The engine preheater is installed on different kinds technology, ranging from civilian passenger cars and ending with heavy trucks, special vehicles, etc. Equipping with a preheating device for the engine and interior makes it easier, to increase the resource power plant and greatly increase the comfort of operation in the winter.
On machines that do not have a pre-installed heater, it is possible to separately purchase and install such a solution. At the same time, engine heating can be installed on almost any car model. The main thing is to choose the right device from those options that are commercially available, as well as perform high-quality installation.
Next, we will consider what engine preheaters are, we will study the principle of operation of preheater. We will also try to answer the question of what advantages and disadvantages this or that type of engine and car interior heaters has from the general group of similar devices.
Read in this article
What is an engine preheater and its device
Let's start with the fact that there are several types of ICE heaters, which differ in the principle of operation, purpose, performance, dimensions and a number of other parameters and characteristics. As a rule, heaters are often divided into:
- liquid autonomous;
- electrical;
Now let's look at these solutions in more detail. So, the most common option is an autonomous liquid engine preheater. Many drivers are well aware of such devices by brands, Teplostar, etc.
Please note that autonomous pre-heaters are divided into liquid and air. Liquid heating is intended for heating the engine before starting, as well as for warming up the passenger compartment. The air heater allows you to heat only the interior, that is, the problem of cold starting the internal combustion engine in this case is not solved.
In this case, both types of heaters are autonomous. The devices take fuel (gasoline, diesel fuel) from the main tank or a separate tank (complete with an autonomous heater). This fuel is then burned in a small combustion chamber.
These solutions are economical, since fuel consumption is low, a minimum of electricity is also consumed, heaters are distinguished by a reduced noise level during operation. The versatility should also be noted, since the heater can be installed on a gasoline, diesel, gas or engine, engine with, etc.
As a rule, autonomous preheaters are installed in the engine compartment, after which they are also connected to. The air heater does not need such a connection. The device is placed in the cabin, since its task is not to heat the coolant, but to supply heated air to the air ducts.
How an autonomous engine preheater works
Let's start with the fact that the liquid heater is a ready-made installation kit. The main elements are:
- boiler with a combustion chamber;
- liquid radiator;
- lines for fuel supply;
- fuel pump;
- liquid pump;
- thermal relay;
- heater electronic unit;
- governing bodies;
So, after the start signal comes to the device, the electric current begins to be supplied to the executive motor. Such an engine drives a special fuel pump, which is included in the design of the heater. At the same time, the fan also starts to work. The pump pumps fuel, after which the fuel evaporates in the evaporator. Also, air enters the heater.
As a result, a fuel-air mixture, which enters the combustion chamber and is ignited by a spark on the spark plug. The thermal energy that is generated after combustion is transferred to the coolant in the cooling system through a special heat exchanger.
The coolant itself circulates. Circulation becomes possible due to the operation of the booster pump, which is included in the design of the heater. Thus, the liquid heated and circulating through the cooling jacket is able to transfer heat to a cold engine.
After the heating of the coolant is 30 degrees Celsius, in automatic mode the fan of the standard heater (stove) in the cabin turns on. As a result, heated air is supplied to the vehicle interior. Then, when the antifreeze or antifreeze warms up to 70 degrees, the intensity of the fuel supply to the heater is reduced to save fuel. If the coolant cools down to 55 degrees again, the entire process described above will be repeated.
If we talk about air heaters, in this device the burner heats only the air, while not heating the coolant. In automatic mode, the device “orients itself” according to the air temperature in the passenger compartment or cabin. In other words, the heater maintains one or another air temperature set by the user, and also works for as long as the driver has programmed.
Both liquid and air heaters are equipped with various controls, which allows you to control the device not only from the vehicle interior, but also remotely. Among the main functions, it is worth highlighting the possibility of automatically turning on the preheater by timer, starting the heater remotely from the key fob or using a mobile phone.
The principle of operation of the electric engine heating
The electric heater is a coil that is screwed into the engine block. An electric spiral is placed instead of a plug in the block. The principle of operation is quite simple. A current passes through the spiral, the spiral heats up, which makes it possible to heat the antifreeze or antifreeze as a result. Coolant circulation and heat distribution occurs naturally (due to convection).
