Benefits of Side Skirts for Cars

In the modern automotive industry, comfort and convenience are important to creating an enjoyable driving experience. Among the various advancements designed to enhance passenger comfort, ventilated seats have emerged as a standout feature. Designed to keep occupants comfortable and cool, these seats are particularly appreciated in regions with hot climates or for drivers and passengers who spend extended periods in their vehicles. But what exactly are ventilated seats, and how do they work? This blog explores their uses, functionality, and the added benefits they bring to the driving experience.

Uses of Ventilated Seats

Ventilated seats are designed with the objective to offer comfort and luxury. They also serve a variety of other practical purposes. Below are the key uses and advantages of ventilated seats in cars:

1. Enhanced Comfort in Hot Weather

• Cooling Effect: Ventilated seats circulate air through the seat material to provide a cooling effect, helping drivers and passengers stay comfortable during hot summers.
• Prevention of Sweating: The air circulation reduces sweat buildup, keeping clothing fresh and preventing discomfort during long drives.

2. Improved Long-Distance Driving Experience

• Reduced Fatigue: Keeping the body cool helps reduce fatigue, making ventilated seats an essential feature for road trips or long-distance driving.

3. Added Luxury and Appeal

• Premium Feature: Ventilated seats are often found in luxury and high-end vehicles, making them a symbol of premium automotive design.
• Custom Comfort Levels: Some systems allow users to adjust the airflow intensity, ensuring a personalised seating experience.

4. Health Benefits

• Prevention of Heat-Related Discomfort: Excessive heat can lead to skin irritation and discomfort; ventilated seats help mitigate these issues.
• Improved Posture and Circulation: Proper temperature control can contribute to better posture and circulation by keeping muscles relaxed.

5. Dual-Climate Functionality

• Heating and Cooling Combo: In some advanced models, ventilated seats are paired with heating options, providing year-round comfort regardless of the weather.
• Enhanced Passenger Experience: Both the driver and passengers can adjust their individual seats, ensuring everyone’s preferences are met.

How Do Ventilated Seats Work?

The technology behind ventilated seats for cars is straightforward yet highly effective. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how these seats function:

1. Air Circulation Mechanism

Ventilated seats use small fans or blowers placed under the seat cushion to move air. These fans pull air from inside the car and push it through the holes in the seat upholstery. As the air flows through, it cools the surface of the seat and the person sitting on it. This airflow reduces sweating and heat buildup, making the ride more comfortable, especially when the weather is hot.

2. Perforated Upholstery

The seats are made from materials like leather, synthetic leather, or high-quality fabric with small holes. These tiny holes let air pass through easily, ensuring that the air is spread evenly across the seat's surface. The perforated material not only makes the seat feel cooler but also adds a stylish and luxurious look to the car’s interior.

3. Ventilation Channels

Special channels under the seat covering guide the airflow to the right places. These channels ensure that the air reaches important areas like the backrest and the seat bottom, helping to cool the area evenly and prevent hot spots. The airflow is carefully directed to allow the person sitting in the car to remain comfortable.

4. Adjustable Settings

Most ventilated seats allow the driver or passenger to control how much air flows through the seat. There are usually buttons or a touchscreen where you can choose different settings for airflow. You can increase or decrease the amount of cooling based on your preference. Whether you want a light breeze or a stronger air circulation, the adjustable settings let you make changes according to your preference.

5. Integrated Cooling (Optional)

Some high-end cars offer ventilated seats with an extra feature called thermoelectric cooling. This system actively cools the air before it enters the seat. A small electrical device cools a plate, and the cool air is then blown into the seat.

6. Energy Efficiency

Ventilated seats are designed to use power efficiently, so they don't drain the car's battery or affect fuel economy. These systems are often connected to the car's climate control system, which helps regulate energy use. The seats are both comfortable and energy-efficient, as they cool without wasting energy.

Side skirts – those chic, aerodynamic additions to the underside of your car – are more than cosmetic changes to its exterior. They are a style statement, a protective shield, and an underrated enabler of automotive performance. But what is it about these small panels that run between the front and rear wheels that make them a must-have?

