I am new here and not sure if this is where I should be posting a quetion. I bought my car three months ago .It ihad 7 miles on the clock. Lovely shiny new.. I absolutely love it but two days after buying it I started with a bad back and I am begining to wonder if it is the car seats? I know of two other people this has happened too and both had to sell their cars. Has anyone else had this kind of problem?

Have you looked for some information on how to set up your driving position properly? If your back isn't being supported properly due to the seat being tilted too far back / forward, arms being too stretched out etc, that could be your problem. For example: http://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-Seating-to-the-Proper-Position-While-Driving

Fiestas are known to have a very good driving position so I think it's more likely that the seat isn't adjusted properly, not that there's a problem with the seats.

Thank you so much, Phil. Perhaps that is the case. I shall follow the instructions as best I can.

I find the bottom of the driving seat to be very hard indeed and may just buy a cushion as well. Got to be cheaper than buying another car!

Yes a cushion may be the cheaper option haha. I've lowered my seat all the way down which I find more comfortable than before, when I had it all the way up thinking it gave better visibility (it didn't really). With the seat lowered all the way you get a more sporty feel, like you're more connected with the car. Also it lets you adjust the steering wheel to be more parallel to your back, which is something that guide recommends.

My ZS gave me and the oh bad backs, got the leathers put in and it's better!

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I think I maybe a bit old for the 'racing drivers position', Phil but willing to give anything a go. I shall alter the seats and see.

Hi Rebecca.

Can you explain 'leathers' to me please? Do you mean you changed the entire seats? How much did it cost if so?

Thanks

Meant to add that I don;t understand the bit about the steering wheel being 'parallel' to your back? Do you mean below chin level? Thanks.

Yeah I changed the whole interior for fiesta metal seats.

It cost me £40 but we did a straight swap so didn't have to pay for the seats.

The cloth seats are a bad shape so your lower back kind of sinks in to the back of the chair causing discomfort. The eaters are more solid and have lumbar support so are much comfier

Sent from my SM-G900F using Ford OC mobile app

Basically you want the steering wheel as low as possible without it interfering with your legs, and without it obstructing your view of the instruments (rev counter etc). It might help to adjust the reach so it's closer to you, but the guide says it should be at least 30cm from your chest, and no further than 45cm. I guess that's so the airbag will work properly. You could also try a lumbar support cushion.

Thanks, Becca. That seems ridiculously cheap for new seats? Ford do them? The seats in mine have a lumbar support. It sticks into the hollow in my back and I feel it is pushing my spine forward!

Phil, I have slipped into sports car driver position and now feel I am 'down with the kids' :o)

I followed the instructions on the link you gave me and I can rest my wrists flat on the top of the steering wheel without moving my shoulders off the seat. So hopefully it is correct. Not sure how long a cm is. So I shall google it. In my day we had things called 'inches'!

Will look at lumber cushions but unsure where the lumbar region is supposed to be. I suspect the seat I have is correct. I find the main problem is that is too hard. So it is a cushion on the bottom for me or eat more pies!!

Thanks both of you again.

If your seats have lumbar support you probably won't need a lumbar cushion, if Ford's lumbar support is any good. As for the gap from the steering wheel to your chest, 30cm is a bit longer than a sheet of A4 so that's an easy way to check. Maybe then with a cushion to make it softer it will be a lot more comfortable than before.

Thanks Phil.

I find the lower the seat the more the lumbar support comes out and sticks in my back. The higher the less support..not sure which is best but will try for now. Seems a bit drastic to change the seats as yet.

Shall shoot out with my A4 paper and check the distance.

Thanks for all your help.

I knew I should have bought a Golf!

Yvonne

Doesn't the lumbar support have adjustment on it? It should at least be adjustable in and out, I know in some cars it can be moved up and down too.

Nope, because this is a basic model, there is no adjustment to the lumbar position. I think it probably is in the right position. It is in the hollow part of my back but protrudes a bit far for me. If I straighten the seat back it goes in a bit :(