Rating of armrest manufacturers for cars
Content
Most often, the armrests are made folding: under the cover there is a small space for small things necessary on the road. It will fit keys, phones, chargers, etc. Sometimes there is also a 12-volt car socket for charging electronics.
The armrest is a small but important part of the car that makes the interior functional and comfortable. Some machines are fitted with the part from the factory, others are available with third party installation kits. In the article we will reveal how to choose an armrest on a car.
Why do you need armrests
The main task of this interior part is the comfort of the driver and front passenger. This is especially important on long journeys: the armrest provides a fulcrum where you can put your hand to relieve tension from it.
Appointment of armrests on a car
Most often, the armrests are made folding: under the cover there is a small space for small things necessary on the road. It will fit keys, phones, chargers, etc. Sometimes there is also a 12-volt car socket for charging electronics.
If there is no armrest built-in from the factory, you can buy it and put it separately. But you should carefully choose a new element so that it fits the car, blends harmoniously into the interior and performs its functions well.
What to look for when choosing
Decide if you need an armrest in principle. The main argument "for" is convenience. The task of the armrest is to fix the driver's elbow while driving. This relieves hand tension, and the car owner can shift gears with the movement of one hand. Thus, the removal of the load from the spine and neck is also achieved.
When choosing an armrest for a car, consider:
- car brand;
- upholstery (fabric or leather);
- steering wheel position (left, right);
- the dimensions of the space between the front seats.
The distance to the front panel of the car also matters.
Mounting method
Part of the manufactured armrests is designed for certain brands and models; in the kit, the manufacturer provides fasteners and the necessary tools. It is recommended to choose just such an adapted part: it is easy to install it yourself, without resorting to expensive car services.
Armrest attachment
Mounting possible:
- into the connectors provided by the vehicle manufacturer;
- to the floor;
- on the console without screws and drilling (such models are usually removable);
- to the driver's seat.
There is also an option for mounting in a cup holder (this method is used, for example, in the Renault Duster).
Design and dimensions
The width of the armrest is important: the larger it is, the more comfortable it will be for the hand. But buying too wide is also not worth it: it is difficult to place it between chairs, and when used, it can interfere. Too narrow armrest "hangs", and gradually sags from the load.
If you need more space, you should pay attention to the armrest with a large interior space. And fans of additional options will like details with lighting, sockets, coolers and other features.
Armrest design
Before choosing an armrest on a car, you need to check the part for compliance with the requirements of the UN Economic Commission for Europe:
- withstand loads up to 110 kg;
- do not interfere with the hand brake, seat belts, high-speed taxiing;
- have a soft surface that is comfortable for the hand.
Also, a good armrest should recline and move in the vertical and horizontal planes: this helps to adjust the position to the arm of the driver or passenger, and the part itself will not interfere with those sitting in front.
Materials
Usually parts are made of metal, wood or plastic: plastic is cheaper, but quickly loses its attractive appearance, wood and metal are more aesthetic and more reliable.
Armrest materials
The armrest covers are sheathed in fabric, leather (in expensive versions) and leatherette. The fabric must be of high quality, and the leather or substitute must be whole, well-finished and free of cracks.
Salon design selection
Consider the material and color so that it fits the interior design. An incorrectly selected armrest will irritate the eye and be dissonant with the overall range.
What are the armrests
The considered salon elements are divided by:
- The presence of a folding mechanism - most modern designs recline, but there are cheap non-folding versions. Reclining allows you to freely manipulate the seat belts and handbrake.
- The presence of compartments. More convenient armrest with built-in "glove compartment" for documents and small items.
- frame material. The stronger the device, the longer it will last. Usually armrests are made of wood or metal (manufacturers choose metal more often). But among the inexpensive ones there are samples made of plastic.
- Coating material. Details are covered with leather (leatherette) or fabric. Leather and imitation coating should be of high quality, without bumps. If the cover is fabric, with good quality it is dense and easy to clean.
- Height adjustable. Height-adjustable is more convenient, as the driver will be able to set a comfortable position.
- Versatility. A universal armrest for a car will fit almost any model, but a part that is designed for a specific brand of car is more convenient.
- The presence of control buttons. Some developers bring to the surface the details of the keys of the climate control system and other automotive electronics. This is more convenient than constantly reaching for the dashboard.
- Additional options. Sockets, lighting, cooling (to quickly cool, for example, a can of drink), cup holders, folding tables are built into the armrests.
There are also options for the installation method (removable armrest for cars or screws, self-tapping screws). Portable easy to move to another car.
TOP best armrests
The question of how to choose an armrest for a car usually comes down to price.
