Seats

Do you slide around in your seat in fast corners, or is the upholstery worn after many years? This category brings together seats and everything around them: racing seats, seat covers, seat bases and mounting brackets for cars, off-road vehicles and motorcycles. It is for you if you want to sit better, safer or more durably.

Seats, covers and brackets – what do the parts do?

A racing seat holds your body in place with side support at the hips and shoulders, so you can steer and brake without tensing up. For track use, there are seats with an FIA designation in the product name, e.g. the RaceQuip FIA Racing Seat in several sizes. Seat covers protect the original seats against dirt and wear, e.g. the Rugged Ridge Seat Cover Kit for the Jeep Wrangler. For motorcycles and off-road vehicles there are also dedicated seats, e.g. from Mustang Motorcycle and PRP Seats.

How to choose a seat

• Size: The side support should fit your hips and shoulders. The RaceQuip seats, for example, come in medium, large and XL.
• Use: A seat for track days can have different requirements than a seat for daily driving, where getting in and out and comfort typically matter more.
• Harnesses: Check whether the seat has slots for the harnesses you want to use.
• Vehicle: Many products are made for specific models and model years, e.g. the Jeep Wrangler TJ or Harley Sportster.

Installation and approval

A racing seat typically requires a seat base and mounting brackets that fit both the car and the seat. The mounting height affects where you sit in relation to the steering wheel and pedals. Whether the seat and mounting can be approved for road use depends on the product and the car, so check the approval for the specific part number before you buy. Brands in this category include SPARCO, NRG and Covercraft.

Frequently asked questions

Can a racing seat be approved for road use?

It depends on the seat, the brackets and the car. Check the approval for the specific part number and ask the vehicle inspection centre before you install it. An FIA designation relates to motorsport and does not in itself mean that the seat is approved for road use.

What is the difference between a seat base and a mounting bracket?

The seat base is typically the vehicle-specific part that bolts to the car's floor, while the mounting brackets sit on the sides of the seat and connect it to the base. Both must fit both the car and the seat.

How do I find the right racing seat size?

Measure the width across your hips and compare it with the manufacturer's dimensions for the specific model. If the seat is too wide, you lose side support; if it is too narrow, it can cause pressure and discomfort on longer drives.

How do I maintain seat covers?

Follow the washing instructions for the specific cover, as the material varies, e.g. fabric, denim or vinyl. Remove dirt regularly and check that the fastening is tight so the cover does not shift and wear at the edges.