How To Check SUV Second-Row Seat Folding During Inspection

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have gained quite a lot of attention in the last few years. They offer more space, higher ground clearance and a big road presence. These are the reasons why more than 50% of car sales in India are coming from SUVs. SUVs are known to offer greater comfort due to larger and better cushioned seats, along with a well-balanced suspension setup.

However, most people overlook the proper functioning of the second-row seats during an inspection or even in a simple visual inspection. The seat folding mechanism might appear simple, but it holds the key to basic SUV practicality. To avoid any issues later, it is required to properly check the seats' folding and unfolding mechanism during a pre-delivery inspection. Let’s get into the details in this article. 

Importance of Second-Row Seat Folding Inspection

In most SUVs, the second row is not only designed for passenger comfort but also plays a crucial role in deciding how much luggage can be carried and how easily the space is adjusted. A faulty latch can limit boot access, or loose locks can become a safety hazard during driving. Therefore, it is essential to inspect the second row seats mechanism for safety and practicality. Here are the steps to properly inspect the second-row seats in an SUV.

1. Inspect the Release Controls

The second row seats in every SUV come equipped with a unique seat folding mechanism. Some SUVs use levers while others provide pulling knobs. First, you have to locate these controls and check if they are moving freely. You can see the signs of trouble with the release controls if they are stiff or require a very high force to activate. A properly working release control should feel smooth to operate.

2. Fold the Seat Completely

As you engage the lever or pull the knob, the seat should fall forward without obstruction. However, to ensure safety, some cars employ seats which require a mild pushing force to drop the seat forward. During this stage, you must observe issues like the seat not falling completely, being stuck halfway down or making an unusual noise.

A grinding or creaking sounds indicate wear in the hinge system. The alignment of the mechanism should also be checked by checking if the trims are rubbing against each other or fabric gets caught in between.

3. Test the 60:40 Split

If the model being inspected comes equipped with practical 60:40 split seats. It’s a great idea to inspect them as well. Most SUVs in India offer a 60:40 split seat, especially in the higher variants.

With a 60:40 split seat design, one part of the seat can stay upright while the other is down. It thus gives flexibility to create more boot space in accordance with the total number of passengers in the second row.

Activate individual release control and observe seats folding down easily without any obstruction, noise or misalignment.

4. Return to Upright Position

Once you are done with pulling down the seats, you push the seats back into the upright position. As the seat goes back to its natural position, a click sound will confirm its locking correctly. Grab the seat and apply pressure to check if it stays firm and stable without moving or creating any sound.

A shaking seat can be caused by to damaged or weak lock. Driving with a damaged seat lock can provide a bad driving experience for the passengers and can also compromise their safety in case of an accident.

5. Check Usability for Everyone

After all, SUVs are used by families, and thus, it must be ensured that the seat release controls are accessible to everyone in the family. A round of practical ways of using seat release controls should be taught to frequent car users.

Test the release mechanism while standing outside the car as well as from inside. Confirm that the seats fold even when the rear doors are fully open. Observe how much boot access improves with the seats down.

Common Problems Faced During Second-Row Inspection

Most SUVs clear the first round of inspection, which covers external checks and visual inspection of the interior. However, most hidden issues are found when a thorough inspection is carried out. Here are certain summon problems that are faced during the second-row seats inspection.

• Stuck latches that refuse to release
• Bad mechanism alignment
• Seat fabric trapping in the hinge
• Worn-out seat hinges are causing seats to get stuck halfway down
• Damaged or worn-out seat lock, leading to shaky seats

DIY Checks Versus Professional Car Inspection

While most basic steps can be easily performed by your own. These basic steps are unlocking, folding and unfolding the seats. These steps are sufficient for revealing the basic issues that we have talked about above.

However, a professional car inspection goes deeper as trained car inspectors examine the seat frame for bends and verify hinge alignment with precise tools. They can also detect weak locks that appear fine during a casual check.

If you want to be absolutely certain that your SUV’s seats and other systems work as promised, you can book a Pre Delivery Inspection service. This ensures experts handle the detailed inspection before you make the purchase.

Conclusion

A second-row seat may look like a simple feature, yet it defines the flexibility and practicality of an SUV. Buyers choose these vehicles for their space and versatility. If the seats do not fold smoothly or fail to lock firmly, then the purpose of an SUV is lost.

The inspection should be performed with precision to unfold and test every section. These small steps save you from costly repairs and give you confidence that the SUV you drive home will meet every expectation.