Car interior heater "Webasto": the principle of operation and customer reviews
Content
The principle of operation of the independent heater is to burn the fuel-air mixture, resulting in the formation of heat transferred to a heat exchanger connected to the engine, which is heated as a result of the circulation of the coolant.
Vehicles operated at low temperatures are often equipped with an autonomous car interior heater, which is otherwise called "Webasto". It is designed to heat the fuel before starting the engine.
What's this
The device provides trouble-free start of the engine even at extremely low temperatures. It can heat the engine compartment (the area near the fuel filter and the engine) and the interior of the car. The popular name of the heater was fixed by the name of the first manufacturer - the German company "Webasto". Mass production of heaters began in 1935, and they are still popular with residents of the northern regions.
Webasto Company
A heater weighing from 3 to 7 kg is installed next to the engine (or in the passenger compartment) and is connected to the fuel line, as well as the car's electrical network. The operation of the device requires power and fuel, while the consumption of the latter is negligible compared to an idling machine.
How Webasto works
The device consists of several elements:
- combustion chambers (designed to convert fuel energy into heat);
- pump (moves the circulating fluid to transfer the coolant to the right place);
- heat exchanger (transfers thermal energy to the motor);
- electronic control unit.
Working principle of Webasto
The principle of operation of the independent heater is to burn the fuel-air mixture, resulting in the formation of heat transferred to a heat exchanger connected to the engine, which is heated as a result of the circulation of the coolant. When the threshold of 40 ºС is reached, the car's stove is connected to work, which heats the interior of the vehicle. Most appliances are equipped with electronic controllers that turn the heater off and on when the temperature changes.
"Webasto" is sold in two versions - air and liquid.
Air Webasto
The device is installed in the car interior and provides heating by ventilation of warm air. Air Webasto works by analogy with a hair dryer - it blows hot air over the interior or frozen parts of the car. Due to the simplified design, the price of the device is an order of magnitude smaller than a liquid heater.
Air Webasto
This version of the heater requires additional installation of a fuel tank on a diesel car, as it quickly becomes unusable from frozen diesel fuel. It cannot provide pre-start heating of the motor.
Liquid Webasto
The device is installed in the engine compartment, consumes more fuel compared to the first option, but is able to provide engine preheating. It can also be used for additional heating of the car interior.
Liquid Webasto
The price of a liquid heater is higher due to the complicated design and wider functionality.
How to use "Webasto"
The device starts when the engine is off and is powered by a car battery, so the owner should ensure that the battery is always charged. To warm up the interior, it is recommended to set the stove switch to the “warm” position before turning off the ignition, then during a cold start, the temperature will begin to rise immediately.
Setting up the auxiliary heater
There are 3 options for setting the Webasto response time:
- Using the timer - set the day and time the device is turned on.
- Through the control panel - the user sets the moment of operation at any convenient time, the signal reception range is up to 1 km. Models with a remote control are more expensive than timed ones.
- By triggering the GSM module. They are equipped with premium autonomous heaters, which provide the user with the ability to control the device via the Internet using a mobile phone from anywhere. The device is controlled by sending SMS to a given number.
Setting up the auxiliary heater
For the heater to operate, several conditions must be met:
- minus temperature overboard;
- enough fuel in the tank;
- the presence of the necessary battery charge;
- antifreeze must not be overheated.
Proper configuration of the equipment of the machine will ensure the successful launch of Webasto.
Useful tips for use
To prevent the device from failing, it is recommended to fulfill the following requirements:
- carry out a visual inspection of the heater once every 1 months;
- pour only winter diesel fuel at low temperatures;
- in the warm season, the device is recommended to be removed;
- you should not purchase a device if the need for it arises several times a year, it is not economically feasible.
Advantages and disadvantages
"Webasto" has both positive and negative properties. Advantages:
- confidence in the trouble-free start of the engine on a cold one;
- reducing the time to prepare the car for the start of the movement;
- increasing the service life of the engine by reducing the number of "difficult" starts.
The advantages of an autonomous heater
Disadvantages:
- high cost of the system;
- fast discharge of the car battery with frequent use of the device;
- the need to purchase high quality diesel fuel for Webasto.
Before buying a device, it is worth comparing the potential benefits of installing it and the price of the heater.
Price
The cost of the heater varies depending on the version (liquid, air), as well as the condition (new or used). Prices start at $10 for used air heaters and go up to $92 for new fluid models. You can buy the device in specialized stores, as well as in a network of auto parts.
Driver Reviews
Andrei: “I installed the Webasto on a diesel trade wind. Now I have confidence in every start on a frosty morning.”
Ivan: “I bought a cheap air heater. The cabin warms up faster, but in my opinion the device is not worth the money spent on it.
