Webasto is a special device that provides heating of the engine and car interior even at subzero temperatures. Most car enthusiasts are well aware of the effort they sometimes have to make to start the engine on frosty winter days. Residents of hot countries cannot understand this. But in different regions of Russia the indicators drop below -25 °C, and even reach -60 °C. Any responsible car owner always tries to warm up the power unit before starting it. This usually takes different times - it all depends on the make of the car and the temperature outside. But what is this device and how does Webasto work?
What is Webasto
The term itself is familiar to many motorists, so much so that it has become a common noun to refer to various pre-start heaters. In fact, Webasto is a German company that specializes in the production of heating systems for cars. Meanwhile, the brand is more than 100 years old and today it is a large and popular organization with a good reputation. There are representative offices in many countries of the world.
The autonomous pre-heating system for heating the internal combustion engine is capable of operating when the engine is not running, and fuel is consumed from the vehicle tank. When the device is turned on, the windshield defrosts in the cabin, which is especially important for quickly providing visibility.
Using a heater allows you to increase the service life of the engine and consumes a small amount of fuel during operation. Most German cars are equipped with the Webasto system at the factory. And this adds certain advantages.
Control unit errors
Some models are equipped with a control panel where you can select the operating mode, temperature and heating duration. This panel can be controlled remotely using a mobile phone.
The panel will show you system errors. If overheating occurs, the thermostat light will come on and the device will automatically turn off. Other operating errors are encrypted in codes, just like car ECU errors. By deciphering the code, you will find out what exactly is broken in your heater.
Operating principle
Now about how Webasto works. The device has compact dimensions and easily fits into the engine compartment of any car. The power system is connected to the vehicle's fuel tank, and the heat exchanger is integrated into the cooling circuit. To control the device, it is connected to the on-board network. But this is a general description, because there are two types of engine heaters:
- air;
- liquid.
Each has its own operating principle, as well as localization. But both types of devices use fuel. Only air units have a more modest appetite - approximately 0.2 liters of fuel per hour of operation. A liquid device needs a little more - 0.5 liters. But if you consider that the heaters operate for 15-20 minutes, such costs are very small.
But how long should Webasto work? Usually, this time should be enough for the engine to start smoothly and without problems. In extreme cases, the device will last up to 30 minutes.
Air heaters
This unit is installed in the car interior and, as a rule, under the seat. The operating principle of the air device resembles the operation of a hair dryer. An electric pump supplies fuel from the tank to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine heating system. The intakes capture air from outside (as well as from the passenger compartment), then the resulting fuel-air mixture ignites, resulting in the release of heat by the heat exchanger. And since the circulation is continuous, a minimum amount of time is spent on warming up.
But what about Webasto for diesel, how does this device work? Everything happens the same way, only glow plugs are used to ignite the mixture. The combustion chamber is blown by a fan so that the heat goes into the cabin.
Liquid aggregates
These miniature devices are mounted in the engine compartment, taking into account the features of the engine compartment. The device is connected to the engine cooling system to warm up the working fluid and ventilation shafts, from where heated air enters the cabin. Here the operating principle is slightly different from the air unit.
Fuel and air enter the combustion chamber simultaneously, and a swirler is used to form the mixture to improve quality. A spark ignites a mixture of fuel and oxygen. This heats up the coolant, and a special pump starts its circulation, which ensures heating not only of the engine, but also of the radiator. The process is automated, and therefore there is no risk of overheating and deviations from environmental standards. All heater operations are monitored by the control module.
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Webasto operates in two modes: winter and summer. By default, the winter mode is set at the factory. Before starting it, you should set the standard car heater to warm air mode.
Select the warm-up time and press the start button. The system will automatically start working and turn off after the specified time. You don't have to worry about safety: the device is equipped with a fuse and a thermostat, as well as sensors that monitor the entire process.
Advantages of Webasto
The unit can be used not only in winter seasons, but also in summer. There is a wide range of models on sale, which allows you to choose a profitable solution according to current technological requirements. The obvious advantages of the device include a number of such advantages:
- Fast engine heating.
- The interior is heated, causing even the glass to thaw;
- A warmed-up engine wears out less, and the risk of failure is postponed.
- Remote control allows you to save time when you don’t have enough time to quickly get ready for work.
- The amount of harmful emissions is reduced.
- The device weighs little and is small in size.
- The simple design of the units ensures long and reliable operation.
With all this, the preheater has a significant drawback - high cost. The price starts at 20,000 rubles, which not every car enthusiast can afford. However, with all the advantages, the cost is quite justified. Only the car owner can decide what is most valuable to him - to endure the cold or, even in cold weather, not have problems starting the engine.
