What? 90 percent of motorists start the engine, not suspecting that as a result, its wear increases, starting becomes more difficult, battery fails etc. The problem is aggravated in winter, in cold climates. However, there is a good way out of the situation - to use engine preheating, which for a real Russian winter is a real plus in all respects.

Electric engine heating

If previously, heating the internal combustion engine due to the engine idling was considered the only effective option, although not without its drawbacks, today it is clearly inferior to the new method. And first of all, this applies to side effects, negative consequences natural heating.

Table of electric heater models

Block	Branch pipes	Remote	External
“Defa” or “Kalix” - power 0.4-0.75 kW, price from 4 thousand rubles	"Lestar" - power 0.5-0.8 kW, price from 1.7 thousand rubles	"Severs-M" - power 1-3 kW, price from 2 thousand rubles	Flexible heating plate Keenovo 0.25 kW 220 V, price - 3650 rubles.
Domestic “Besprizornik” - power 0.5-0.6 kW, price from 1.5 thousand rubles	"Alliance" - power 0.7-0.8 kW, price from 1 thousand rubles	"Start-M" - power 1-3 kW, price from 1.9 thousand rubles	"Keenovo" - power 0.1 kW 12 V, price - 3610 rubles.
Domestic “Start-Mini” - power 0.5-0.6 kW, price from 1 thousand rubles	“Start M1/M2” - power 0.7-0.8 kW, price from 1.4 thousand rubles	"Alliance" - power 1.5-3 kW, price from 1.6 thousand rubles	Hotstart AF15024 - power 0.15 kW 220 V, price - 9700 rubles.
DEFA, heaters 100 series 0.5-0.65 kW, price 3.4 thousand rubles	“Sibir M” - power 0.6 kW, price from 1 thousand rubles	"Xin Ji" (China) - power 1.8 kW, price from 1.5 thousand rubles	“Hotstart” - power 0.25 kW 220 V, price - 9700 rubles.

The most affordable in terms of price are electric pre-heaters. They are easy to maintain and do not fail even in the most severe frost. However, they have the only drawback - they need a 220 V socket. Although external ones from the Keenovo company also have a heater in their arsenal that operates from the 12 V on-board network, the cost starts from 3.5 thousand rubles.

Effective heating of the engine is possible only with the help of special devices acting directly through the cooling system circuit. This is what experts say, citing many facts to prove it.

Block

For our motorists, in terms of affordable prices, heaters that are built into the cylinder block are suitable. They are also quite simple in design, since they are equipped only with a connector and a heating element. There are no other attachments, clamps or additional components provided in this heater.

Defa preheater

The heaters of devices built into BCs are not very powerful, 400-750 W is the maximum. They do not give quick results, and they are powered from a stationary 220 V/50 Hz outlet, so you can only use a heater mounted in the engine block in the garage or by throwing an extension cord near the house. On the other hand, due to the fact that the BC heats up, the engine warms up centrally and evenly.

Advantages of built-in block heaters:

1. One of advantages of built-in heaters is ability to work for a long time. Due to their low power, it is not necessary to constantly monitor them - they will not spoil the antifreeze, so you can leave them working all night or day. If it is still necessary, it is recommended to control the heating process, at least for household, economical purposes. use a regular mechanical timer. It is inexpensive and versatile in operation. Among the shortcomings is that it is buggy in the cold.
2. It should also be noted safety of use. As a rule, the kit includes a thermal insulating fabric that prevents insulation from melting, nearby wires and energy from spreading into the surrounding space, thus increasing the efficiency of the device.
3. Easy to install, by the way, is also one of the advantageous features of such heaters.

Block heater Longfei

There are only two disadvantages:

Long heating time And need for a fixed socket 220 volt. Because, for example, at an ambient temperature of about 0°C, a 600 W heater will heat up the liquid within one hour. If the temperature is -10°C, the time will increase to two hours. And if you buy a budget one with a power of 0.5 kW, it will take even longer.

Today, among the numerous models budget segment built-in heaters, electrical equipment from Defa and Kalix stand out. Complete with cable and plug, they cost no more than 4 thousand rubles.

The system is easily complemented with all kinds of equipment that provides benefits. For example, you can add a start timer, remote control, battery charging, cabin fan heater and much more. However, this will already cost more than 25 thousand rubles, not counting installation costs.

There are also domestic block heaters, but their use is limited. A device priced from 1.3 thousand rubles is suitable for VAZ engines. You can buy Start-mini equipment at an even lower price, which is suitable not only for domestic cars, but also Japanese or Korean, such as Toyota or Hyundai.

We present for you popular models of built-in heaters.

