Autonomous car engine heater: rating of the best models
Content
The pre-heater is an auxiliary device that allows you to start the vehicle faster in conditions of low air temperature. There is a wide variety of such units on the market for automotive accessories, which can create difficulties in selecting a high-performance model for gasoline and diesel engines.
The pre-heater is an auxiliary device that allows you to start the vehicle faster in conditions of low air temperature. There is a wide variety of such units on the market for automotive accessories, which can create difficulties in selecting a high-performance model for gasoline and diesel engines. The article contains detailed information on the types of preheaters, useful tips on choosing an efficient unit and a rating of the best-selling modifications of car engine heaters in 2022.
Why do we need
The main function of such devices is to assist the driver when starting a car with a frozen engine. An increase in the temperature of the antifreeze contributes to its expansion and redistribution in the cooling system, which leads to the replacement of the liquid with a warmer one and maintaining the optimal level of circulation in the engine cooling circuit.
The classic design of the automotive unit provides for the following basic parts in the composition:
- the main heating element with a power of 500 to 5 thousand W, designed to increase the temperature of the antifreeze circulating in the cooling system;
- battery charging unit;
- fan;
- thermostat and thermal switch for temporary shutdown of the unit in case of overheating or final shutdown in case of breakdown;
- control unit with timer.
Engine preheater function
Optionally, the prestarter can include an integrated pump pump to improve performance by increasing heat generation. The coolant temperature level is controlled by a special relay designed for automatic shutdown. The element for heating antifreeze in most models is located at the bottom, with the exception of devices equipped with a pump.
Types of aggregates
Starting heaters are classified depending on the energy source used to power the device. Auto experts distinguish two main types of units that help when starting the engine in cold weather:
- autonomous, connected to the vehicle electronics;
- electric, powered by a household network of 220 V.
There is a third type of such devices - batteries that function by concentrating thermal energy, but their scope is very limited.
electrical
This type of car engine heater works when connected to a regular 220-volt outlet at home or in the garage. This is the best option with a limited budget, the installation of the unit is also carried out independently.
Autonomous
The operation is based on receiving energy from the on-board car network under voltage of 12 and 24 volts. Pre-launch devices are mounted in the engine compartment, operate on diesel fuel, gasoline or liquefied gas. Compared to electrical equipment for warming up the engine, stand-alone units are more expensive in price, some models are equipped with a remote control and a timer. The main disadvantage of such devices is the need to contact the service for installation, which leads to additional financial costs.
Sectional preheater
The choice of device depending on the power and type of car
The determining factor is the area of primary operation of the vehicle. For example, during intercity travel, autonomous liquid modifications of increased power show the greatest efficiency, helping to start the engine without access to outlets. Such heaters are popular in the north of the country, as well as among bus and truck drivers, regardless of the region of travel.
When operating within the boundaries of a populated area, the best option would be to purchase one of the inexpensive modifications of 220-volt preheaters. This choice is due to the wide possibilities for connecting to a household electrical network, while the unit does not have to have high power.
How to choose an electric heater for 220 V
An auxiliary gadget for starting the engine should be purchased taking into account personal needs, technical characteristics and cost. Despite the ease of operation of electrical devices that require only a standard outlet in the garage to connect, auto experts recommend giving preference to fuel-powered equipment. Gasoline and other types of combustible materials, when burned, release energy of increased density, that is, a small amount of liquid allows you to get a high output efficiency.
Gasoline engine unit
The components of this type of motors are subject to increased stress, which is due to the need for preliminary pumping of oil in the sump. For example, a single engine start at -15 C° is similar to a 100 km run in terms of the degree of impact on parts. The prestarter creates and maintains a comfortable antifreeze temperature, minimizing friction between the surfaces of individual parts, which allows you to start the engine faster and increase the time between failures.
Pre-engine for gasoline engine
Diesel engine option
It is recommended to purchase units running on gasoline, the best effect is achieved when combined with electrical devices that protect diesel fuel circulating in the line from cooling. Most often, diesel fuel freezes more strongly in the fine filter - a device like a bandage with mounting clamps is suitable for solving this problem.
The operation of trucks and buses in the harsh climatic conditions of the northern regions of the Russian Federation requires the installation of several copies of pre-launch equipment, however, the car owner must correctly calculate the total power in order to avoid battery discharge.
The best units according to drivers
Russian online stores of car accessories offer a variety of liquid heaters with home delivery, differing in power, configuration and temperature range. Feedback from vehicle owners on the Internet indicates the increased popularity of five modifications that are ideal for warming up the engine of most models of trucks and cars. Devices are used regardless of the brand of car - the units are compatible with domestic and foreign car brands.
Airline "Whirlwind-1000 AE-PP-1000"
Electric device with a shock-resistant aluminum housing and a pump pump that pumps up to 8 liters. every minute, has a heat output of 1 kW. The maximum achievable temperature is 85 C°, the integrated two-level overheating protection protects against premature failure and increases the service life. The unit is equipped with a 0.9 m long cord for connecting to a 220 V household power supply, the diameter of the fittings for installation is 16 mm.
Airline "Whirlwind-1000 AE-PP-1000"
Airline "Whirlwind-500 AE-PP-500"
This model is similar to the previous one in terms of basic characteristics, but consumes half as much power - 0.5 kW. The wet anchor pump is designed without the use of seals, which allows you to increase the operating life and maintain a stable circulation of antifreeze in the cooling system. Both gadgets of the Airline brand line are designed for use in passenger cars.
Airline "Whirlwind-500 AE-PP-500"
"ORION 8026"
Pumpless, high power fluid device operating at 3 watts, ideal for use in cars, trucks, and buses. To connect the unit, a standard 220 V household socket is sufficient.
"ORION 8026"
"Severs PBN 3.0 (M3) + KMP-0070"
The heater with a cast aluminum housing operates at a voltage of 220 V, the operating power is 3 thousand W, and the weight is 1220 g. "Severs M3" is equipped with a cable 150 cm long, which allows you to easily connect the device to sockets in places remote from the car. The horizontal form factor eliminates the possibility of antifreeze flooding into the case and contact with electrical components, which increases reliability and safety in use.
The timer on a mechanical basis allows you to schedule automatic activation of the heater with an accuracy of 15 minutes. for a period of up to 24 hours, the temperature range for switching on and off the unit is 90-140 C °. The ball valve in the design enhances the intensity of the engine warm-up, and the drain plug allows you to quickly remove the used antifreeze directly from the device body.
"Severs PBN 3.0 (M3) + KMP-0070"
"Vympel 8025"
The unit, executed in a minimalist style, consumes 1,5 thousand W at a voltage of 220 V, which allows you to successfully heat up both cars and trucks at temperatures down to -45 C °. To connect to the household power supply use a 1 m cable, the heater stops working automatically at -65 C°.
The car engine heater weighs 650 gr. and belongs to the IP34 water resistance class, which provides reliable protection of the body from liquid splashing and protects against external damage. The Vympel 8025 antifreeze heater can be used to start the engine of Ford, KAMAZ, Toyota, KIA, Volga and other car brands.
"Vympel 8025"
How to choose a car heater
Buying a quality water heater is not an easy task that requires a responsible approach, evaluation of technical characteristics and consideration of a wide range of related factors. Following the recommendations for the selection of electric and autonomous units will allow you to effectively warm up the engine and significantly increase its service life.
