Best Car Heater: Types & Buying Guide

I'm considering having a parking heater installed for the winter.
Do you have any experience with this? Which manufacturer would you recommend?

Best regards, SST.

I have a Webasto installed and haven't had any problems so far.

Hi SST,

Take a look under http://www.dieselschrauber.de/-> "Installation instructions for a Calix engine heater," where Rudi described how to install a CALIX auxiliary heater. The pictures are from my car, and I can only say that I have been using this auxiliary heater since January 1998 and am very satisfied with it.
It's a cost-effective alternative to a standing heater, but it requires a power connection.
Currently, I warm up the car for about 20 minutes, and after 3 kilometers, it's completely warm!

I am happy to answer any further questions you may have.

Under http://www.calix.se (then click on the English flag), you can view the complete preheating program. The devices are distributed through the Bosch service or under other names by various accessory brands.

Hello,

I have a dealer login for Webasto, which allows me to obtain all installation manuals for Webasto auxiliary heaters.

These are completely illustrated guides for various vehicle-engine combinations. They were very helpful when I installed my auxiliary heater in a Golf 3 TDI (with air conditioning) (anyone who has ever looked in the engine compartment knows that there's actually no room for an auxiliary heater there...).

So, please send inquiries via private message.

In my previous Passat 35i TDI with air conditioning, I also had a parking heater. To accommodate it, the windshield washer fluid reservoir had to be moved from the engine compartment to the trunk. This created enough space for the heater, and in front of it, there was a 100Ah battery, which is also a mandatory component for a parking heater.

best regards

Hannes.

Last year, I installed a Webasto auxiliary heater in my Audi 100. However, the choice of brand was rather random (from eBay).
For some Webasto models, the water pump can be installed separately from the rest of the unit, which may be helpful in certain situations. Otherwise, I find the connections on Eberspächer products to be arranged in a more logical way.
If I could receive an installation guide specifically tailored to my vehicle model, that would be a strong reason to choose Webasto. The installation can be tricky and time-consuming for someone who doesn't do it on a daily basis. As you know, there's never enough space in the engine compartment, and you have to find a solid mounting point for the screws. There are also regulations regarding the length and number of bends in the exhaust pipe, etc.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to install a larger battery. The general rule is to avoid preheating the auxiliary heater for longer than necessary, as it drains the battery. However, I haven't calculated the exact time.

Unfortunately, that's the case with the Audi 100...
That's why my A6 C4 also has a second battery installed in the trunk. Unfortunately, a 70Ah battery is the limit under the rear seat. However, Audi 100 models without air conditioning have the battery in the front, in the splash tray, so there must be other things that can be accommodated there as well.

best regards

Hannes.

Hello,

I have an Eberspächer D5W SC with a TP5 remote control in my 1998 AFN Passat. I am very satisfied with it and would buy it again.
1000m range, integrated timer, indoor temperature display on the screen, and feedback indicating whether the heating is running.

best regards
Ronny.