Model	Description and features
"Start Mini"	Voltage 220 V, power 600 W, installed instead of a technological block plug with a mounting diameter of 35 mm. The seating depth is 11 mm, the body height is 50 mm. The heater is suitable for cars: Toyota with engines 4A-FE, 5A-FE, 7A-FE, 3S-FE, 4S-FE, 5S-FE, 1G-FE, 1GR; Hyundai Accent with G4EC -1.5L engine; Hyundai Elantra XD with G4EC -1.5L and G4ED -1.6L engines; Hyundai Tucson with G4GC -2.0L engine; Hyundai Trajet with G4GC -2.0L engine.	1300 rubles
DEFA, 100 series heaters (from 101 to 199)	Power is 0.5...0.65 kW, voltage 220 V, bore diameter 35 mm, weight 0.27 kg.	3400 rubles
Calix-RE 163 550W	Power - 550 W, voltage - 220 V, suitable for use with Duramax DAIHATSU Rocky 2.8D, 2.8 TD/FIAT Argenta 2000iE, 120iE/ FIAT Croma 2.0 turbodiesel/FIAT Daily diesel/FIAT Ducato 1.9 D, TD/1987-1998/ 2.5 diesel, turbodiesel/1995/FIAT Regatta/Regata diesel/FIAT Ritmo 130 TC/diesel/FIAT Tempra 1.9 turbodiesel/FIAT Tipo 1.9 diesel, turbodiesel/FIAT Uno diesel, turbodiesel/FORD/NEW HOLLAND FORD 1900, HYUNDAI H-100 2.5 D/1993-1998/D4BA, IVECO Daily 2.8Tdi/2002/diesel/turbodiesel, MITSUBISHI Galant 2.3 turbodiesel/ MITSUBISHI L200 2.2 diesel 2WD/2.5 diesel 2WD/MITSUBISHI L300 2.5 diesel 2WD /2.5 diesel 4WD/ MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo 9 2.0 16V / 2006- /4G63, MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo VI, EVO VIII 2.0 16V / 4G63. MITSUBISHI Pajero 2.3 turbodiesel /2.5 turbodiesel, SEAT Malaga 1.7D.	5000 rubles
Calix-RE 167 550W	Power – 550 W, voltage – 220 V, suitable for the following cars: Matiz 0.8 / A08S, 1.0 / ¤B10S, Spark 1.0 / 2010- / B10D1, 1.2 / 2010- /B12D1, NISSAN Monteringssats, 300 ZX / VG30, Almera 2.0 D / 1995- / DA20, Bluebird 1.6 / 1984- / CA16, 1.8 / 1984- / CA18 1.8 turbo / 1984- / CA18, 2.0 / 1984- / CA20, Cherry 1.0 / 1982- / E10, 1.3 / 1982- / ¤ E13, 1.5, 1.5 turbo / 1982- / ¤E15, 1.7 diesel / CD17, Patrol 2.8TD / RD28T, Prairie 1.5 / E15, 1.8 / CA18, 2.0 / CA20, Stanza 1.6 / ¤CA16, 1.8 / CA18, Sunny 1.3 / 1984- / E13, 1.4 12V / 1989-1991 / 1.5 / 1984- / ¤E15, 1.6 / -1988 / ¤E16, 1.6 12V / 1989-1991 / ¤GA16, 1.6 GTI 16V / ¤CA16, 1.7D / ¤CD 17 , 1.8 GTI 16V / CA18, 2.0D /CD20, SUZUKI Monteringssats, Alto 1.1 / 2002- / F10D, TOYOTA Monteringssats Carina 1.8 diesel / 1C, Corolla diesel *** / Lite-Ace diesel /WEIDEMANN Monteringssats T4512CC35 - /3TNV82A, AGEN Monteringssats LT 31D / Perkins, VOLVO BM / VCE / VOLVO CE MonteringssatsEC 15C - / D1.1, EC18C - / 2010- / D1.1 EC20C - / 2010- / D1.1, EC27C - / 2010- / D1.6 EC35C - / 2010- / D1.6, ECR 28 - / ECR 38 - / ECR 58 - / ECR 88 - / ECR48C - / 2010- / ¤D2.2, ECR58 Plus - / ¤D3.1, ECR88 Plus - / D3 .1	4900 rubles
Calix-RE 153 A 550W	Voltage – 220 V, power – 550 W, works with the following cars: FORD Probe 2.5i V6 24V /HONDA Accord 2.0i-16 / -1989 /B20A, HONDA Legend 2.5, 2.7 / HONDA Prelude 2.0i -16V / 1986-1991 /B20A, MAZDA 2 1.3 (DE) / 2008- / ZJ, 1.5 (DE) / 2008- / ZY, MAZDA 3 1.4 (BK) / 2004- / ZJ , 1.6 (BK) / 2004- / Z6, MAZDA 323 2.0i V6 24V / MAZDA 626 2.5i V6 / MAZDA MX-3 1.8i 24V V6 / MAZDA MX-6 2.5i 24V V6 / MAZDA Xedos 6 2.0i 24V V6 / MAZDA Xedos 9 2.0i 24V V6 /K8-ZE, 2.5i 24V V6 /ROVER 825, 827- / -1995 /	7200 rubles

Branch pipes

In addition to devices built into the BC, there are also systems for installing thick pipes into the cut. They differ in the presence of an adapter housing. The installation does not pose any particular complexity, the payoff is not bad. However there is a minus– electric heaters from this series are designed for standard pipe diameters.

Defa and Kalix produce not only block heaters, but also pipe heaters. They are also manufactured in our country, sold at very high prices. low prices. But such heater options are intended only for VAZ, UAZ or GAZ car models.

There are also universal models equipped with a reinforced body. However, they are hardly suitable for foreign cars either.

Electric heaters have gained the greatest popularity in our country, as they are structurally easy to install and universal. Their easy to embed into the outline using attachments. They are equipped with powerful heaters, the power of which reaches 2-3 kW.

Remote

Of particular note are electric heaters called remote heaters. They are more complex in design, implying the presence of hoses, thermostats, clamps, etc. They are produced domestic producers, such as Severs-M, Alliance and many others.

Installation of Longfei heater (Xin Ji)

A foreign manufacturer of such equipment is also popular in Russia. This is the US Hotstart TPS. The equipment costs no less than 6.8 thousand rubles, but can only be purchased to order.

Among electric heaters, models with forced coolant circulation deserve special attention. Options for electric heaters were discussed above. with natural circulation.

So, the most famous among this series are systems from the same American Hotstart (price 23 thousand rubles). There are also cheap domestic options, costing no more than 2.4 thousand rubles. Chinese heaters are also known, such as Xin Ji, costing 1.5 thousand rubles. Their power does not exceed 1.8 kW.

