Warm in winter. Fresh in summer.
Heated and cooled car seat cushion
A heated and cooled car seat cushion straps onto the seat you already have. It plugs into the 12 V socket. Heat on a frosty morning, airflow on a hot afternoon, and no workshop needed.
Which types exist?
Heated cushion, 12 V
Heating elements in the seat and often the backrest. The classic for a car without seat heating. It does nothing for you in summer.
Heated cushion, USB
Runs on 5 V from a USB port or power bank. Milder warmth, but it also works on an office or garden chair.
Ventilated cushion
Fans move cabin air through a mesh surface, so your back stays dry. It does not chill the air like air conditioning.
Heated and ventilated
Both in one pad, for the whole year. A little thicker because of the fans, so check your headroom.
| Type | Warms | Cools | Power | Fitting | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heated cushion, 12 V | Yes | No | 12 V socket | Straps, a few minutes | The most common type |
| Heated cushion, USB | Yes, usually milder | No | USB or power bank | Straps | Also works on office or garden chairs |
| Ventilated cushion | No | Airflow through fans | 12 V or USB | Straps | Moves cabin air, does not chill it |
| Heated and ventilated cushion | Yes | Airflow through fans | Mostly 12 V | Straps | One pad for the whole year |
| Retrofit seat heating kit | Yes | Some kits add fans | Wired into the car | Under the upholstery, by a specialist | Invisible, but more work |
Where you use it
How to choose
- Fit. Good straps and an anti-slip underside; the belt buckle stays reachable.
- Zones. Seat only, or seat and backrest.
- Controls. Several levels, plus a timer or automatic shut-off.
- Cable. Reaches the socket without crossing the pedals or gear lever.
- Fan noise. Some fans are clearly audible on the highest setting.
Safety basics. Choose CE marking, overheating protection and an automatic shut-off. Keep side airbags in the seat uncovered. Unplug the cushion when you leave the car. Never use it under a child car seat. A retrofit kit belongs with a specialist; ask your dealer about the warranty.
Full comparison: Best heated and cooled car seat cushion 2026
Interested? We'll let you know.
Gløde is considering adding a heated and ventilated car seat cushion. Leave your email and we'll send you one message if we launch it. No newsletter unless you ask for it.
We only use your email to send you one message about this. More in our privacy policy.
What Gløde offers today
We do not sell car seat cushions. We make warmth you wear, from the car to the office and back.
Frequently asked questions
Does a ventilated car seat cushion actually cool you?
It helps you feel cooler, but it does not chill the air. Fans move cabin air through the cushion so heat and sweat do not build up. Plug-in cushions almost always ventilate rather than refrigerate.
Will a 12 V seat cushion drain my car battery?
While the engine runs, the alternator supplies the power. On some cars the 12 V socket stays live with the engine off. A cushion left on can then drain the battery. Unplug it or switch it off when you leave the car.
Is a seat cushion or retrofit seat heating the better choice?
A cushion is quick to fit and moves with you to another car. A retrofit kit is invisible but installed under the upholstery, usually by a specialist. For a leased or older car, a cushion is the simpler route.
Does Gløde sell heated car seat cushions?
No, not at the moment. Leave your email in the form on this page if you would like one message from us in case we launch one.
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Gløde — warm the person, not the room.
