How Do Seat Warmers Work

Heated seats are powered by a heating element, a long strip of material that functions as a resistor. A resistor resists the flow of electricity. When electric current flows through it, the energy is turned into heat, which flows through the seat, warming the rider.

Are heated seats bad for you?

According to WTOP News, the repeated use of heated seats could lead to “erythema ab igne” — Latin for “redness from fire.” Another name doctors call it is “toasted skin syndrome” or “TSS.” … Essentially, it’s when the skin on the back of your thighs becomes discolored from prolonged use of heated seats.

How do heated seats not catch fire?

As with the lights in your car, the heated seats are controlled by a type of switch called a relay. A relay allows a small electric current to control a much larger one. When you flip the switch to turn on the seat heater, a small current flows through a coil in the relay. Near this coil is an open switch.