Disadvantages of electric heaters:

1. A 220 V household outlet is required.
2. It is mandatory to open the hood to access the plug. Old Russian models of heaters suffer from these difficulties. Modern ones have bumper connectors.
3. The reliability of some models is not impressive. The corps of domestic and Chinese heaters, leaking antifreeze and leaking. An experienced installer will initially seat the cover onto the sealant.
4. Low quality additional equipment(again, we are talking about kits of Russian or made in China). It is advisable to replace attachments with imported hoses, plastic adapters with duralumin ones, and flimsy holders with strong and wide clamps.

Advantages of electric heaters:

1. Installation of heaters is inexpensive, even in metropolitan car repair shops. approximate price– 1.5 thousand rubles. You can easily install it yourself, but you cannot do without specific knowledge.
2. The widest range of models and ease of use.

Heating plates

Also, recently, so-called heating plates, which are installed on the engine body, cylinders, crankcase, and so on, have become increasingly popular. These heaters are used not only in cars, but also in other equipment - generator sets, microprocessor technology, engines of watercraft, diesel locomotives and electric locomotives and many others.

Heating plates operate on the basis of thermal electric heaters (TEHs). Most of them can be connected both to a stationary network with a voltage of 220 V/50 Hz, and to the vehicle’s on-board electrical network (12 V direct current). The power can be different, the range is from 100 to 1500 W. And the temperature developed by various plates is +90°С…+180°С. As for installation, the devices are attached using an adhesive film (the surface must first be cleaned and degreased).

Electric heating plates must not be used to warm batteries. Other devices are used for these purposes.

A special feature of heating plates is that they are designed for long-term operation. That is, they cannot be used to quickly warm up the engine or its individual elements. Although there are some high-power models that work with a time relay.

The advantages of heating plates include:

• Economical. Using electricity will cost you less than using liquid fuel.
• Reliability and durability. Most electric heating plates do not require repairs or maintenance inspections and do not need to be handled by service centers. At the same time, manufacturers, as a rule, establish significant warranty periods.
• Easy to install. Most heating plates are simply glued to the heated surface using an adhesive film that comes with the heater. You can do the installation yourself without turning to a service station for help.
• Abrasion resistance. The surface of the heating plate is covered special material, resistant not only to abrasion, but also to significant mechanical damage.
• Safety of use. This applies to both the driver and the elements of the car itself. The heating plates are well protected from moisture and small particles getting inside them (the degree of dust and moisture protection is IP65 for most models).

As for the disadvantages of heating plates, they include:

• High price. The price to pay for the advantages described above is high cost.
• Battery wear. Due to the fact that the plates use electricity from the battery to operate, the driver must constantly monitor the condition and performance of the latter. Up to replacing it with a more capacious and/or new one.

However, as practice shows, electric heating plates are very convenient to use, and their purchase is worthwhile, especially in regions with cold climates. Therefore, we would recommend that you buy heating plates if possible and use them for installation as an alternative to conventional engine pre-heaters.

Now we present to your attention several popular plates used by car owners.

Models	Description and features	Price as of autumn 2017
Keenovo 100W 12V Flexible Heating Plate	Specific power - 0.52 W/cm². Maximum temperature +180°C. A special feature of the plate is the presence of a high-temperature self-adhesive surface on one side of the plate, as well as the presence of a porous surface on the other side to reduce heat loss. The size is 127x152 mm with a 5 mm sponge. The plate is designed for autonomous preheating of engines with a displacement of up to 3 liters; it has an adhesive layer that ensures maximum adhesion between the plate and the surface at elevated temperatures. The plate is provided with an additional layer of thermal insulation in the form of a porous sponge, which ensures the heating of the oil layer necessary for a warm engine start in about 15 minutes of operation.	3610 rubles
	Maximum heating temperature +90°C. There is an additional rheostat for setting the temperature. Ideal for installation on the crankcase and engine block, hydraulic and transmission elements as the dimensions are 127x152 mm. The coating of the plates is resistant to friction. Comes standard with a 100 cm cable.	3650 rubles
Keenovo 250W 220V Flexible Heating Plate	Maximum temperature +150°C. Dimensions 127x152 mm. Ideal for installation on the crankcase and engine block, hydraulic and transmission elements, and various types of pumps. The coating of the plates is resistant to friction. Standardly equipped with a 100 cm cable for power supply from a 220 V outlet	3650 rubles
Hotstart AF10024	Power supply 220 V, power 100 W, dimensions 101×127 mm.	7900 rubles
Hotstart AF15024	Power supply 220 V, power 150 W, dimensions 101×127 mm.	9700 rubles
Hotstart AF25024	Power supply 220 V, power 250 W, dimensions 127x152 mm.	9700 rubles

Autonomous heaters

Otherwise, they are called fuel ones, since they operate on fuel. The principle of their operation is as follows: the pump pumps gasoline or diesel fuel from the fuel tank into the combustion chamber. The mixture is ignited by a red-hot ceramic pin (the latter only needs a small fraction of the current to heat up, unlike a metal pin).

Eberspacher Hydronic D4W installed on a car

As a result of heating the heater, warm liquid circulates throughout the system, giving off heat to the internal combustion engine and the stove radiator. As soon as the temperature reaches more than 70 degrees. Celsius, the stove includes semi-mode and standby mode. That is, the device does not operate at full capacity, but when the temperature drops below 20 degrees. the cycle repeats, which explains the name - autonomous heater.