Bold and cost-effective, side skirts for a car have gotten enthusiasts raving and practical drivers hailing them as a smart upgrade. Let us dive in to know why and learn how you, too can install them easily.

Benefits of Car Side Skirts

1. Improved aerodynamics

Imagine this: your car cruising down a stretch of open road, cutting through the air as a blade through water. But then, a whisper of wind resistance nudges underneath, slowing you down a bit. This is where the auto side skirts come to the rescue. These body panels reduce drag and boost stability by decreasing the chaotic swirl of air under your car. While attaching a skirt on a car won’t transform your sedan or SUV into a racing car, you’ll notice sharper handling and even better mileage over time, thanks to the boost it provides to your car’s aerodynamics.

2. Dramatic detail that turns heads

If you want your car to make heads turn on the road, installing side skirts is a great idea. These extensions frame your car’s body elegantly, adding a dynamic edge and even a hint of aggression. They elevate your car’s visual appeal, transforming it from a standard vehicle to a road warrior – balanced, fashionable, and unapologetically unique. Side skirts are a subtle yet impactful way to express your personality through your car’s design.

3. Protection from life's little annoyances

Debris from gravel roads, tiny projectiles shot by speeding tyres, and the numerous risks of an overcrowded highway, all these annoyances increase the risk of damage to your car’s body. This is where the side skirt of a car can be extremely useful. By shielding the bottom panel, they keep scuffs, dings, and dust at bay. Whether it’s daily commutes or long road trips, side skirts help your car maintain its pristine condition, ensuring that it looks as it performs.

4. A first impression that lasts

Whether you plan to keep your vehicle for the long term or sell it in a few years, additions such as auto side skirts can enhance your car’s appeal and potentially boost its resale value. Their sleek look not only grabs eyeballs but also signals that the car has been well-maintained and thoroughly upgraded.

How Do You Install Side Skirts on a Car?

If you have decided to upgrade your car’s looks and performance with skirts, here’s how you can install them:

1. Gather the right tools for the installation

First things first: ensure you have side skirts to match your car, along with basic tools such as drills, screwdrivers, cleaning supplies and adhesive. Being prepared is key. In India, side skirts for automobiles are easily available and affordable, starting at around INR 5,000 in the aftermarket.

2. Clean and prep the area

Before installation, clean the underside of your car thoroughly. Dirt, grime, or smudges of oil can compromise the adhesive or screws. Wipe down the panels and ensure the surface is completely dry. Prepping the area is crucial to achieving a smooth and long-lasting installation.

3. Measure twice, attach once

Aligning the side skirts is crucial. Hold the side skirts up to the car and position them carefully to ensure they fit effortlessly. Mark the spots for screws or adhesive, taking your time to get the alignment right.

4. Attach the skirts with care

Whether you are using screws or adhesive, secure the side skirts with steady hands. Tighten or press firmly, but avoid rushing the process, as any misstep could compromise the sleek appearance you are aiming for. 

5. Finish with post-installation perfection

Step back and admire your work. Check for rough edges, wavy ends, or misalignments, and make necessary adjustments. If unsure, consider having a professional inspect and fine-tune the installation.

Modifications like side skirts and car insurance

Before installing side skirts on your car, remember that such modifications may affect your car insurance. Some insurers consider this a modification to your car's original specs, which could impact your premium. But fear not - transparency is key. Always inform your insurer about the upgrade. Check out car insurance online and keep your car covered always.

Conclusion

The side skirt – a simple addition to your beloved car – surely packs a punch. It enhances your vehicle’s appearance, protects it from everyday wear and tear, and even boosts aerodynamics for better driveability. 

Whether you prioritise style or practicality, side skirts are a worthy upgrade. Flaunt your car with added style, make it more functional, and enjoy the drive on the open road confidently with premium side skirts on the car. Just don’t forget to inform your car insurer about any modifications to keep your coverage intact while enjoying the benefits of this enhancement.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.