Malfunctions
Most often, Webasto in a car becomes unusable due to electrical wiring problems. Common faults:
- Damage to the control unit;
- Damage to electrical wiring;
- Air in the fuel system;
- Sensor malfunctions;
- Fuel pump failure;
- Air blower failure.
Errors on the control panel will tell you about these malfunctions. Most likely, the heater will not start if these faults are present. If you find these and other problems, contact the service for repair and replacement of parts.
Motorists' concerns
Many owners of personal or commercial vehicles have already experienced the advantages of Webasto heaters. However, some car owners have concerns that the operation of the device quickly drains the battery.
In reality, everything is not as scary as it seems at first glance. The battery capacity is usually 60 Ah. At temperatures of -15 °C and below, the capacity decreases by 15-20%, that is, to 45-50 Ah. To start a warm engine, you need 15 amps (a cold one requires much more).
The entire operating cycle of Webasto devices for the engine requires small investments - about 1.5-3 A. This is quite enough to heat the engine. The same standard stove consumes from 10 to 15 A.
Price policy
How much money will you have to prepare if you need to buy a pre-heater? This question worries every car owner. Depending on the model of the device, the price including installation varies widely: 5-90 thousand rubles. The lowest price for an air unit is 20,000-35,000 rubles. The cost of supported devices is 10-15 thousand lower.
For example, the Webasto Thermo Top Evo Start model will cost 30,000 rubles. Another more powerful device, Webasto Thermo Pro 90, costs even more – 70,000. And this is without installation.
Features of use
Webasto operates with the engine turned off and the battery is used to start the system. Therefore, you need to monitor the battery charge so that the heater works when it is needed. Always set the car's standard heater to warm mode, otherwise the interior will not warm up. As for management, there are several ways.
Timer activation
Even budget models include a timer. It can be configured for a specific time or day of the week. For example, the heater will be turned on in the morning before commuting to work. The timer is equipped with three memory settings. Usually the device turns on 10-15 minutes before the engine starts.
Remote control
The range of the remote control is 1 km, and you can turn on the heater without leaving your home. In other words, diesel or gasoline Webasto starts working when there is a need for it at any time of the day or night.
Such a kit will cost more, but there is no connection to the timer, which has certain advantages. Manufacturers provide two options for remote controls:
- Webasto Telestart T91.
- Webasto Telestart T100 NTM.
The latter is able to regulate the operation of the device depending on the temperature inside the car.
GSM
This is a modern control method - ThermoCall. New models are equipped with this functionality. In this case, you can control Webasto using your phone. Moreover, they can be found anywhere in the world. With a GSM module, the device starts at any time and regardless of the distance to the car. That is, it’s even better than using the remote control.
To control the device, just send an SMS, but there are also special applications for controlling Webasto. They can be installed on smartphones or tablets. At the same time, you can control the operation of the heater from 5 different devices.
Purpose of Webasto
Webasto heaters are designed specifically for winter. They represent an additional function of climate control: heating the interior until the engine starts. In summer, such a system can work as an air conditioner.
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Such devices are especially useful for families with small children. In the morning you turn on the heater, you get ready, when you and your children leave the house, you immediately get into a warm car. Ice and snow from the windows will also thaw by that time.
The Webasto company appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. After World War II, it began producing interior heating and climate control systems. As the automotive industry evolved, so did their products.
Useful tips
Experts recommend regularly checking the preheater every 3 months. This will allow you to maintain the functionality of the device for as long as possible.
Despite the high cost of the heater, it saves significant effort and time while the car is preparing for the trip. And if the car is often used at sub-zero temperatures, then you won’t have to wait long for payback – usually after a couple of seasons. In this case, the purchase becomes a profitable acquisition. But it is worth considering that Webasta will not start with frozen fuel in the tank.
If the vehicle is involved in an accident in winter, then with the device the car interior will warm up before help arrives.
For the summer season it is better to remove the heater. The same applies to situations where a trip to warm countries is planned. For those drivers who live in regions with a temperate climate, buying Webasto for diesel or gasoline will be a waste of money. Usually there are few frosty days and it is better to take the battery home during this period or use public transport or a taxi.
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The rules for using Webasto in a car are simple:
- Do not use in enclosed spaces or at gas stations.
- Take care of electrical wiring;
- Avoid mechanical damage;
- Protect from exposure to liquids and caustic chemicals;
- Do not use at high ambient temperatures and high humidity;
- Do not turn on for more than one hour;
- Do not use in enclosed spaces or at gas stations.
If you notice unusual noises or smells from the device, you should remove the fuse and take the device to a service center.
The device should only be used with the type of fuel and antifreeze indicated on the package.