Autonomous heating system car engine has different operating modes. For example, in summer, when the air inside the car is occasionally blown by a fan. If such a system is used, there is no need for an air conditioner, because it is easy to reduce the temperature in normal mode.

The autonomous heater is turned on different ways, but the simplest was and remains the timer. It is located inside the machine, it can be programmed and set to any duration of operation.

Turning on using a timer is very convenient. For example, if a motorist goes to work every day, then the timer can be set to the same turn-on time.

How Webasto Thermo Top Evo works

If a variable schedule is more suitable, then it is better to use the remote control to turn it on. It is capable of operating within a radius of up to 1 km. In other words, the heater can be turned on from the balcony of a multi-story building.

Another control option is the GSM module. You can use it from a regular smartphone, controlling the operation of the module through commands. Theoretically, the GSM module can be connected from anywhere in the world, as long as the car is within range.

The most popular devices of this type in our country are Webasto and Eberspascher. Their models designed for both foreign cars and domestic cars With different types and engine volume.

From Russian manufacturers Teplostar loudly announced itself, producing products that are almost half the price of foreign analogues.

Model table autonomous heaters

Disadvantages of autonomous heaters:

1. Difficulty of installation. This is not an electric heater that you can easily install yourself.
2. Expensive. They even cost an order of magnitude higher basic models, without additional components. In addition, the installation of such equipment is highly valued - at least 8-10 thousand rubles. And the more difficult it is to find a place under the hood for installation, the installation will be more expensive.
3. Dependence on battery. You should always keep a charged and reliable battery under the hood.
4. Some models are dependent on fuel quality. It is recommended to pay attention to this and regularly carry out diagnostics and cleaning.

Advantages of autonomous heaters:

1. Autonomous mode, no need to depend on external power sources.
2. Super efficient and capable of long-term continuous operation. On cold winter days, the car interior and internal combustion engine can be heated to operating temperature with a fuel consumption of less than 1 l/h in just 40-50 minutes.
3. Wide range of activation and programming options.

Making a choice in favor of one heater or another will now be much easier. If financial resources allow, then it is better to install stand-alone option. For other cases, you can choose a good and quite effective electric heater.

The engine is an indispensable device in extreme weather conditions. Most often it is preferred by inhabitants of areas where the temperature most of the time of the year does not exceed zero degrees.

The preheater is activated by remote control. Thus, the car owner will not have to get into his vehicle when it is not yet warmed up. At the same time, he will always be completely confident that the car will start in any bad weather. Using the remote control, the car owner activates the device without leaving home.

general characteristics

Such a device is certainly a necessity in the climatic conditions of Russia. After all, most of the year our weather is not the most favorable for operating a car. Starting the engine often becomes problematic. Therefore, thanks to the heater, the service life diesel unit increases with ease of use.

It's quite easy to use. The car enthusiast can only choose suitable option, and this is the only thing that can be difficult, since there are already many manufacturers of this device and choosing a suitable model from the whole variety sometimes becomes a difficult task.

Air heater or diesel engine preheater?

If a car enthusiast wants to get into a car that has already been warmed up, then he cannot do without an air device. Often the car is warmed up with the engine running. However, this method cannot be called the best. And fuel consumption with this approach will increase significantly. Therefore, air heaters are part of the standard equipment of many large-sized Vehicle. But the device can also be beneficial for passenger cars.

Advantages of an air heater

The advantages of using a heater are the following:

• improved visibility;
• comfort;
• increasing safety and quality during operation;
• fuel economy.

In addition to saving fuels and lubricants, it is possible to prevent rapid wear motor and reduce funds for its repair and maintenance.

Of course, the car enthusiast begins to think about purchasing a diesel engine preheater primarily in order to increase ease of use. But an air heater is also quite suitable for this purpose. But if you also want the service life of engine parts to increase, then you should think about the option under consideration. And manufacturers are ready to offer a wide selection of devices.

Advantages of a preheater

It can be activated remotely and is capable of warming up the engine to 25 degrees. At the same time, the interior of the car will also become warm, which will significantly increase ease of use.

Among the most important advantages The devices are the following:

1. The engine always starts without problems. The car owner will save a lot of his nerves and save fuel. Regular and stable starting will increase the service life of engine parts. In addition, the load on the battery will be reduced and the amount of harmful emissions will be reduced.
2. Warm interior. This will increase the convenience for the car owner and protect him, since in this case the risk of diseases will be reduced.
3. Clean glasses. An excellent overview will be provided from the very beginning of the trip.

Thanks to all these components, diesel engine preheaters become universal devices for car owners.

Various models of preheaters are characterized by various features with its advantages and disadvantages.

Difficult choice

To answer the question of which diesel engine preheater is best to purchase, you need to take into account various nuances. This includes the frequency of use of the vehicle, the characteristics of the vehicle itself, as well as the conditions of its operation and the service life of the engine.

If the climatic conditions are satisfactory, then there is no particular need for the device. Also, if the car is in a heated garage most of the time, then a heater is unlikely to be needed. It’s another matter if the car is operated in a harsh climate, where winters are usually long and frosty. Then the preheater will be truly in demand.

Naturally modern new car It will start easily even in cold weather, but the wear of its engine parts will accelerate, since they are subjected to additional and heavy load. Therefore, those car enthusiasts who want their vehicle to last as long as possible should take care of it and purchase a diesel engine pre-heater.

Reviews from those who already use the device are mostly positive. Some people prefer models domestic production, and some choose only imported ones. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Let's look at the brands that are most in demand among car enthusiasts.

