Radiator insulation: an overview of models

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

In winter, owners of cars of different brands have to think about radiator insulation. 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. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the moment of a fairly quick warm-up of the engine and its no less active cooling at sub-zero temperatures.

General information

Many users naively believe the advertisements of unscrupulous manufacturers of radiator heaters. They claim that such equipment is an almost ideal solution to the problem of insulating 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 acquiring a universal radiator grill insulation, users begin to realize that they have fallen into another scam. By and large, the offered goods are elements of heat-insulating material for mounting them on the hood. Some kits are additionally equipped with a cover for frontal equipment, as well as parts mounted around the perimeter of the motornode.

Features

It would seem that the motor part was insulated, and there are no problems with starting the engine. However, this design helps to keep warm for just a few hours. In a big frost, the knot will freeze overnight in any case. Another important point is the oil pan. It freezes and makes starting the engine much more difficult, even if it has not yet completely cooled down.

From this it follows that all measures to insulate 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. The savings in time and fuel are seen solely in terms of shortening the warm-up period. The rest of the advertised factors are just marketing ploys.

Model Overview

Description of options for VAZ radiator insulation and other models, let's start with the simplest modification. So how to do it? This will require the installation of a layer of heat-insulating material between the front grille and the heater itself.

For this purpose, cardboard boxes are used, pieces of similar material, installed separately in sections. A more competent finish consists of factory-made or home-made leatherette heaters. Inside the shell there is a heat-insulating filling with valves that open at a certain temperature.

Other options for the preparation and installation of insulation systems for motors differ in typematerial used, as well as in the stages of its installation. The simplest construction made of felt is installed only on the grate. A more complex system can be made from any heat-insulating element with fastening not only on the radiator grille, but also in the gaps in the engine compartment, as well as on parts interconnected with the motor. This is especially true for the oil sump, since thick oil is one of the main causes of engine start 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-made elements or home-made analogues made of 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 hood cover.

Similar insulation of the radiator of UAZ or other domestic cars makes it possible to save a certain amount of heat, preventing its rapid escape through the metal cover. Without such protection, falling snow also causes a lot of problems, lying down and melting on the surface when the engine is running, and starting to freeze when it cools. The result is frost, which has a negative effect on the paintwork. A good option to solve the problem would be to seal the joints and cracks between the hood and body elements. Additionally, the design will allow you to get rid of gaps through which useful heatblown out by drafts or headwinds.

Heater radiator "Gazelle"

If the above measures are not enough, upgrade the motor frost protection. In this case, you will need to remove the standard system, clean and degrease it. According to the shape of the element, an additional gasket of heat-insulating material is cut out.

The part is fixed in place with glue so that the edges of the protection are pressed at the fixation 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 first be cleaned and degreased.

Extra

Those who decide to make the radiator insulation as seriously as possible should also pay attention to additional materials for pasting the partition between the engine part and the passenger compartment, as well as side surfaces. Such a procedure will require significant financial costs. However, the result is worth it. All workpieces must be cleaned and degreased beforehand. It will also require the dismantling of all insulated equipment. As far as it is necessary and appropriate, you decide.

The most optimal way to insulate the engine compartment is the complex application of the methods indicated above in the review. When installing thermal insulation, certain nuances must be taken into account. All insulation elements should be securely fixed in order to avoid their deformation and peeling underthe influence of a headwind. Otherwise, it may cause a serious malfunction of the power unit after getting parts of the material 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 partially opening the thermal insulation. This will increase the flow of cold air while avoiding overheating of the power plant.

In this case, it is mandatory to provide for the presence of valves that will open or close without dismantling the entire set, securely fixed in all possible positions.

Remember that electric wires are connected to the power unit, and also consider 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, the fastening of the insulation must be carried out in such a way as to exclude contact with the exhaust system. The type of fastening should allow you to easily detach the material with the onset of warming.

If you decide to make the Renault radiator heater or another car of a similar design as insulated as possible, consider the possibility of converting a regular fan into a winter version. To do this, cut the existing impeller symmetrically. After switching to summer mode, the fan shouldreplace with a new one. It is better to use an analogue with a full-size impeller.

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.

From the colors it is better to choose a black or gray shade that will harmoniously fit into the overall exterior of the car, without conspicuous. The process itself is extremely simple - felt sheets are mounted on the required surfaces, fixed with a wire, after which the radiator grill is put in place.