Types of aftermarket car heaters
Aftermarket car heaters are car heating systems that are not originally installed in the car by the manufacturer. They are added to the car later, after the car is made –which is what aftermarket means. These heaters work to keep a car nice and warm even when the outside air is super cold and icy. This is important because sometimes, when a car owner needs to start and use the car, the cold outside air can make the insides very chilly, too. So, aftermarket car heaters are nice to have because they can keep the driver's hands toasty warm while driving on frozen roads even if the engine takes a bit longer to warm up.
This is important because a warm engine helps the car run better and prevents things inside from freezing and getting too cold. When the engine is warm enough, the car heater can blow out hot air quickly, which is excellent for melted snow. Aftermarket car heaters help cars work better in cold weather, stopping the driver from having to sit inside the cold car waiting for heat and preventing the engine from working too hard to stay warm.
There are different types of aftermarket car heaters:
- Cabin Heaters: These are the most common types of aftermarket car heaters. Cabin heaters are installed inside the car to keep the passenger area (or cabin) warm. They usually connect to the car's coolant system to blow heated coolant into the cabin.
- Engine Block Heaters: Engine block heaters are aftermarket heaters designed to warm up the engine oil and fluids before starting in extremely cold weather. They're typically installed directly onto the engine block. Engine block heaters help ensure smoother starts, reduced wear on engines, and quicker warm-ups.
- Portable Heaters: Portable heaters provide flexibility and convenience. They are typically 12-volt heaters that can be plugged into the car's power outlet or cigarette lighter socket. Though portable heaters are not as powerful as built-in options, they are great for supplemental heating.
- Seat Heaters: Seat heaters worthy of mention among aftermarket car heaters are warm, cozy additions to any car seat. They are usually installed under the seat's upholstery, and when turned on, they warm up the seat's surface. Seat heaters offer a comfy place to sit during winter drives. They warm up quickly because they are close to the body. This instant warmth helps the driver feel nice and toasty even if the inside of the car is still cold. Seat heaters make winter car rides much cozier and more pleasant.
Function and features
Functions and features can vary depending on whether the aftermarket car heater is a liquid or a forced-air model. Some features will overlap, regardless of the model. The following is a breakdown of common functions and features of liquid and forced-air aftermarket car heaters:
Common functions
- Heating: The primary purpose of aftermarket car heaters is to provide a comfortable and warm environment inside the vehicle when the engine cannot generate enough heat, such as in colder months.
- Defrosting: Aftermarket car heaters help eliminate ice or condensation from the car's windshield, improving visibility, especially in colder climates where interior ventilation systems may be inadequate.
- Thermostat Control: Many aftermarket car heaters come with a thermostat control feature that regulates the temperature, ensuring consistent heating comfort inside the vehicle.
Features
- Compact Size: Aftermarket car heaters should ideally be compact and not take up too much interior space.
- Easy Installation: This is an important feature for aftermarket car heaters, which should be straightforward, requiring no specialized skills or tools. However, users can always seek professional installation service if they find the process too complicated.
- Low Power Consumption: Users should look for aftermarket car heaters that consume little power to avoid draining the car's battery quickly.
- Multi-Directional Heating: This is an important feature for car heaters to ensure even distribution of heat throughout the vehicle for maximum comfort.
- Durable Construction: Buyers need car heater aftermarket built with long-lasting materials that can withstand wear and tear from regular use.
- Adjustable Heating Levels: Buyers will want car heaters that come with adjustable heating levels to provide varying levels of comfort based on individual preferences and climate conditions.
- Quiet Operation: Aftermarket car heaters should ideally operate quietly so as not to disturb the occupants inside the vehicle.
- Remote Control: Some aftermarket car heaters offer remote controls which are convenient to use for adjusting the heater's settings without having to bend over.
- Safety Features: Aftermarket car heaters should have essential safety features like automatic shutdown, tip-over protection, and overheat protection to prevent accidents or harmful situations.
Usage scenarios of aftermarket car heaters
Aftermarket car heaters come in handy, especially in cold regions where temperatures drop considerably low during winter. The following are some major usage scenarios of aftermarket car heaters:
- Stewart warmer: The Stewart warmer is the most popular use of aftermarket car heaters. It's used in aviation to warm the engine in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Aftermarket car engine block heaters are used to condition the oil and coolant in vehicles so they can be started easily in cold weather. This helps provide a safe and reliable starting for emergency response vehicles and other equipment that must operate in frigid conditions.
- Induction sealing: Aftermarket car heaters can be used to seal glass or plastic bottles within the pharmaceutical, food, or other industries. The bottle is heated, causing the cap to shrink and tightly seal the container. This prevents leakage and ensures product integrity during transport and storage by creating a tight seal on the bottle.