Electric heater

Electric pre-heaters for diesel engines operate from a 220V network. This device is distinguished by its relative simplicity and low price. It will the best option for those cars that are part of the time in the garage, and sometimes parked on the street. It is clear that it requires power from the network. Therefore, such a device is not the most convenient, since it will have to be connected to the network before starting the engine. Some models of such heaters have a fan that allows you to heat the interior.

The device is shaped like a regular boiler with antifreeze in the cooling system. This option is the most budget-friendly. You can find cheap domestically produced models with minimal functionality.

Foreign-made heaters that are protected from overheating will cost more. And some choose devices that have many functions, including battery charging and a start timer.

Standalone devices

Unlike those described above, these devices do not require an electrical connection. In order for autonomous devices to work, the presence of fuel in the car is sufficient, with the help of which they function. coolant is forced to circulate over a small radius.

The small arc includes the interior stove. Therefore, as a result of the operation of the device, the car becomes completely warm. The equipment provides expanded functionality, as well as overheating protection.

If you constantly use your car in extreme conditions, it is, of course, better to purchase this type of device. Taking into account the features of the engine and choosing a model from a trusted manufacturer, the car enthusiast will ensure comfortable ride It will immediately slow down the wear of parts and eliminate unforeseen situations when the engine simply does not start.

"Teplostar", "Binar" and "Kamaz"

Since 1995, the companies Teplostar and Advers have been producing diesel engine pre-heaters jointly. Among the models you can find both liquid and air devices.

The most common of them were diesel engine pre-heaters “Binar” and “Teplostar”, as well as air devices “Planar”. They are all compact in size, easy to install and operate, and display temperature data very accurately.

Domestic models are distinguished by reasonable prices and decent quality. Sometimes such devices are purchased for installation on trucks. But for Kamaz they use special pre-heaters for the Kamaz diesel engine that have long proven themselves.

The battery with such a device will never run out, since the standard stove is constantly running. If you need to wait for loading/unloading, there is no need to warm up idle speed, wasting a large amount of fuel. At the same time, the engine life will be saved by 400 kilometers each time (this is exactly how much is allocated for wear of parts during a cold start for Kamaz).

Webasto or Hydronic

Those who trust only foreign manufacturers should pay attention to diesel engine preheaters Webasto and Hydronic.

The first are represented by three models:

• E - for cars;
• C - for engines from 2200 cc;
• R - for SUVs, minivans and minibuses.

The advantages of the models include the presence of an automatic programmable timer and remote control. The disadvantages are the possible freezing of the liquid crystal screen and the high cost of the equipment.

The pre-heater for the Hydronic diesel engine is available in five modifications:

• 4 - for small cars with an engine capacity of up to two liters;
• 5 - for cars with an engine of more than two liters;
• МΙΙ - for trucks and special equipment - from 5.5 to 15 liters;
• ΙΙ Comfort - for engines from two liters;
• LΙΙ - for trucks and special equipment - over 15 liters.

The devices are capable of self-diagnosis, but they can often become clogged and must be replaced at your own expense.

DIY diesel engine preheater

Some car owners prefer to do everything themselves. Let's look at what it is homemade heater and how to make it.

The device includes a small chamber-boiler, where it is supplied fuel-air mixture and a component for setting it on fire. Diesel fuel comes here directly from the fuel tank. The heater has a coolant circuit that heats up and releases heat into the space after switching to a small circuit.

To make this device you will need:

• a heater, which could be a coil from an electric kettle;
• fittings;
• tank;
• junction box.

Preparing and installing the device

Fuel fittings are installed and secured to the bottom of the tank. Another fitting is sealed in the wall to bleed air. A heater is attached to the lid, and its contacts are brought out.

The connection is made through the prepared one. Then the wire can be unfastened and removed at any time.

Then the tank is sealed with epoxy resin and the hoses are connected.

The device can be installed in a car in different ways, for example, using an additional circuit that heats the engine oil.

Of course, this method is resorted to only if it is not possible to purchase a ready-made diesel engine pre-heater, the price of which varies from several thousand rubles, and in some models exceeds a hundred.

But it’s better to fork out the cash and trust professionally manufactured heaters.

Instructions for modern cars They claim that there is no need to carry out any preparatory procedures before the trip, just sit down and go, what’s easier? But experienced drivers have a slightly different opinion.

Those who have been driving for more than one year believe that exposing the engine to stress, which is essentially a significant load for several minutes after a cold start, is very risky. After all thermal clearances The lubricant had not yet reached its normal state; the lubricant had not yet reached the distant channels.

Even high-quality, expensive engine oil and perfect engine design will not protect it from accelerated wear.

With this type of operation, it will be difficult for an inexperienced driver to suspect that something wrong is happening with the engine, because the ignition and injection systems are controlled by perfect electronic devices, neither dips nor weak reaction to gas will be observed.

However, practice has proven that if you want to maintain the performance of your car, on a frosty day, warm up the engine before driving.

Best option:

• start the engine,
• turn on the heated seats, steering wheel, windows, a couple of minutes will be enough to warm up,
• the beginning of the movement should be smooth, it is better to avoid both high and low revs, ideally the tachometer needle should be in the middle of the scale.

When operating in this mode, the motor will acquire faster operating temperature, the gearbox, if equipped, will get a chance for a longer life.

What about the instructions? In many countries, in order to combat air pollution, “smoke” is strictly prohibited in residential areas. The second, no less weighty argument is that car manufacturers are not at all interested in each of their creations living forever. By increasing production volumes, they assume that car owners will increasingly have a desire, or need, to replace their car with a new one.

For those who truly care about their vehicle and want to continue the period without problematic operation, you should consider purchasing and installing a pre-heater.