Note that such heating is less efficient and also takes a lot of time. It is also important to understand that although an electric engine preheater is a more affordable and simpler alternative, it is largely inferior to air and water heaters.
The fact is that the electric heating of the engine is not autonomous. The device is powered from an external outlet, which in many cases becomes a significant disadvantage. Another disadvantage is that such a solution consumes a lot of electric current.
To ensure that the coolant is heated to a certain temperature and further maintained at this temperature, the owner himself sets the temperature range. Simply put, it comes with a timer that allows you to set the desired temperature. After the coolant is warmed up to the desired value, the coil is turned off.
Then, when the temperature of the liquid drops to a certain threshold, the device will turn on automatically again. We also note that the electric heater allows you to warm up not only the engine, but also the interior. After the coolant is heated, the regular stove fan turns on, after which warm air comes out of the air ducts. It is also possible to implement in parallel with the pre-heating of the power unit.
Engine heating with a heat accumulator
This type of engine heaters is less common compared to other analogues. Similar solutions on the market are represented by Gulfstream, Autotherm, etc. systems.
The principle of operation of these heat accumulators is that after the coolant warms up as a result of engine operation, antifreeze or antifreeze accumulates in a special container, where it remains hot for up to 48 hours. The next time you start a cold engine, warm fluid enters the cooling system, which allows you to quickly warm up the engine and interior.
Engine preheater: pluses
As you know, engine wear is most intense at the time of its start. At the same time, low temperatures affect the viscosity engine oil(grease thickens), lubricating and protective properties deteriorate.
As a result, after a cold start, friction increases, in the first seconds the loaded parts experience oil starvation. Often, the elements wear out the fastest, and. At the same time, the ability to avoid a cold start and a quick warm-up of the internal combustion engine to operating temperatures suggests that the engine is operated in a gentle mode.
As can be seen, the presence of an autonomous or electric heating of the body allows you to increase the service life of the engine, reduce fuel costs and increase environmental friendliness power units. It is also possible to achieve an increase in comfort during the operation of the vehicle in the winter.
Read also
What is Webasto? The principle of operation of autonomous preheaters. Pros and cons of a liquid heater and an air heater (hair dryer).
Starter heaters are a proven solution for car owners who live in regions with cold winters and leave their cars in open-air parking or in garages (hangars) without heating.
The review presents best models starting preheaters, the use of which will avoid huge starting loads of the engine in cold weather and significantly extend its life. For the convenience of the reader, the information has been structured into typical installation categories. The position in the rating of each model was formed on the basis of the estimated characteristics of heaters and feedback from owners who have real experience operation.
The best liquid preheaters
The indisputable advantage of liquid fuel heaters is complete independence from other energy sources and the time spent by the machine in the cold. Pre-heaters of this type burn the fuel that is in the car's tank. In order for the stove to work properly, the regular battery must be in good working order.
3 Binar-5S
The best domestic liquid heater
Country Russia
Average price: 24150 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The domestic company "Teplostar" has developed a whole line of autonomous heaters for gasoline and diesel cars. The Binar 5S Diesel model has ample opportunities. The device can work not only in the preheating mode, but also as a heating device. It is equipped with a GPS modem, which expands the possibilities of controlling the heater. The model is intended for diesel engines up to 4 liters.
Car owners who have decided to install Binar-5S for engine heating, in their reviews note such advantages of domestic development as compact dimensions, mounting and control variability. The device is distinguished by an affordable price, high quality workmanship, there is a self-diagnosis function.
2 Webasto Thermo Top Evo 5 petrol
The most popular autonomous heater
Country: Germany
Average price: 50720 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The heaters of this German concern have become so popular among motorists that the concept of preheater is often replaced by the single word Webasto. Many models are designed for specific vehicles. The device can be started by a timer, from a key fob or via mobile phone. One of the most popular modifications was the Webasto Thermo Top Evo 5 heater, which is perfect for cars, jeeps and minibuses with an engine capacity of no more than 4 liters.
