On average, the period of cold weather in Russia lasts about4-5 months, and in some regions lasts up to 10. All this greatly complicates the life of long-distance drivers, who constantly travel long distances. Every new start and warm up of the engine becomes a real problem for them. Previously, to save heat in the cab, many truckers simply left engines running at night. But now, at current fuel prices, this will seem like an expensive pleasure. Fortunately, in our time there are special "autonomous" - heaters, which operate separately from the internal combustion engine. As you already understood, today's discussion will focus on the system "Webasto." Reviews of the owners and the device of this "autonomy" - further in our article.
Characteristic
Webasto is an autonomousa heater that is able to work with the engine off. It is connected directly to the cooling system, and therefore can perform the function of a preheater. Thus, Webasto retains heat in the cabin for a sufficiently long period and at the same time does not allow the engine to cool down.
Device
Each modern "autonomous" is a whole heating system, which consists of many structural details. Among them it is necessary to highlight such as:
- Heating air blower.
- Control block.
- Burner with evaporative gasket.
- The combustion chamber.
- Timer with the ability to set a specific heating temperature.
- Seal details.
- Heat exchanger
- Details of fuel intake and combustion air.
- Exhaust gas extraction devices.
- Glow pin.
- Heating limiter
- Switch.
- Temperature sensor.
- Supercharger motor.
- Fuel pump.
Principle of operation
As we said earlier, the "hair dryer" is connected directly to the engine cooling system. It is based on the heating of the cabin and engine. But how exactly does the “Webasto” heater work?
After turning on the heater takes fuel fromtank, which passes through a separate fuel pump on its own line and enters the chamber, where the combustion takes place without an open flame. Further, the temperature of the heater pins increases from the heating effect. After that, the system turns on the coolant pump, which simulates the operation of the default (standard). While the heated antifreeze passes through the radiator and all channels, the engine parts gradually heat up. As soon as the coolant is heated to a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, the electronics connects the fan of the stove. After that, warm air begins to flow into the cabin.
At the end of the work cycle (when the temperature isthe cabin will reach a predetermined level) the system spontaneously turns off. Also, the driver can set the "maintenance mode" (on modern "autonomous" this function is performed automatically). In this case, the heater "Webasto" will maintain the temperature of the coolant in the range from 65 to 80 degrees Celsius. Thus, when working "autonomy", we get a warm engine and a warm interior.
Where is this system used?
Basically, the "hair dryer" mounted transport companiesand owners of large-capacity vehicles engaged in the transport of goods over long distances. On the same cars cars with all these tasks cope standard stove. Its power is enough to warm the interior for quite a long time (not taking into account domestic cars). Although the company Webasto manufactures heaters for such vehicles. Also, the system “Webasto” seek to install drivers of buses in order to create more comfortable conditions in the cabin.
How much will fuel consumption change?
Autonomous heater "Webasto" is very economicalin terms of consumption of diesel fuel. If it is used regularly, fuel consumption will increase by only 3-4 liters. That is, if in the summer the truck consumed 35 liters per “hundred”, then in the winter this figure will increase to 39. It is clear that the consumption of the “autonomy” does not depend on the speed of the vehicle and the load. For 1 hour of operation the autonomous heater “Webasto” absorbs 0.5 liters of fuel. In order to maintain normal temperature in the cabin, it is necessary to switch on the "hair dryer" for 6-8 hours per day The rest of the time, which is more than 16 hours, the temperature in the cabin is kept stable within +20 degrees Celsius.
Benefits
When installing the autonomous heater "Webasto" yousolve several problems at once. Firstly, you have the possibility of uncomplicated engine start-up, regardless of the ambient temperature. Secondly, thanks to the work of the “hair dryer”, a consistently comfortable temperature is always kept inside the car. As they say reviews, "Webasto" can be turned on at a distance, using a special remote key. This is a big plus. Thirdly, the presence of "Webasto" reduces the costs associated with fuel consumption for heating the cab and the engine.
It should be noted that all of the aboveadvantages are only possible if the “Webasto” heater was installed correctly, in compliance with all the necessary requirements and technologies. And this is only possible in specialized workshops. You can install “Webasto” yourself, but no one will give you a guarantee that this system will work correctly.
How to find a good installer?
In order to choose bona fide masters,need to pay attention to the reputation of the workshop itself. Now you can find a lot of information about similar companies, as well as view reviews written by customers. But here it is necessary to note a small moment. Sometimes installer companies simply buy reviews by collecting a group of people writing only positive information about an office. Conversely, the reputation of one company can spoil another. Similarly, its competitors write negative reviews about this company. Well, to determine whether this comment was written by the client, or it was a “order”, is very difficult. Therefore, when choosing an installer, be sure to pay attention to the following points.
- Any company engaged in the installation of autonomousheaters, must have a certificate for the right to install goods of a particular brand (in our case, these are products of “Webasto”). The company has the right to install this or that system only if this permission is not expired and is not forged. Please note that such a certificate is issued to firms strictly for 1 year (hereinafter it is canceled or extended, depending on the decision of the company’s managers). If this documentation does not expire, know that it is fake. Contact this company should not be.
- Each company installer autonomous heatershas a numbered warranty card all-Russian sample. This is the main document confirming the authenticity of the company and its ability to correctly install the Webasto systems on diesel. Reviews of experts say that you can check the integrity of a company on the official webasto.ru website. Here is a complete list of services recommended for the installation of auxiliary heaters of this brand.