Moreover, installing a heater with programmable or remote control will allow you to pre-heat the car, even before leaving the house.

Heaters can be autonomous or non-autonomous, electric.

Electric heaters are popular in countries with harsh winters and are a built-in standard feature on many models. Since such cars periodically require recharging, electrical outlets designed for this are available in all parking lots and parking lots.

What does a pre-heater consist of?

Purpose of autonomous liquid device— warming up the engine before starting, i.e. without turning it on directly, which is extremely important at sub-zero air temperatures outside. In some cases, the device is used to warm up the air inside the car, and also to defrost windshield wipers and windows covered with frost.

The device is quite compact; the design includes several elements:

• a block that turns on the heater,
  thermal relay for activating the climate system fan
  main unit - boiler, consisting of a heat exchanger and combustion chamber,
• fuel line equipped with a fuel supply pump
  there is also a pump designed for pumping coolant

Used to control the device the electronic unit.

Installation is carried out in the engine compartment; for installation you will need to make a connection:

• heat exchanger of the device to the small circuit of the cooling system
• electronic control unit - to the car's electrical circuit

Although this procedure is not complicated at first glance, it would be better if it was carried out by service station specialists.

Remote control of preheater

When installing a pre-heater, the car owner will have to decide how he will turn on the device: while inside the car, using a transponder (remote control) or using a GSM module mobile phone.

The first option is much cheaper, the cost with installation is in the range of 2.5 - 3 thousand rubles. The main disadvantage will be the need to go outside and open the car if it is necessary to reprogram the device, i.e. every time you want to change the switching time.

The second option, purchase and installation, can cost at least 10 thousand rubles, but at the same time it will eliminate the inconveniences associated with the operation of the first option.

The third option, using a GSM module, turns out to be the most convenient in practice; you don’t need to wear a remote control, all commands can be given from your mobile phone. Naturally, this will require the selection and purchase of a GSM module; the cost of these devices varies widely.

The operating principle of the pre-heater is as follows:

• a signal from the phone, timer or remote control triggers the trigger
• diesel fuel or gasoline is supplied to the combustion chamber of the device connected to the fuel line
• as a result of mixing fuel with air mass, it forms flammable mixture, for the ignition of which either ceramic pins or spark plugs are used

The process of heat accumulation in the heat exchanger is accompanied by pumping the heated medium through the small engine circuit. Such heating allows you to obtain an increase in the temperature of all structural elements sufficient for subsequent rapid startup.

By activating the heating of the interior and windows, we get the following: the thermal relay is turned on as a result of the engine reaching the set temperature, then heat begins to be supplied to the interior of the car and to the windows.

Types of pre-heaters

The design principle of heaters may involve the use of liquid or air as a heat carrier. For passenger cars characterized by the use of liquid heating, for trucks and other large-sized vehicles and special equipment - air.

This division is justified structurally; air heaters are larger in size and can generate a significant amount of heat; naturally, fuel consumption will increase.

Liquid heating can be carried out by several types of devices.

A. Designed for cars with small interiors and engines whose volume does not exceed 2 liters, they consume fuel economically.

B. Universal purpose, with optimized ratio of dimensions and efficiency, can be used for small cars and for cargo minibuses.

IN. Used for SUVs and minivans, with more impressive dimensions, higher fuel consumption and higher heat dissipation.

A special feature of this type is the optimized fluid circulation mode, which ensures rapid warming up of large-volume engines and large cabins.

All three types are universal in terms of fuel; they can work with gas, diesel, and gasoline engines.

The amount of fuel that the preheater will require per hour of operation at maximum load will not exceed 0.5 liters.

Pre-heater Binar

If we talk about choosing a high-quality and inexpensive heater, then you should definitely remember the product from the Teplostar company. According to the principle of design and connection, the Binar heater does not differ from its analogues: the energy generated as a result of combustion of the air-fuel mixture is transferred to the heat exchanger, which leads to its heating and heating of the antifreeze.

The heated liquid, using a pump, is pumped through the car's cooling system, resulting in heating of the engine and interior. The device is controlled by setting a timer installed inside the cabin.

Binar preheaters are devices that operate autonomously. They can be installed on cars running on both gasoline and diesel fuel.

The device helps simplify engine starting at sub-zero temperatures and helps preserve engine life.

Experts say that in some cases, in order to disable diesel engine, it is enough to perform one cold start.

Any type of pre-heater should be operated following a simple rule. The heater should be started at least once a month, regardless of the time of year. those. even in the summer months. This will help remove soot formed during fuel combustion. If you break this rule, you can cause the heater to block.

Since the preheater is powered by battery, then in conditions of short trips, about 10 - 15 km daily, and a long stay in traffic jams on city streets, it is likely that the battery will be completely discharged in just a couple of weeks. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that the operating time of the preheater and the engine be the same.

The driver must ensure that the warm-up cycle is complete, otherwise there is a risk of soot settling on the walls of the combustion chamber.

An interrupted cycle does not allow the soot to burn out completely, which can cause system failure.

Pre-heater with auxiliary heater function

The main advantages of using liquid heaters are usually:

• possibility of preheating the interior and engine,
  defrosting glass,
• the ability to start a trip without waiting for the engine to warm up.

With careful use, engine life increases significantly.

Among the positives, it should also be noted that autonomous heaters can serve as additional heat sources that will help warm the interior on particularly cold days. After all, at very low temperatures, a car moving at speed gets cold very quickly.

The possibility of additional heating will be especially useful for a diesel engine type, because its calorific value is much less. In the design of some modern cars Initially, the presence of an autonomous engine heater is provided.

thermal thermoses-accumulators

Some cars, take at least the version of a hybrid car produced in the USA Toyota Prius, are equipped with special autonomously operating heating devices and heat accumulators. According to the principle of operation, they resemble thermoses in which well-heated antifreeze accumulates.