Car owners note the high performance of the device, long and trouble-free operation, unpretentiousness. The heater is completely self-contained, runs on gasoline and consumes 0.64 liters at peak load (almost half as much in support mode). In addition, in Russia there are many service centers where you can service and repair the popular Webasto.
The types of car preparation for a trip in winter presented in the table have both their advantages and disadvantages. This allows each owner to choose the option that best suits the prevailing operating conditions.
|
Advantages |
disadvantages |
|
|
autostart |
Remote control and monitoring; An additional advantage of the two-in-one device is the presence of an alarm; The ability to configure the operation of autorun according to a schedule or engine temperature (the most relevant option for the northern regions). |
Reduced vehicle anti-theft security (many Insurance companies even refuse to provide the risks of theft or significantly increase the cost of the policy); State of the art high performance motors Idling do not heat up, which means a cold interior; Provides a sparing mode of starting the engine only in the mode of operation when the engine temperature drops. |
|
Autonomous starting preheater |
Does not depend on external energy sources; Provides heating of the passenger compartment and engine fluids; |
High cost and maintenance costs; Runs on fuel from a car tank; |
|
Electric preheater |
Affordable cost; Easy to install and operate; Different devices are required to heat the car interior and the engine; Increases the life of the motor by reducing the load at start. |
Availability of "step-by-step" access to the AC network; In the absence of electricity, it will not be able to ensure the preparation of the car for the trip. |
1 EBERSPACHER HYDRONIC B4 WS
Excellent combination of price and quality
Country: Germany
Average price: 36200 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The best liquid autonomous heaters Eberspacher models are rightfully considered. They combine high quality and value. One of the most common heaters was the Eberspächer Hydronik B4WS 12V. It is installed by many automakers on passenger cars with engines of more than 2 liters. The heater power ranges from 1.5 to 4.3 kW. The range includes modifications for gasoline engines, as well as devices for heating diesel engines.
Consumers note the reliability and durability of the device. It is easy to operate and convenient to use. Due to the wide distribution of heaters, many car services are engaged in their repair and restoration. Of the minuses, car owners note the high price of the device.
The best electric heaters
Electric heaters powered by 220 V are easy to install and low price. The only drawback of the device is the need for a household power supply close to the car. The devices are suitable for cars that spend frosty nights in garages or boxes.
3 Longfei 3 kW
The most affordable price
Country: China
Average price: 2350 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The Chinese Lunfei preheater is designed to increase the temperature of the coolant in a car using a household electrical outlet. One of the most popular devices was Longfei 3 kW. The liquid is heated using a heating element, and antifreeze is pumped through the cooling system circuit thanks to a centrifugal pump. The device requires a 220 V power supply. The heater can be installed on any cars and trucks. The model is equipped with a thermostat, which allows you to maintain a given temperature regime of the coolant.
Buyers speak flatteringly about products from the Middle Kingdom. The only downside is the short cord. But the device can be independently installed under the hood, it has small dimensions and weight.
2 Satellite NEXT 1.5 kW with pump
Optimal ratio of quality and price
Country Russia
Average price: 2550 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
Great low cost engine heating solution passenger car or minibus. You can install "Sputnik NEXT" yourself - simple circuit integration into the engine cooling system has this. Thanks to forced circulation, even in severe frosts, the temperature of the antifreeze rises above zero.
Owners consider this model a worthy alternative to more expensive pre-start engine heaters. Judging by the reviews, the equipment performs its function quite effectively. The presence of simple automation will not overheat the antifreeze above the permissible limits (95 ° C), but will turn off the heater for a while. In operation, the device is simple and unpretentious, and maintenance requires minimal time costs. Thanks to the circulation, partial heating of the passenger compartment is also achieved (dashboard and windshield area).
1 Severs+ with pump 2 kW
Ease of installation. Presence of a mechanical timer
Country Russia
Rating (2019): 4.8
The domestic manufacturer CJSC "Leader" produces pre-heaters under the Severs brand. The new generation device was the Severs + 2 kW model, equipped with a pump. This design provides fast and uniform heating of the coolant, both in passenger cars and in trucks. The manufacturer has equipped the device with a thermostat, protection against overheating, which makes its operation comfortable and safe.