- При выборе компании обращайте внимание на the cost of the Webasto systems they sell. It should be approximately the same in all regions of the Russian Federation, as it is regulated by the official representation of Webasto Rus. The difference can only be in the cost of the installation, which is determined by the installer itself.
Which model to choose?
After choosing a good workshop followsdetermine the model of the installed heater. Make it easy. If the engine volume of your car is less than 2 liters, for normal heating of the cabin it is enough to install an inexpensive heater “Webasto Thermotop E”. The power of this unit is 4 kW. As they say reviews, "Webasto Thermotop E" perfectly copes with its functions and is able to consistently keep a comfortable temperature inside the car.
If the volume of the engine of your car is more than 2 liters, you need to use the heater “Webasto Thermotop EVO5”. Its power is 5-5.2 kW.
How is the installation?
Монтаж автономного отопителя производится в few steps. Initially, the device is connected to a standard engine cooling system, along which special hoses are held. Next, the heater is connected to the onboard network and fuel lines. In order for fuel to flow into the preheater, a special booster pump is mounted on the tank. In this case, the fuel intake takes place in the tank itself. Thus, the installation scheme is very simple - first, Webasto is connected to the SOD, then to the fuel line.
It should be noted that if the installation technology is not followed, the system cannot work correctly.
Webasto: instructions for use
Несмотря на схожую конструкцию и устройство, Each autonomous heater has a different instruction and its own control method. So, how to use "Webasto"? The instructions for this heater contains all the necessary information and recommendations for use. The main requirement of the manufacturer is to avoid mechanical shocks of the elements of this system. Also, do not expose Webasto to caustic substances and electrical discharges.
In the instructions, the manufacturer writes that the systemvery demanding on temperature and humidity. But, as the reviews say, “Webasto” can be used absolutely in any weather. As for overheating, the system switches itself off when the air temperature reaches the level set by the driver.
What really needs attention iscompliance with the place of operation of the system. It is necessary to use "hair dryer" only in open spaces. If the car is in a closed warehouse or in a garage, similar to the situation with the engine running, there is a risk of suffocation. As we have said earlier, this system has its own internal combustion engine, and therefore, during operation, it emits exhaust gases.
At the gas station "Webasto", as well as ignition oncar, you need to turn off. Moreover, if the system began to emit a characteristic noise, smell, or even smoke, it is necessary to remove the fuse and block it. Here, the manufacturer recommends that the device be attributed to the diagnostics service. A lot of requirements expressed in the instructions regarding the used fuel and coolant. Also, the manufacturer recommends to make the prevention of the device in the off-season. It consists in the following. Once a month, the system turns on when the engine is cold at the minimum fan power and operates in this state for about 8-10 minutes. According to the manufacturer, this measure is mandatory. Regular preventive maintenance will allow avoiding breakdowns during the operation of the Webasto system.
Instructions for use contains detailedinformation about the rules of operation of the heater. The manufacturer does not recommend leaving the system in working condition for more than 1 hour. After this time, you should take a short break (at least 30-50 minutes), after which you can turn on the heater again.
In order to avoid frequent discharge of the battery after turning off Webasto, it is recommended to leave the motor in working condition for another 3-5 minutes.
It is necessary to distinguish the modes of operation of the system.The manual states that the heater works in 2 modes: winter and summer. In the first case, the system warms up the antifreeze and works as a pre-start heater. In the second “Webasto” only airs the cabin, while the cooling system does not heat up additionally.
Ways to control the system
In total there are several ways to control this heater:
- Built-in timer.
- Mobile phone.
- Remote control (in this case, the control of "Webasto" occurs remotely).
Let's understand the features of each of them. So, the timer. This control method is the cheapest and easiest to use. This device will cost you about 3 thousand rubles.
With a mobile phone, you can alsoactivate the work of this system. However, for this you need to have a special ThermoCall GPS unit. Its cost is 14 thousand rubles. Additionally, an antenna is installed in the cabin that catches the signal from the telephone. At the same time, you can activate Webasto anywhere in the world. To do this, just send an SMS to the number that is assigned to your “Webasto” system. However, judging by the reviews, this method of control is meaningless and very expensive, since the driver basically connects the system while inside the cab. And it is quite possible to do this with the help of a mini-timer.
Remote control can be purchasedfor 10 thousand rubles. The distance from which you can control the system is up to 1 km. At the same time on the remote, you can set the system time. This option is great for those who leave the car near their home. While you are having breakfast, the system automatically warms up the interior and engine in a few minutes. You just have to get in the car and start the ignition key.
System cost in Russia
The price mainly depends on the power of the heater.For example, low-power heaters installed on passenger cars can be purchased for $ 400 (about the same cost as the installation of "Webasto"). Reviews of drivers say that installation is better not to make independently, as the guarantee and the possibility of regular maintenance of the system remain.
"Webasto" for trucks costs from 1000up to 1800 dollars. At the same time, companies often offer heaters already with installation, that is, you do not need to order them somewhere and wait for delivery. The price for the "hair dryer" with the installation ranges from 900 to 2000 dollars. That’s how much it costs to install a ready-made Webasto on a diesel engine. Reviews say that, despite the high cost, this system brings great benefits to the car. Especially good is the fact that not 5-6 liters per hour is spent on heating, but only 0.5-0.6 liters of fuel.
So, we figured out how to use Webasto, what the system is and how it works.
