While car manufacturers have reasons for car seat gaps, one thing users know is that it makes them lose things in their cars. This ranges from key/keyfobs, credit cards, fries, wallets, phones, and just about anything small enough to go through the gap.
However, by opting for a car seat gap filler, you can say goodbye to losing things, unending search, and forearm injuries. Thankfully, these fillers are cheap, as you can make them yourself. Follow us as we walk you through how to make a car seat gap filler to bridge those annoying gaps between your seat and the center console.
How to make car seat gap filler
Making car seat gap fillers is an easy and inexpensive procedure, as most of the items needed are mostly things you already have. However, these items can also be found at any hardware store. Moreover, it takes less than 25 minutes to get it done.
1. The homemade drop-stop seat gap filler
While there are many DIY car seat gap fillers, the most popular option is the drop stop seat gap filler, a follow-up done by Shark Tank on a product invented by another called the drop stop. This typically involves putting some foam between the car seat gaps. Here is how to make a seat gap filler exactly as Shark Tank did with drop stop.
Items needed
- 1 foam plumbing pipe insulation or foam pool noodles (sizes that best fit into your car seat gap)
- Scissors
- Serrated or exacto knife
Procedure
- Using the scissors, cut 2 pieces of foam pipe 19-20 inches long (or matching the length of your console), one for the driver and the other for the passenger side.
- Next, mark the seat belt’s location on the pipe and cut out a slot for the seat belt with an exacto knife. This hole should be oval and slightly smaller than the seat belt since the foam will stretch over the seat belt head. Rectangular or square holes are prone to tear at the corners after a while.
- Place the two pipes side by side to ensure they are the same size.
- Now, slowly slide the pipe over the seat belt head and push it down. Repeat the same for the passenger side. If done correctly, the seat should slide without fuss.
2. Cardboard filler
This DIY option is especially suitable for those on a very tight budget. Cut a piece of cardboard that fits nicely into your seat gaps and slide it in. To get an even thicker piece, fold the cardboard paper into two.
3. Foam gap fillers
Here, you only need to cut out a piece of foam that can fit in the seat gap and insert it. To ensure longevity, you should use a thick foam.
4. Rubber pipe gap filler
This is similar to the foam insulation pipe but more flexible. To do this, get a rubber water pipe insulation, a size that best fits the width of the seat gaps. Cut out an appropriate length and slide it in.
Buying a seat gap filler
If doing any of the DIY options seems like a daunting task, you may need to purchase an already-made gap filler. While these options are affordable, they may be slightly pricey compared to DIY options.
Some of these products not only serve as gap fillers but also as car organizers, as they have storage for essentials like your phone, eyeglasses, keys, etc. However, ensure you select the ones best suited for your car. For example, car seat gap fillers for Mercedes may be different from Toyota and other models.
That said, the best car seat gap filler on the market is the drop-stop seat gap filler, a suitable option for cars, trucks, and SUVs. Others include
- Luso gear car seat gap organizer,
- Jiaji car seat gap filler organizer,
- Supin car seat gap filler featuring a cup holder,
- Happy worker seat gap filler from FFVJJ.
Do gap fillers really work?
No one wants to waste their time or resources on things without a return on investment. Invariably birthing the question, do seat gap fillers work? Yes, seat gap fillers not only stop items from falling into your seat gap but also serve as organizers for essentials like phones and other items. I have tried it; moreover, there are a lot of reviews about it online—reviews don’t lie.
Final words
By now, you should have learned how to make car seat gap filler effortlessly. These DIY options are less expensive and a great way to prevent you from losing smaller items like credit cards, sunglasses, etc to your seat gaps.
Should making one look like a big task, you may want to purchase a gap filler, as some of these options even help better organize your car space. Whether you’re buying or making one, it is you saying goodbye to constantly searching for items underneath your car seats.