Motorists can easily cope with the installation of the heater, the kit includes detailed instructions. It is very convenient to set the device to turn on using a daily mechanical timer.
The best fuel heaters
One of the main problems diesel car fuel waxing becomes in winter. The lower the temperature, the more the diesel fuel thickens, clogging the pores of the filter. An effective way to maintain fluidity is to install a fuel heater.
3 ATK PT-570
Most Economical
Country Russia
Average price: 4702 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
A reliable heater will prevent waxing diesel fuel in severe frosts and will allow you to continue driving, regardless of weather conditions. Powered by the car's cooling system and requires virtually no Maintenance. Tapping into the fuel line can be carried out by an experienced driver on their own - the procedure is not at all complicated and will require a minimum of time.
The owners in their reviews highlight the simplicity of the equipment, the lack of the need to connect to the car's on-board network. With the help of this heater, it becomes possible to use summer diesel fuel at temperatures down to -40 °C. In addition, the heated fuel enters the tank and moves further through the system in a heated state, without forming paraffin crystals, which increases the service life of the lines. In addition, significant fuel savings (up to 10%) are achieved, and drivers value the PT-570 fuel heater the most for this.
2 EPTF-150 Ya (YaMZ)
The best heater fuel filter
Country Russia
Average price: 1305 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Based on experience domestic motorists NPP "Platan" has released a series of fuel filter heaters. This device prevents the formation of paraffin in the filter element of diesel cars. Thanks to the heating of the fuel in the filter, it is possible not only to facilitate the engine start, but also to somewhat expand the limit of diesel fuel use towards lower temperatures. One of the effective models is EPTF-150 Ya (YaMZ). The device is mounted inside the fuel filter, which provides a quick warm-up of the diesel engine.
Motorists speak positively about the efficiency of the heater. A semiconductor heater can warm up even a frozen filter in 5-10 minutes. The device continues to ensure the filterability of diesel fuel while the car is moving.
1 NOMACON PP-101 12V
The best instantaneous fuel heater
Country: Belarus
Average price: 4700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Simple and effective devices for heating diesel fuel were created by Belarusian developers from Nomacon. One of the most popular devices was Nomacon PP-101. It crashes into the fuel line, and the heating comes from the on-board network. The heater can be controlled automatically or manually. Before starting the engine, it is enough to briefly turn on the heating for 5-10 minutes to ensure the filterability of diesel fuel. When driving, the device is powered by a generator.
Consumers note the unpretentiousness and durability of the device. It is easy to install it under the hood yourself, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
The best interior heaters
This category contains best devices, which will allow the owner to forget what it means to drive a frozen car. Heaters will provide not only comfortable operation in the winter months, but also save the owner the most precious resource - time.
3 Calix Slim Line 1400w
High quality equipment
Country: Sweden
Average price: 7537 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The device does not have an operating mode and is automatically regulated according to the temperature indicators of the passenger compartment air. The heater does an excellent job and is the optimal solution for most cars and small crossovers. The device has a special stand and can be placed anywhere in the cabin (as a rule, it is placed in the area of the central armrest or on the driver's seat).
The heater is easy to operate, has protection against overheating and short circuit. In their reviews, the owners note the rather compact size of the device and its high efficiency. The automatic control of the heater operation is also positively noted - there are no fears that with prolonged use the air in the cabin will be unacceptably overheated.
2 DEFA Termini 2100 (DEFA connector) 430060
The most powerful electric heater
Country: Norway
Average price: 9302 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
An excellent solution for heating the interior of a large car, jeep and even the cab of a truck. The electric heater is connected to a conventional network with a voltage of 220 volts and has two heating modes. The built-in fan provides air circulation in salon and its fast heating. Sharing with systems of preheaters of the engine of this firm and remote control through the SmartStart panel is possible.
Owners who decide to install DEFA Termini heaters in their cars are more than satisfied - a cold steering wheel and windows frozen from the inside are a thing of the past. Thanks to the built-in sensors, the cabin air will be warmed up to a comfortable level, and with a further increase in temperature, automatic shutdown(55 °C inside the device). Judging by the reviews, this device cannot be compared with ceramic heaters powered by the on-board network (their power is clearly not enough to fully warm up the car interior).