Such a thermos can maintain temperature indicators for a couple of days.

Starting the engine leads to the supply of warm liquid to the small circuit of the cooling system, the temperature of all available antifreeze increases by 12-18 degrees.

Diesel engine preheater

As the air temperature drops to +5 C, owners of cars with diesel engines begin to have problems. The reason is that diesel fuel at such temperatures changes its viscosity characteristics and begins to wax.

This causes deterioration in the passage of fuel along the line, in particular through the filter. Those. There is a very real threat of interruptions in the supply of fuel to the engine.

The second negative point is the increase in the amount of fuel consumed. Since thickened diesel fuel is less atomized, its combustion process in the cylinders is not complete, engine power decreases, which leads to an increase in fuel consumption.

The surest way to eliminate these problems is to warm up difficult to pass areas fuel line. Optimal temperature values ​​can be ensured by installing vehicle-adapted heaters.

According to their purpose, such devices are divided into pre-launch and main ones. Pre-launch, accordingly, the engine is heated before it starts. During the heating process, the paraffin crystals that fill the pores of the filters melt.

March heating used to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply through each element of the line during engine operation. This will require the installation of an autonomous device that can provide heating for each section of the fuel supply system, from fuel tank all the way to the engine.

The design of fuel heating devices can be of the bandage type, i.e. it is installed on the filter fine cleaning, the second option - ensures uniform heating of the entire line through which fuel is supplied.

Devices of the second type can be:

• flow-through, their design involves passing through the heater jacket, they are also called mortise
• tape, designed for wrapping problem areas of the highway through which diesel fuel is supplied.

From all of the above, it is easy to draw a conclusion about the usefulness of devices for pre-heating engines and mid-flight fuel heaters for diesel engines. The only drawback of these useful devices is the relatively high cost.

It is up to the owner to decide whether to install heaters or not, of course, if they are not built-in initially on a given car model. But before abandoning such an improvement, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons.

Already today, some automakers supplying their models to Russia offer as an option the installation of an autonomous pre-heater for the engine and interior. This thing, especially in the northeastern regions of the country, is practically irreplaceable, and the benefits from it are invaluable. But what should those Russian car enthusiasts do who do not have such a device in the list of car equipment? Fortunately, it is now easy to purchase and install a preheater for the engine and interior. The question is: is it worth spending money on it, and what is the practical use of this device? We will try to answer all these and many other questions in this article.

Question 1. What is a pre-heater.

A pre-heater is, as we mentioned above, a small device that is designed to warm up the engine without directly turning it on, the interior of the car, it can also be used to defrost frosty windows and wipers. The device itself consists of several elements: the so-called “boiler”, which includes a heat exchanger and combustion chamber, fuel pump and a fuel line, another pump, the function of which is to drive it through the system. In addition, this includes a thermal relay that activates the fan of the standard climate system, an electronic control unit and the device itself, with which the preheater is turned on.

It is installed in engine compartment car. It is installed quite simply: the heat exchanger of the device is connected to the small circuit of the engine cooling system, the electronic control unit is connected to the vehicle’s electrical network. Despite the apparent simplicity of installation, this operation is best left to specialists.

Question 2. How does the pre-heater work?

Let's say you decide to install a pre-heater, buy the device and install it on your car. In this case, you will definitely be asked how exactly you want to turn on the device: directly from the car cabin, using a remote control (transpoder) or directly from a mobile phone (GSM module). The first option is the cheapest (on average 2,500 rubles with installation), its only disadvantage is that if you need to reprogram the pre-heater, you will need to go into the car again and reset the time. The second option is more expensive (on average 9,000 rubles with installation), but it does not have the disadvantages of the first option. Finally, the third option is the most convenient, since it does not require carrying an additional device with you, because all operations can be performed from a mobile phone. However, here you will have to spend money on purchasing a GSM module, the cost of which varies widely.

After the signal from the timer, remote control or phone arrives at the heater control unit at the time you specify, the device will start, and gasoline or diesel will begin to be sucked into its combustion chamber from the car tank through the fuel line. There, the fuel will mix with air, and the resulting air-fuel mixture will be ignited by the spark plug or ceramic pins. The generated heat accumulates in a heat exchanger, from where it is driven through a small circuit using a pump and heats the engine, facilitating quick starting. If the interior heating function is activated, then when a certain temperature is reached, the thermostat turns on, and the heat coming from the heat exchanger is directed into the vehicle interior, as well as onto the windows.

When the driver’s set temperature in the cabin is reached, the thermostat turns off the heater fan, turning it on again if the air temperature in the cabin drops. As a result, when the driver approaches the car, he receives a warm engine and warm interior. All that remains is to start the engine and off you go!

Question 3. What types of preheaters are there?

Based on the type of device, preheaters are divided into liquid and air. On passenger cars Liquid heaters are used, and the scope of air devices is special equipment, trucks, buses and sea vessels. Air heaters are larger in size than liquid heaters, produce more heat and, accordingly, consume more fuel.

Liquid preheaters, in turn, are divided into several types. Please note that they are designed to work with gasoline and diesel engines, as well as with power plants running on gas. Conventionally, these types can be designated as follows:

A – for compact cars;

B – universal;

Type “A” has the most compact dimensions of all presented, designed for installation on cars with small interior dimensions and engines up to 2.0 liters. Naturally, the fuel consumption of such heaters is the most economical. Type “B” is considered universal because it balances such properties as efficiency and size - such a device can be installed on both a compact car and cargo minibus. Finally, the third type "B" has large sizes, than the first two, gives off more heat and consumes more fuel. Its feature is an optimized fluid circulation mode, which allows you to quickly heat both a large engine and a larger interior.

