or get in touch today to find the perfect cover for your heated seats!