With winter coming and living out in the countryside with some early starts for work, I'm thinking of sourcing an engine & cabin heater for my Fabia. Last winter was a bit of a nightmare with some struggles to start & power steering issues which I can only attribute to the cold as the rest of the year the car runs fine.

 

I've read some threads on here and am thinking of going down the Defa WarmUp II 1400 Futura with appropriate engine heater. An external power socket isn't an issue, and this would conceivably be easier to install than a diesel powered heater. The only issue is finding a supplier in the UK? The Defa website would suggest there is no UK distributor, and Google doesn't come up with anyone. Can anybody point me to a supplier?

A Briskoda member fitted one a while ago and provided a link for Dometic. That company has a UK website but it looks as if you will have to order from Germany.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/117749-another-pre-heater-thread/

http://www.dometic.co.uk/markets/car-van/

A Briskoda member fitted one a while ago and provided a link for Dometic. That company has a UK website but it looks as if you will have to order from Germany.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/117749-another-pre-heater-thread/

http://www.dometic.co.uk/markets/car-van/

Yes, that was one of the threads I had read. I looked up the Dometic website. Their suppliers seem to be focussed at campervan supplies. Have just tried IPU which is sounding promising. They are getting me a price now. Hopefully won't have to order from Germany...

why not just fit a water heater 12V   scrap citroen's  are a good source whilst starting from cold it works within 1/2 mile 

What part would I be looking for and what model Citroen?

I've got a Kenlowe system I've no longer got any use for if you want something cheap and cheerful. Served me well for a few winters in an old Golf I had. I think it's all complete, sitting in a shed.

I'm definitely interested in topic. Would consider combining a water heat with an oil sump heater matt.

Let me know how it goes.

Oil sump heater = kettle element fitted into sump ?

Cheap and effective but...

1.7kw is typical so don't leave it on for too long !

HERE you can ask Calix pre heater system...

http://www.calix.se/en/locate-dealer/united-kingdom-ireland

i have just this water heater system and it is enough for me...even we have litell pit colder winter what you have...

It cost to me about 70 or 80 Euros includin all what i  neeed to get that  basic system work.

http://www.calix.se/en/products/search-products-cars

 

Oil sump heater = kettle element fitted into sump ?

Cheap and effective but...

1.7kw is typical so don't leave it on for too long !

No, I would suggest just mats that stick to the bottom of the sump.

http://engineheaters.co.uk/description.html

Pre heat engineering? Do various ones. Low power so worth having a time switch to the external socket

Calix coolant heater with 5 metre UK cable is about 180 quid.

HERE you can ask Calix pre heater system...

http://www.calix.se/en/locate-dealer/united-kingdom-ireland

i have just this water heater system and it is enough for me...even we have litell pit colder winter what you have...

It cost to me about 70 or 80 Euros includin all what i neeed to get that basic system work.

http://www.calix.se/en/products/search-products-cars

Would it be possible to buy units in Sweden and ship to UK? It's nearly triple the cost in UK due to lower demand.