Probably every driver living in a cold region of the country was faced with the problems of starting a car engine. Severe frost can lead to temporary failure of the battery pack and power unit, as well as lead to negative consequences in the form of destruction of individual elements. Various means help to prevent such phenomena, including many popular methods. However, experts still recommend using an engine pre-heater, which, if installed correctly, will not cause damage to the engine compartment and, at the same time, save the motorist from problems with activating the power unit. On the market, such systems are presented in different versions, many of which are made by handicraft. For this reason, it is recommended to contact trusted manufacturers, among which Defa occupies a special place.
Defa Trigger Overview
Until recently, pre-heating systems were considered a rather dubious means of combating the freezing of the power plant outfits with fuel additives that increase the power of the car. Defa's Norwegian developers managed to take such devices to a whole new level, confirming their effectiveness and safety. Under this brand, compact, environmentally friendly and functional mechanisms that are suitable for different models are produced today. 220V electric preheaters also have a unique Mini Plug technology, which ensures reliable connection of the device to the power supply. Plug connector systems in some versions are implemented on the basis of armored cables for 220/230 V power supply networks. In addition to mechanical and thermal protection, the connecting fittings also receive a waterproof shell. The user only needs to correctly install the system according to one of the proposed configurations.
Varieties of preheater
Devices are divided into two main groups - liquid and electrical. They differ in the way of energy supply. Liquid heaters operate on gasoline or diesel, so a special combustion chamber is provided for the functioning of the mechanism. Such units have relatively impressive dimensions in comparison with electrical counterparts, but their complete advantages include complete autonomy. Such a device does not require cabling, therefore, installation work is facilitated. In turn, pre-heater 220V can work in conjunction with the battery pack or through the cigarette lighter. That is, in any case, the user must insure against freezing of the battery pack itself, otherwise the cigarette lighter will not work.
Preparation for installation
At the time of the mechanical installation, the car owner must solve two problems. Firstly, create an opening in the cooling pipeline system, and secondly, install sockets through which the pre-start electric heater will be connected to the power source. As for the technical hole for integrating the device, it should be formed using a special tool in the form of a metal cutter. It is important to note that in some circuits there are already holes with plugs - even if they do not correspond to the size of the heater, it makes sense to check the possibility of connecting through adapters and adapters. Before drilling, antifreeze and other technical fluids and oils that may circulate in the work line should be drained.
Now you can go to the outlet. As noted above, Defa uses Mini Plug devices in new devices. To install such an outlet, it is necessary to make a small hole in the front bumper, to which the on-board power supply will be connected. However, the installation of a pre-heater with a separate outlet can also be performed along the internal line. But it is advisable to avoid direct connection of the device to the battery, since this option is less reliable and in the event of a power failure can threaten the failure of all electrical equipment.
Preheater Installation
The classic installation by tapping into the circuit of the cooling system involves different methods of installation. Regardless of how the hole was formed, the connection can be made by screwing in or using the Defa spacer mechanism. The pre-heater in the first case is screwed into the hole and fixed with additional fasteners on the sides. The installation option using spacers is more complicated, but in practice it is more reliable. If, in the case of screwing in, you cannot do without creating a thread, then this time it is enough to introduce the device into the circuit and activate the spacer mechanism - fixing will happen automatically.
There are models that integrate into the artificial circuit of the cooling system. That is, an additional pumping circle is created, designed specifically to ensure the function of the heater. In this case, it is advisable to use pre-heaters with a pump, which is a booster pump. This configuration allows the coolant to circulate with a gradual but constant heating. The artificial circuit requires a lot of effort from the point of view of installation, but during operation it turns out to be more effective.
Install assistive devices
Among the additional optional features, a temperature sensor and a battery charging unit deserve attention. In some cases, you can do without these components, but the system will lose in reliability and ease of use. A temperature sensor, for example, is required to automate the heater, and the power supply unit makes the electrical system autonomous. The installation of the sensor is carried out according to the same principle as the main Defa heating device. The pre-heater is integrated into the circuit of the cooling system, and next to it, if possible, you should also embed a temperature measuring device. Moreover, if it is possible to integrate into the circuit through the factory hole, then it is better to install the sensor in this way. The charging unit is located next to the battery - it should provide for a special flat platform, mounting frame and insulation materials.
Features of the installation of diesel systems
Such devices differ in the principle of work and the tasks that confront them. In particular, they are used purposefully to eliminate the risk of solidification of paraffins, which dissolve in the fuel during severe frosts. As for the installation, in contrast to conventional heaters, diesel plants are integrated directly into the fuel circuits and units. Most often, a diesel pre- heater is mounted next to fine filters. When the fluid passes through this area, it is heated. Tape models of heaters of this type, which are installed in hard-to-reach areas of fuel pipelines, are also common.
Preheater Control
The Norwegian manufacturer is famous not only for the development of unusual designs of heaters, but also for control systems. A standard pre-start electric heater, for example, can be programmed to work at certain time intervals through a special control unit. Also, the user can independently activate the function of the device through a special remote control.
A special relay is used to interact with the on-board control system and the heater. If necessary, it can also act as a controller for the entire heating infrastructure of the car. With this scheme, the engine pre-heater can work in parallel with the heater in the cabin. However, control will also be carried out in a separate order - either through a computer or through a remote control.
Positive feedback on Defa systems
Users mainly note the reliability of such systems, their reliability and the coordination of work with the onboard power supply network. As practice shows, the heater for the minimum time periods gains the optimum temperature and quickly implements heating of the power unit. The structural advantages of Defa devices are also noted. The pre-heater of this brand is characterized by an ergonomic shape, thoughtful technological connectors and at the same time physical reliability.
Negative reviews
According to the owners, such heaters have two significant drawbacks. First of all, it is the complexity of implementing the management infrastructure. This applies to electrical models. They are distinguished by ease of use, but in order to achieve control comfort, it will be necessary to carry out a rather troublesome installation of electric lines from a relay and an onboard network. The second drawback is the cost at which the pre-heater is sold. The average price for the characteristics of the sets is 5-7 thousand rubles. For comparison, Chinese counterparts are available for 2-3 thousand. Another thing is that the quality levels of these products are not comparable.
Conclusion
The use of heaters of this type is still in doubt among a considerable part of automotive experts. The skepticism is due to the fact that intervention in critical parts of the engine compartment power infrastructure is, in principle, a risky enterprise. Nevertheless, many risks were allowed to get rid of Defa technologists. The pre-heater of this company, even in modifications of the initial segment, has several degrees of protection. This also applies to mechanics, which is insured against physical overload, and electronic systems with surge protection. Another thing is that installation errors themselves can adversely affect the quality of operation of the heater.