Learn how to change car seats, the pros and cons of changing them yourself, and the equipment required for replacing your car seats…

Installing new seats in your car can have a number of benefits - including improving comfort, appearance and driving experience (letting you 'feel the road' better).

Aside from these plus-points, you might simply want to get rid of those old dog-hair-covered recliners that your car currently has!

Thankfully, swapping out old car seats with new ones is a relatively straightforward task - and certainly simpler than a lot of DIY car jobs.

Your new set of seats should include all the brackets and allen keys required to carry out the car seat installation.

You will also need an adjustable wrench, and some old blankets for placing your new car seats on - to avoid damage.

Pros and cons of installing new seats by yourself

Pros

  1. Cost savings Avoid labour charges by doing it yourself.
  2. Customisation control: You can ensure the seat is installed exactly to your preference.
  3. Skill development: Learn new skills and gain confidence in DIY vehicle maintenance.
  4. Scheduling flexibility: Work on your own schedule without waiting for an appointment.

Cons

  1. Technical difficulty: It may require specific tools and expertise.
  2. Safety risks: Improper installation could compromise safety in an accident.
  3. Time-consuming: The process might take longer than expected without prior experience.
  4. Warranty issues: DIY installation may void warranties on new seats.

Carefully weigh these points before deciding whether to proceed with a DIY installation.

 

Installing new car seats

1. Disconnect seat belt warning wires

When it comes to changing your car seats, there may be a wire from the dashboard leading to the seat. This is likely to be connected to the seat belt system, or to pressure pads in the seat - both of which determine if the seat belt warning light should go on.

There may also be wires for the seat heater, if one is fitted. Carefully disconnect these wires, as they will need to be refitted to the new seats, assuming they have these features.

 

2. Remove the four bolts on the old seat

Each front seat, including the passenger seat, is secured to the vehicle chassis with four bolts. Unscrew these bolts, taking care to store them safely as you'll need them to secure the replacement seats in your car.

 

3. Vacuum the floor

While the front vehicle seat is removed, take the opportunity to vacuum the floor thoroughly. This is a rare chance to vacuum the floor of your car while there are no front seats in it!

A clean base ensures a tidy appearance once the replacement seats are installed.

 

4. Transfer seat belt components

When replacing car seats, lay down the old and the new seats upside down on a blanket and carefully transfer over the seat belt components. With the seats next to each other you'll easily see where each piece goes.

Use plastic cable ties to hold in any loose wires after transfer.

Your new car seats should have all the necessary bolts.

Don’t forget to double-check that all bolts and components are in place. After a few days, inspect the bolt tightness to ensure everything remains secure.

 

5. Install the new seats

Fit the new replacement seats into your car, attaching all four bolts on each seat. Use the original bolts from the old seats, as they are designed to fit securely. 

Take care during installation of your new seats, as sliding components on the new vehicle seat can cause injury if mishandled. Learning how to change seats effectively ensures the process is safe and efficient. 

By following these steps, your seat replacement car project will be complete, and your vehicle will look refreshed.