Question 4. Pros and cons of preheaters.

Let us note right away that preheaters have more advantages than disadvantages. First of all, a car enthusiast who installs an autonomous pre-heater on his car provides himself with a ready-to-use car, the engine and interior of which are heated to optimal temperatures. Secondly, the use of a device for heating the engine helps to extend the life of the power unit, because most engines, although they are “trained” to start in the most severe frosts, are still stressful for power units, which reduces their service life.

The big disadvantages of pre-starting autonomous heaters include their relatively high cost. On average, such a device will cost 35-40,000 rubles with installation. The smaller disadvantages are increased fuel consumption, because heaters use fuel from the tank to operate. Whether it is worth spending money on this thing, which is generally useful in our climate, is up to each motorist to decide individually.

The engine preheater is installed on various types of equipment, from civilian passenger cars to heavy trucks, special vehicles, etc. Equipping the engine and interior with a pre-heating device makes it easier and longer lifespan power plant and significantly increase operating comfort in winter.

For machines that do not have a standard installed heater, it is possible to separately purchase and install a similar solution. At the same time, engine heating can be installed on almost any car model. The main thing is to choose the right one required device from those options that are commercially available, as well as perform high-quality installation.

Next, we will look at what types of engine pre-heaters there are, and we will study the principle of operation of pre-heating. We will also try to answer the question of what advantages and disadvantages this or that type of engine and car interior heaters from the general group of similar devices has.

Let's start with the fact that there are several types ICE heaters, which differ in 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 brand, Teplostar, etc.

Please note that autonomous pre-heaters are divided into liquid and air. Liquid heating is intended to warm the engine before starting, as well as to warm up the interior. The air heater allows you to heat only the interior, that is, the problem of cold starting of the internal combustion engine in this case is not solved.

Moreover, both types of heaters are autonomous. The devices take fuel (gasoline, diesel fuel) from the main tank or a separate tank (included with autonomous heater). Next, this fuel is burned in a small combustion chamber.

These solutions are economical, since fuel consumption is low, a minimum of electricity is also consumed, and the heaters have a reduced noise level during operation. It is also worth noting the versatility, since the heater can be installed on a gasoline, diesel, gas or engine, motor, etc.

As a rule, autonomous pre-heaters are installed in engine compartment, after which they also connect to . The air heater does not require such a connection. The device is installed in the cabin, since its task is not to heat the coolant, but to supply heated air into the air ducts.

How does an autonomous engine preheater work?

Let's start with the fact that the liquid heater is a ready-made installation kit. The main elements are:

• boiler with combustion chamber;
• liquid radiator;
• fuel supply lines;
• fuel pump;
• liquid pump;
• thermal relay;
• electronic heater unit;
• controls;

So, after the device receives a start signal, electric current begins to flow to the executive motor. This engine drives a special fuel pump, which is included in the heater design. At the same time, the fan starts working. The pump pumps fuel, after which the fuel evaporates in the evaporator. Air also enters the heater.

As a result, a fuel-air mixture is formed, 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 is made possible thanks 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 coolant heats up to 30 degrees Celsius, the fan of the standard heater (stove) in the cabin turns on automatically. 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 repeat.

If we talk about air heaters, in this device the burner heats only the air and does not heat the coolant. In automatic mode, the device is “oriented” according to the air temperature in the cabin or cabin. In other words, the heater maintains a particular 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 inside the vehicle, but also remotely. Among the main functions, we should highlight the ability automatic switching on preheater by timer, starting the heater remotely from a key fob or using a mobile phone.

Operating principle of electric engine heating

The electric heater is a spiral that is screwed into the engine cylinder block. An electric coil is installed 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 allows the antifreeze or antifreeze to be heated as a result. Coolant circulation and heat distribution occurs naturally (due to convection).

Note that such heating is less effective 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 liquid 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 significant drawback. Another disadvantage is that such a solution consumes quite a lot of electric current.

To ensure that the coolant is heated to a certain temperature and further maintains such a temperature, the owner himself sets the temperature range. To put it simply, it comes with a timer that allows you to set the desired temperature. After the coolant is heated to the required value, the spiral is turned off.

Then, when the liquid temperature drops to a certain threshold, the device will turn on again in automatic mode. We also note that the electric heater allows you to warm up not only the engine, but also the interior. After heating the coolant, the standard stove fan turns on, after which warm air comes out of the air ducts. It is also possible to implement parallel preheating of the power unit.

Heating the engine using a heat accumulator

This type of engine heaters is less common compared to other analogues. Similar solutions on the market are represented by Gulfstream, Autoterm, etc. systems.

The principle of operation of these heat accumulators is that after the coolant is warmed 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 liquid enters the cooling system, which allows you to quickly warm up the engine and interior.

Engine preheater: advantages

As you know, engine wear is most intense at the moment it is started. At the same time, low temperatures affect viscosity motor oil(the lubricant thickens), the lubricating and protective properties deteriorate.

As a result, after a cold start, friction increases; in the first seconds, loaded parts experience oil starvation. Often the elements that wear out the fastest are , and . At the same time, the ability to avoid cold starts and quickly warm up the internal combustion engine to operating temperatures allows us to say that the engine is operated in a gentle mode.

As you can see, the presence of autonomous or electric heater allows you to increase engine life, reduce fuel costs and improve environmental friendliness power units. It is also possible to achieve increased comfort during vehicle operation in winter.

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