1 Teplostar PLANAR-44D-24-GP-S
The best interior heating
Country Russia
Average price: 23900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The device is an autonomous system that runs on diesel fuel and is a more affordable analogue of Webasto heaters. It can be put on any type of transport - it perfectly warms up the interior of a passenger car to a minibus, and will also cope with heating the body space in small cargo vans.
In the reviews of the owners, the compactness of the equipment is noted. Installation is quite simple and can be done on your own. When installing on cars with a gasoline engine, you need your own small fuel tank. Also positively noted is the presence of a remote control with which you can adjust the temperature of the cabin. At maximum power (4 kW), the PLANAR-44D will consume a little less than 0.5 liters of fuel per hour. With normal heating or a small car, the consumption will be only 0.12 liters of diesel fuel per hour.
It is known that the operation of the car in the winter is associated with certain inconveniences. This is especially true for starting the engine. Every motorist would like the interior of the car to be warm after parking and the engine to be warm, so that when setting off on a journey, one can do without a long procedure for scraping frost from the windows and an eerie feeling that instead of a warm chair you sit on a piece of ice.
But in addition to subjective sensations, there are quite real problems- studies have shown that during the winter, due to daily cold starts, the engine wears out in the same way as with a run of several thousand kilometers. An unheated engine emits three times more harmful emissions (even when the temperature is only minus seven) and consumes significantly more fuel than a warm one. Starting heaters can help in solving the problem. Such devices are useful not only for those who store their car in an unheated garage or on open parking, but also for everyone who wants his car to be ready for a trip at any time, regardless of the weather and time of day.
Heaters can be autonomous - they operate by using the fuel that the car runs on, and non-autonomous, operating from a conventional 220 V power supply.
What is an autonomous heater
This is a small device installed in the engine compartment, under the hood or bumper. The heater heat exchanger is connected to the engine cooling circuit, the electronics to the on-board network, and the fuel supply system to the vehicle tank. Switching on occurs either from a programmable timer located in the cabin, or from the remote control remote control(from a distance up to 600 m). A system for turning on the heater by telephone has recently appeared and has already proven itself well. Of course, such a system can be started by simply pressing a button on the timer, which, by turning on the heater every hour, will allow the car to warm up for an almost unlimited time (for example, in a parking lot). The only condition is that, for safety reasons, the heater cannot be used at gas stations, as well as in garages that do not have a special hood.
The principle of operation is as follows. After switching on from the timer or remote control, fuel and air are supplied to the combustion chamber of the heater. Their mixture is ignited and, burning, heats the liquid in the heat exchanger. With a special pump, it is pumped through the cooling circuit of the car, warming up the engine and the radiator of the standard heater, the fan of which turns on automatically.
When the temperature in the circuit exceeds the threshold, the heater operates with partial load, if the liquid continues to heat up, it is temporarily turned off. When the temperature falls below the critical level, the heater resumes operation. Within an hour, he warms up the antifreeze in the liquid circuit, giving as much heat as five kilowatt boilers, and consuming only half a liter of fuel during this time. The electricity consumption of such devices is minimal, for example, at the time of start-up, according to this indicator, they are comparable to one dipped beam lamp. In addition, having recognized a low battery charge, the heater control unit simply will not turn it on. And the main benefit is that a warm engine requires much less electricity to start than a cold one.
These devices comply with stringent fire safety standards, so no permits are required to install the heater.
Starting heaters can be retrofitted for all-weather use by installing a winter-summer switch. In summer mode, the heater turns on the fan at the appointed time, ventilating the interior even before the start of the trip.
Autonomous heaters are produced by two leading companies - Webasto (Thermo Top line) and Eberspacher (Hidronic line). The cost of their basic kits is about the same and ranges from $600 to $1200 without installation, which will require an additional $150.
On-line pre-heating of the car
This technology is based on the use of external energy sources, the most affordable of which is a 220 V household power supply. This is a good alternative to "autonomous" for those whose car is near the house or in an unheated garage, and there is a regular electrical outlet at hand. Due to their low price, such heating elements are most widely used in Europe. For example, a firm mercedes benz even makes special holes in the cylinder blocks of his cars for their installation.
