Whether you’re driving to work, cruising with friends or racing in your car, it’s important to keep your seat comfortable, safe and secure. The stock seats in your vehicle may be sagging, have tears and worn spots, or just be positioned too far away from the steering wheel and pedals, all of which can compromise your comfort and ability to control the car. If your vehicle is in need of new seats, consider upgrading to a performance seat that can offer you more support and safety features.
Before you buy or install a How to install race seat, make sure it will comply with your sport’s regulations. Check the sanctioning body’s rules and regulations online, or ask a knowledgeable professional if you aren’t sure. Some sports require additional equipment like a roll cage or seat back brace, which can restrict your choice of seat. Also, you’ll need to know your vehicle and driver’s size before choosing a seat that will fit properly.
To get the most out of your race seat, you should regularly inspect it for wear and tear. Clean it regularly to remove dust, dirt and other debris that can cause damage or reduce performance. Also, check the padding, frame and upholstery to ensure they are in top condition. You should also periodically adjust the seat’s height, recline and position to find that perfect sweet spot where you are one with your car.
If you’re planning on taking your car to the track or competition, it’s a good idea to get a high-quality racing seat that has a harness bar. The harness bar keeps the belts in a safer location while keeping you firmly in the seat during a crash.
Racing seats typically have a five- or six-point harness bar to keep you safely in place. Some have a headrest and arm rests to support the back and neck. Others have openings for shoulder straps, so you can attach them to the included hardware. If you’re planning to use a race seat in a passenger vehicle, consider purchasing seats that allow for backseat passengers.
If your vehicle has a rear bench, it’s a good idea to use a race seat with integrated seat belts that mount to the factory seat rails. This makes it easier to install the seat and maintain a proper seating position.
Before you start installing your new seat, you should make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You’ll want to have a socket set, torque wrench, wrenches, screwdrivers, and some other specialty tools. It’s a good idea to take your car to a professional installer or an experienced enthusiast for help when you’re mounting a high-performance seat. These seasoned gear heads have dealt with the many different challenges that can arise during the installation process and can provide helpful tips to ensure your project goes smoothly from start to finish.