- Pipe heating: Any industries that handle liquid or gasses through pipes, particularly in cold environments, can benefit greatly from aftermarket car heaters. The heaters can be used to maintain a consistent temperature within the pipes, preventing the fluids from freezing. They can also keep the pipes from getting too cold, which could cause them to crack or break from the cold air.
- Tank heating: Tanks that store or move liquids can be fitted with aftermarket car heaters to make sure the liquids stay at a stable temperature. Tank heating ensures the liquids won't freeze in extremely cold conditions and stay at the right temperature for the intended purposes. This keeps the tanks from getting damaged and makes sure the liquids work properly in any other machines or systems that depend on them.
- Floor heating: Aftermarket car heaters can be used to warm up floors in residential or commercial buildings. Heated mats are typically placed underneath the floor coverings where warmth is desired. The floors feel nice and cozy, and the overall indoor air quality improves as a result of the warmth helping the air circulate. Warmed floors help the rooms feel more inviting and comfortable while also enhancing the airflow inside.
- In-home portable heater: These car heaters can provide supplemental heating to small spaces like offices or bedrooms. They warm the targeted area quickly and directly, allowing the users to feel more comfortable rapidly. Personal spaces can be kept cozier even during winter or in areas where the central heating isn't as effective by utilizing these portable heaters.
- Building site concrete curing: Aftermarket car heaters help keep concrete at a stable temperature during the curing process on construction sites. Clinics or concrete curing blankets are typically wrapped around the freshly poured concrete to retain heat. This allows the concrete to cure properly even in cold weather.
- Poultry brooding: Aftermarket car heaters provide supplemental heat to poultry or chicks during their brooding stage. Heating pads or lamps with specific wattages are set up in the brooding area to keep the poultry warm. The chicks can stay healthy and reduce losses during the early stages of their lives. Eventually, the farmers can raise the poultry to market size more efficiently while saving on feed costs.
How to choose aftermarket car heaters
Business buyers should consider the heater's type, safety features, installation, durability, and maintenance.
The type of car heating unit is one of the first things to think about. In the market, there are many options for car heaters, including portable 12V rod ceramic heaters, propane catalytic heaters, aftermarket diesel or gasoline-powered heaters, and electric heaters. Heaters that run on fuel are often more effective and warmer than electric or portable ones, especially in cold weather.
Taking the heater's safety features into account is essential. Reputable car heater manufacturers put safety first in their products by including features like a flameout cutoff, tip-over protection, high-temperature protection, an overheat shut-off, and more. Aftermarket car heaters with these safety features can give customers peace of mind and ensure their safety while using the product.
Another crucial factor to think about is the installation procedure. Portable or 12V ceramic heaters are simple to install and need little installation skills or effort. However, more extensive automotive heaters may need professional installation or more complicated DIY-ing. Buyers must evaluate the heater's installation needs and ensure they align with their knowledge and capabilities.
An aftermarket heater's build quality is essential if its long-lasting durability is to be ensured. Select heaters made of robust materials that can take regular use and resist wear and tear. But in addition to materials, customers should also consider heater components' quality, like motors and pumps. Investing in well-made heaters will probably need fewer replacements and repairs over time.
Finally, think about the car heater's upkeep requirements. Buyers should look for heaters with user-friendly upkeep or those that need less upkeep. For example, removable and washable heated seat and floor mat covers make it easy for users to clean any accumulated dirt or heated dust inside their car. Some mats also come with built-in safeguards, such as automatic shut-off systems, to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation at all times.
Aftermarket car heater FAQ
Q1 What is an aftermarket car heater, and how does it work?
A1 An aftermarket car heater is a heating system installed in a car after the vehicle has been manufactured. It works by providing a secondary source of heat to keep the interior of the car warm when the engine's heat is insufficient, such as in extremely cold weather.
Q2. Why would someone want to install an aftermarket car heater?
A2. People install aftermarket car heaters to ensure comfort in their cars during extremely cold weather or in situations where the engine's heat alone is inadequate to warm up the car's interior. It can be particularly useful for older vehicles or cars with less efficient heating systems.
Q3. Where can aftermarket car heaters be installed?
A3. Aftermarket car heaters can be installed in any vehicle that does not have an adequate heating system or where the existing system needs to be supplemented. This could include older cars, trucks, buses, or any regularly used vehicles exposed to cold temperatures.
Q4. Are aftermarket car heaters safe?
A4. Yes, but only when installed correctly and used following the manufacturer's guidelines. It is important to have the heater installed by a qualified professional to ensure safety. Additionally, users should always follow all safety precautions when operating the heater.
Q5. How are aftermarket car heaters installed?
A5. Installation usually involves mounting the heating unit somewhere in the car (like under the dashboard), connecting it to the power supply, and setting up any necessary controls or vents. It should be done by a professional to ensure it's safely and properly installed.