Inexpensive
Budget and high-quality armrests are produced under the Zoder brand. The full-cycle company itself develops and manufactures interior parts for various brands, from AvtoVAZ to premium foreign cars. Armrests for Kia Rio cars of this manufacturer cost from 1690 rubles, for Suzuki or Renault Fluence cars - from 2000.
Armrests
Of the other inexpensive armrests, we note:
- Universal REX and Torino. The range of products of these brands includes affordable (from 600 rubles) models for Lada Grants, Kalina, Largus, Priora and other representatives of the AvtoVAZ model range.
- Azard armrests. They exist for both Lad and foreign cars (including buses), and the cost is within 1000 rubles.
- The range of Avtoblues armrests includes options for VAZ and foreign cars: for the Lacetti, the part costs 1400 rubles, for Renault Kaptur - 1300-1400, for the Chevrolet Aveo (article PB02263) - up to 1500 rubles.
- Alamar products. Compatible with cars "Lada" and "Renault" (the compatibility table is on the company's website).
The cost of original parts or “branded” tuning kits for budget cars is also low: an armrest on a Fiat Albea costs about 1500 rubles, on a Toyota Corolla - within 2000 rubles.
It is interesting that it is possible to install an armrest on the "Grant from a foreign car": parts from the Mazda 626 (with minor alterations) are suitable.
Average price segment
In the middle category, the Armster brand stands out, producing universal armrests for foreign and Russian cars. The cost of an armrest on Lada Priora is from 3 thousand rubles, on Renault Sandero, Stepway - from 4 thousand, Logan - 5-6 thousand, the same amount is asked for models for popular Nissan cars. Armster also has more expensive models for premium cars.
Armrests
Prices for original parts correlate with the class of the car, while spare parts for older cars often cost more than armrests for new ones. For a salon element on an elderly Toyota Chayzer, the buyer will be asked 3-5 thousand rubles.
Premium class
In the upper price range, we again note the Armster brand: a universal armrest for a Volkswagen Polo car costs around 7-8 thousand, for Ford - from 10-11 thousand rubles.
We do not recommend trying to save money: a cheap low-quality armrest in an expensive car looks out of place and can cause problems and inconvenience (both during installation and during operation).
Is it possible to make the armrest yourself
If the ready-made offers do not suit you, you can assemble the spare part yourself. This requires: to measure, design, install.
Measurements
It is necessary to start with measurements of the place of future installation:
- the distance between the seats in front;
- the level of a comfortable position of the hand in a sitting position;
- between the raised handbrake and the rear side of the back of the driver's seat;
- between the locks of the front belts so that the device does not interfere with work with them;
- the size of the handbrake handle and the maximum lifting height (the armrest should not interfere with lifting);
- dimensions of the center console and the location of the fasteners.
Do this only in your car. Even on similar models, the parameters are different, and the finished product may not fit. Do not strive to create a universal armrest for a car.
DIY armrest
It is recommended to record the results on a sketch drawn up in advance in order to get a sketch of the model. This saves time - you do not have to specify and remeasure.
Design
After measurements, transfer them to the drawing. The sketch must show the detail in four projections, each of which necessarily contains the appearance.
Are noted:
- element sizes and arrangement;
- radii of curvature of curly parts, if any;
- places and methods of fastening, connecting one part to another. In this case, the distances to the edges of neighboring components are also indicated;
- fastening diameters, depth of entry of screws or self-tapping screws into the console, attached part or fastening bars;
- for the supporting reclining pillow - the place and dimensions of the rotary part.
There are two landing options:
- For bolts or screws.
- By tight landing in the space between the chairs.
This should be taken into account when designing.
After preparing the drawings, you can select materials.
Selection of materials and assembly
Wood materials 8 mm thick are suitable for the cover and body. Usually for "homemade" use chipboard, fiberboard or plywood. With a rounded support pad or wall, only plywood is possible - it is easy to bend with steam.
Elements are cut with a jigsaw or a hacksaw for wood. The parts to be bent are treated with steam and brought to the desired position, after which it is necessary to wait for cooling and make the necessary cuts.
armrest cover
The finished parts are fastened with glue or self-tapping screws, after which the structure is covered with the material chosen during the design. In the manufacture of the cover, it is recommended to make a preliminary pattern and cut it, securing the finished close-fitting with a stapler.
The support pad should be soft and rounded - sponges and foam rubber will do. After gluing the desired amount of packing on the landing pad, the excess is cut off. Felt is glued over the pad.
When the felt pad on the armrest of the car is attached (to the cover at the edges), you can stretch the upholstery.
At the last stage, the cover and hinges are installed.