The electric heating system consists of separate modules - heating element for the engine, control timer, electric fan heater for heating the car interior and automatic battery charger. These elements can be present in the system either all together or individually.
To organize only engine heating, a basic kit is sufficient, consisting of a heating element, an internal electrical cable with a mini-socket, usually cut into the bumper, and an external cable.
To warm up the cabin, an electric fan heater with a capacity of one and a half to two kilowatts is additionally installed. It is fixed in the car on a special bracket that allows you to quickly remove it and put it in place, because the fan has a connector for an ordinary household electrical outlet and can be used as a household heater. Since this device is designed for continuous operation in the car, it is equipped with fire protection - in addition to a special heating element with a thermostat, it has a thermal bimetal fuse that trips when overheating.
To reduce power losses, heaters can be equipped with a timer with a control unit that turns on the system several hours before a pre-set time, depending on the ambient temperature.
Another component of such a system can be a charger. It is no secret that in winter it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition battery, because the reduction of daylight hours forces the use of lighting fixtures much longer. In addition, in winter, the heater fan, heated windows, mirrors, seats and other electrical appliances that consume a large amount of energy are almost constantly turned on. The "smart" charger will monitor the status of the battery and recharge it if necessary.
The leading manufacturer of such systems is the Norwegian company DEFA AS. The cost of hardware without installation ranges from $100 to $600, depending on the configuration.
Autonomous air heaters
In winter conditions, heat in the car - necessary condition its normal use. Since heating with a running engine is often insufficient and always inefficient economically, such heaters can be considered as a necessary vehicle equipment for Russia. For example, in Europe, for some types of minibuses and trucks, their installation is mandatory.
Such a heater, which is actually an additional “stove” that operates independently of the engine on fuel from a regular tank, significantly improves the safety, comfort, efficiency, durability and environmental friendliness of the car.
These devices are controlled automatically by a special electronic block. It smoothly changes the power of the heater, bringing the air temperature at its inlet to the value set on the thermostat of the combined timer. The start and stop of the heater operation are either performed by a switch (or a special button on the timer), or occur automatically on the desired day and hour, set using a three-program timer. The operating time can be set from one minute to two hours. Either a switch is included in the scope of delivery (at the same time, a timer with an alarm function can be ordered additionally) or a combination timer.
The cost of heaters of this type, manufactured by Webasto and Eberspacher, varies from 800 to 2000 dollars.
Forecasters promised that this winter in the European part of Russia would be "real Russian." If so, it makes sense to take care of how to start the engine after an overnight stop at -30 and below.
On the verge of falling
Minus 30 degrees Celsius is a psychological and ... technical milestone, after which many cars may already have problems starting engines, and their owners will have worries about this. And although Siberians and northerners do not get tired of measuring the minimum temperature for the successful launch of their cars on forums, even AvtoVAZ does not guarantee that their seemingly primordially Russian creations will start at this temperature. However, most modern (and not only) cars overcome this temperature limit quite successfully. But frost below -35 ° C is already a really serious test. And such temperatures are quite possible on the western side of the Urals.
The same Siberians and northerners have long been accustomed to the fact that it is simply impossible to successfully operate cars without any preheating systems in winter. What are the options?
autostart
Probably the most popular way is the so-called autorun. Briefly the essence for those who hear about it for the first time. Autostart is a device (usually combined with an alarm) that starts the engine without turning the key or pressing the Engine Start button. Starting is possible either by pressing the corresponding button on the alarm key fob, or by the algorithm embedded in the autostart device.
The simplest designs start the motor at certain intervals (one, two, four hours), let it run for 10-15 minutes, turn it off and then start it again. Even at minus 40 ° C, a well-insulated motor does not have time to cool down to a critical temperature in 2 hours.
More advanced designs have a temperature sensor and start the motor at its signal, after cooling to a predetermined temperature. Typically, such a sensor is mounted on massive metal parts of the engine. But there are, let's say, strange devices in which the sensor monitors not the temperature of the motor, which, in fact, should not cool down, but the temperature in the cabin.
