In winter, owners of cars of different brands have to think about a radiator heater. This is largely due to the peculiarity of domestic climatic conditions and technological nuances of machines. An additional substrate allows for quick start-up of the power unit with minimal wear. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the moment of rather rapid warming up of the engine and its equally active cooling at minus temperature.
general information
Many users naively believe in advertising by unscrupulous manufacturers of radiator insulation. They assure that such equipment is an almost perfect solution to the problem of warming the power unit, while saving up to 20% on fuel consumption. The price for such pleasure is also considerable, which does not frighten some desperate car owners.
Only after the acquisition of a universal heater grille, users begin to realize that they are on the next scam. By and large, the proposed goods are elements of a heat-insulating material for mounting them on the hood. Some kits are additionally equipped with a frontal equipment cover, as well as parts mounted around the perimeter of the motor unit.
Features
It would seem that the engine part was insulated, and there are no problems with starting the engine. However, such a design helps to keep warm just a few hours. In great frost, the knot will freeze overnight in any case. Another important point is the oil pan. It freezes and significantly complicates the starting of the motor, even if it has not yet had time to cool completely.
It follows from this that all measures to warm the compartment where the engine is located are aimed at accelerated heating of the power plant. At the same time, the material does not allow it to cool for a couple of hours between breaks in work. Saving time and fuel is observed solely in terms of reducing the warm-up period. The rest of the advertised factors are simply related to marketing moves.
Model Overview
We will begin the description of the VAZ radiator insulation options and other models with the simplest modification. So how to do this? This will require installation between the front grille and the heater itself interlayer of heat-insulating material.
For this purpose, cardboard boxes are used, pieces of similar material installed separately in sections. A more competent finish consists of factory or homemade dermatine insulation. Inside the shell there is a heat-insulating filling with valves that open at a certain temperature regime.
Other options for the preparation and installation of insulation systems for motors differ in the type of material used, as well as in the stages of its installation. The simplest felt construction is only installed on the grill. A more complex system can be made of any heat-insulating element with fastening not only on the radiator grill, but also in the spaces of the engine compartment, as well as on parts interconnected with the motor. This is especially true for the oil sump, as thick oil is one of the main causes of engine start-up problems in winter.
Radiator insulation mask
Another option for warming the motor part is to install insulation both in front of the radiator and in the engine compartment. For this, factory elements or homemade analogues from polypropylene, felt or mineral wool are useful. It is worth noting that most modern cars are initially equipped with built-in thermal insulation systems on the inside of the bonnet.
Such a heater radiator UAZ or other domestic cars makes it possible to maintain a certain amount of heat, preventing it from quickly escaping through a metal cover. Without such protection, falling snow also causes a lot of problems, lying and melting on the surface with the engine running, and in the cooling state it starts to freeze. The result is ice, which adversely affects the paintwork. A good option to solve the problem is to seal the joints and cracks between the hood and body elements. Additionally, the design will allow you to get rid of the gaps through which useful heat is blown out by drafts or a counter wind stream.
Gazelle radiator heater
If the above measures are not sufficient, improve the engine's frost protection. In this case, you will need to remove the standard system, clean and degrease it. In the form of the element, an additional gasket is made of heat-insulating material.
In its place, the part is fixed with glue so that the edges of the protection are pressed at the fixing points on the body. To do this, you need to make a pattern at the ends 100-120 millimeters larger than the actual size. The second stage of the operation is the installation of a similar design on the oil pan, which must also first be cleaned and degreased.
Additionally
Those who decided to take the radiator insulation as seriously as possible should also pay attention to additional materials on pasting the partitions between the motor part and the passenger compartment, as well as the side surfaces. Such a procedure will require significant financial costs. However, the result is worth it. Previously, all workpieces must be cleaned and degreased. Also, the dismantling of all insulated equipment will be required. How necessary and appropriate it is for you to decide.
The most optimal way to warm the engine compartment is the integrated application of the methods mentioned above in the review. When installing thermal insulation, certain nuances must be taken into account. All insulation elements should be firmly fixed in order to avoid their deformation and delamination under the influence of headwind. Otherwise, this can provoke a serious malfunction of the power unit after parts of the material get into the belt, generator or pump section of the engine compartment.
Recommendations
Car owners need to remember that in winter the weather can be negative and positive in terms of temperature. Therefore, it is required to provide for the possibility of partial opening of thermal insulation. This will increase the flow of cold air and avoid overheating of the power plant.
In this case, it is imperative to provide for the presence of valves that will open or close without dismantling the entire kit, securely locking in all possible positions.
Remember that wires with electric current are connected to the power unit, and also take into account the presence of combustible fuel. It is necessary to choose materials that are not subject to ignition and the accumulation of static voltage. In addition, insulation fasteners should be made in such a way as to prevent contact with the exhaust system. The type of fastening should allow to disconnect the material without problems with the onset of warming.
If you decide to make the insulation of a Renault radiator or another car of a similar design as isolated as possible, consider the possibility of converting a regular fan into the winter version. To do this, cut off the existing impeller symmetrically. After switching to summer operation, the fan should be replaced with a new one. It is better to use an analog with a full-sized impeller.
To summarize
Of all the considered options for warming the engine compartment, according to experts and users, it is best to choose an inexpensive felt finish. This material is affordable, easy to process and retains heat well.
Of the colors, it is better to choose a black or gray shade, which harmoniously fits into the overall exterior of the car, without being striking. The process itself is extremely simple - the sheets of felt are mounted on the required surfaces, fixed using wire, after which the radiator grill is put in its place.