Extra storage and comfort with the redesigned center armrest!

During long motorway trips, constantly holding the steering wheel with both hands can be quite tiring. Often there is an armrest for the left hand in the car door. On the other hand, the right hand is constantly "hanging in the air", which can lead to cramps and pain in the shoulder and neck. Luckily, accessory manufacturers have found the right solution for this: the center armrest.

Practical and durable

The center armrest performs several tasks. High quality folding models offer a range of use cases:

– armrest
– a place to store small items such as a mobile phone, a bunch of keys or small change
– built-in coffee cup holders

In the end, the center armrest acts as an effective barrier between you and passengers when folded down . This partition between the front seats, especially when hitchhikers or hitchhikers are boarding, can provide a sense of security. If you regularly offer rentals, you will definitely appreciate this feature.

Center armrest design for retrofitting

Before purchasing a center armrest for retrofitting, it is advisable to clarify your choice. Another ten pounds could go a long way .

More precisely: too cheap components of this kind do not really provide comfort . As a rule , they are of poor quality, wobble, creak, do not fold completely horizontally, or wear out quickly.
Moreover , those cheap components don't fit well.
In the end , they can easily and suddenly break off. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially when driving on expressways.

If the manufacturer does not offer original parts of this type, first contact a specialist shop to retrofit the center armrest. Whether you go to your local accessory retailer or search for the right solution online. If you choose a reputable store, you are more likely to buy a quality product.

What to look for

Particular attention should be paid to the installation method of the center armrest when retrofitting. . Cheaper Products often require drilling holes in accessible internal components to install screws.

These solutions are not entirely optimal: the machine is damaged during installation . When resting your hand on the armrest, a constant voltage is created on the screws.

The drilled holes can break out over time, as can the mounting brackets on the armrest. . As a result, you will need a new armrest and end up with nasty damage to your car. Try to avoid this by opting for a fixing solution that does not damage the interior.

Even if these solutions cost twice as much as cheaper products, it is ultimately felt at the point of resale. . The center console with drilled holes is not easily sold. therefore Please take this into account when retrofitting a center armrest. However, with most center armrest retrofit solutions, some damage to the center console is unavoidable.

In this case: work cleanly, use the best tools, and always keep a cool head and a clear head. You always have only one chance to drill a hole correctly or cut it neatly.

What you need

To retrofit the center armrest:

– retrofit kit
- crosshead screwdriver
- possibly Torx and a flathead screwdriver
- 10 mm box or socket wrench
- possibly an electric screwdriver
- Dremel and utility knife

The retrofit kit consists of a central armrest and fixing screws. Plan OK. 15 minutes for installation.

Installing the center armrest

1. Cleaning the center console Before installing the center armrest, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the center console . After installing the center armrest, many corners of the center console become inaccessible. If there is still a drink or leftover food in the cup, you can end up with a smelly mess that is not easy to get rid of.

2. Pushing the front seats back When the center console is fresh, clean and shiny, push the front seats back to create enough space and freedom of movement for installation. Plus, it will give you full access to the center console. Now comes the critical stage.

3. Preparing the center console As a rule, the center console must be prepared for the installation of the center armrest . If the armrest is attached with only two or four screws , follow these guidelines: Instead of the supplied wooden screws, it is better to use thin metal screws with set nuts and metal rings. .Carefully drilling the required holes in the center console and armrest results in a neat result that also provides consistent support. If it is necessary to cut indentations, refrain from sudden movements stationery knife .The delicate plastic case will constantly remind you! Preferably work with multifunctional tool Eg , Dremel . This will give the best results that will not adversely affect the possible resale of the car.For each hole and each cut apply: seven times measure once . A trimming knife is always handy for deburring cuts .

4. Installation of the center armrest The central armrest is placed in a special recess on a stable cast aluminum leg. . Often this is a small hole for coins, an ashtray or some other recess in the center console .This attachment provides the center armrest with the necessary stability. Now fasten it with the included screw connections until nothing wobbles . Installation completed. After all, the car should be vacuumed to be ready for the next long drive.

The cleanest solution: using original parts

For many vehicles, the center armrest is available as a premium accessory. .

If you really need a reliable and clean solution, contact your car dealer. Usually, complete center console with integrated armrest available as a spare part .

With this solution, you have a 100% snug, very comfortable feature designed by in-house engineers that leaves no questions asked. . Unlike retrofit solutions, the original part with the armrest already integrated only works as an additional function.