Obviously, autostart based on engine temperature is more practical than interval start. Again, with good insulation engine compartment, at -40 ° C, it will work, at most, four times a night, or even less often, especially if you set the threshold temperature to -20 ° C. But such a threshold temperature is a risky business. Including because a cold start at -20°C and at -10°C are two big differences in terms of starting wear. And under certain circumstances, the threshold of -20 ° C may not guarantee another successful launch. Personally, on my cars equipped with a temperature autostart, I almost always set the threshold to -10 ° C.
The advantages of autorun are obvious. At a very low cost, we get a completely autonomous device, which is almost guaranteed to allow you to start the engine in any frost.
The cons are not so obvious, although some of them are very critical. For example, it is highly recommended not to leave a car at autorun for a day or more. The thing is that in exhaust system a product of fuel combustion such as water accumulates. Or rather, ice, which can clog the exhaust tract in a day, followed by the absolute impossibility of starting the engine. The car will need to be towed to a warm box / garage, and then holes should be drilled to drain water from the muffler and resonator. Although sometimes they get by with installing the car at an angle with its nose up - water (when it thaws) is spit out at start-up and subsequent intense “gasping”.
The next minus is the peace of mind of the environmentalists. Indeed, in starting and warm-up modes, the exhaust is very, very dirty. It is for this reason that autorun is prohibited in the so-called civilized countries.
And a few more downsides. This is not very large, but still noticeable fuel consumption per night. Well, the breakthrough of gases into the crater, and increased carbon formation during the operation of a cold engine on enriched mixtures. In addition, let's not forget that a car running on autorun can be stolen with certain tricks. Moreover, if there is an immobilizer in the ignition key, you have to put the so-called “immobilizer crawler”, in which another car key with “its own” electronic label is placed - a good gift for a hijacker, isn't it?
Finally, it must be remembered that formally parking a car with a running engine in residential areas and prohibited in courtyards.
But the horror stories about the fact that you can forget a car with a manual transmission in gear, followed by unauthorized movement at startup, are groundless. After all, with a competent installation (and with the “Manual transmission” mode set in the settings), the readiness of the car for autorun is realized only if a certain algorithm for leaving the car is observed. After removing the key, the motor remains running and stalls only after closing all the doors. If the door is opened after that, the autorun mode is deactivated.
Electric heating
It is of two types: either installed in the cylinder block, or comes as a separate unit connected by hoses to a small engine cooling circuit. This method of engine preheating is the cheapest, safest and most harmless in terms of wear and engine life. And it has the only, but obvious and significant drawback - dependence on the presence of an outlet in close proximity to the car.
The thermostat, set to 50-70 ° C, will not allow the coolant to boil, and in case of loss of antifreeze, the thermal switch will turn off the power.
In the Scandinavian countries, this method of preheating is 99% common. Almost all private properties and public parking lots are equipped with terminals with sockets, even the parking lot near the water park in Helsinki. Well, the author of this article is not only aware of the “snot” of wires hanging from windows and balconies to parking lots in cities like Surgut (hello to especially zealous commentators of the article “Warm or not wait?”), But he himself used such a “line power transmission” during the winter in Novosibirsk, living in an apartment on the 7th floor. Yes, from the point of view of fire and electrical safety, this is not good, but the realities are forcing. The main thing is to use wires in a rubber, and not in a PVC sheath, and equip such a line with a separate “automatic” fuse. Well, hope they don't get cut off.
Autonomous heater
The most efficient of offline ways heating, but also the most expensive, sometimes obscenely. Especially against the background of the current exchange rate of the euro and the dollar against the ruble. Webasto or Eberspacher Hydronic is an excellent rescue in almost all frosty situations. Only with frequent switching on and short trips can the battery be discharged, because such devices take energy for their work from the on-board network. There is a more affordable domestic alternative - Binar-5. Rumor has it that the manufacturer has already overcome childhood illnesses of his offspring, and latest models work quite reliably.
exotic
Once at minus 38 ° C, I started the engine of the F20A car Honda Accord after pouring four liters of boiling water onto the intake manifold. And another time, at about the same temperature, I put it on the valve cover Ford engine Fiesta a flexible 5-liter container of boiling water and covered it all with a blanket. After 5 minutes the engine started. But exotic is exotic.