Portable Car Heaters
If you are thinking of buying a portable car heater the information offered on
our website can help you select one that is appropriate for your needs. The good news is that there are many
well made products on the market today and they are very
affordable.These products are also known as ceramic heaters, 12 volt car heaters, portable ceramic heaters
and other names, but for the purposes of this orientation we will refer to them as portable car heaters.
You probably live in an area that experiences cold temperatures in the winter months. The cold
weather brings about unique problems for those who face the daily routine of getting into their car each
morning in freezing temperatures anxiously awaiting the car’s heating system to begin blowing warm air! As
you know, the typical several minute wait for heat can be very uncomfortable and on those really cold
mornings – almost unbearable! With the portable heaters available today, you no longer have to endure
freezing temperatures each morning as you drive to work or to take your children to school.
Most designs plug into your car’s cigarette lighter socket or other 12 volt power outlet.
They are very effective for quickly warming the interior of your car and they can also help defrost your
windshield and other windows.
The following is a list of things you should consider when selecting a portable car
heater;
Climate: Does the
climate you live in have winter temperatures so frigid that you’ll need a heavy-duty model capable of
producing higher temperatures than some models are capable of? Do you live in an area which has frequent ice storms
that ice up your windshield when driving? If so, you should carefully research which of these
products are best rated for their defrosting capabilities. As you can see, the climate you live in will
determine which type of heater is best suited for your needs.
Design: Does the
shape and size of the design you are considering mesh well with the area you’d want to place it in your
car? Will it stay safely and securely on your dashboard or other location you will place it on? Does it have
fastening or anchoring features that will effectively anchor it where you place it? One common complaint among
users of portable ceramic heaters is that they often are distracted when driving because the heater is sliding
all over the dashboard, falling to the floor of the car, fails to stay pointed in the desired direction, etc. Take
a look at the interior of your vehicle and think about where you’d place the device. Once you decide on the
probable locations you can then search for a model that sized and designed appropriately for your car.
Power Cord: A major consideration that can greatly affect the usefulness of the
variant you purchase. If you are thinking of using a 12 volt car heater for defrosting the rear
windows, does the model you are considering have a power cord long enough to reach a power outlet? Perhaps you are
buying it for use by passengers in the rear seats – will the cord allow adequate movement and placement of the
heater? Most 12 volt models come with power cords ranging from one to several feet in length and you
should consider this factor when doing your research.
Mobility and Adjustability: Many users move the device to various locations in the
car’s interior before or while driving. Some models are designed to be more static or permanently anchored than
others and you should factor this in when you do your research. Some models come with suction cups to be used for
fastening and anchoring, while others are designed to simply rest on a dashboard or car seat with no means of
attachment. Consider how much you’d want to move your portable heater prior to selecting one – some are much better
suited for frequent repositioning than others. Also, many, but not all models possess the capability to be adjusted
so the angle of air flow can be targeted to precise locations on your windshield, a specific portion of your car’s
interior, etc.
Safety: Safety is a
primary concern and should be well researched prior to making purchase decisions. In the past, some models have
been known to overheat, causing a fire hazard. When it comes to the safety record of any specific
model that you are considering, we recommend that you search the internet for users reviews and recall notices
from manufacturers. Like many other products, portable car heaters come in various levels of
quality and design safety and you must exercise due diligence prior to selecting a model or design for
purchase. Some of the better portable car heaters are produced under the trade names Roadpro, Koolatron,
Thermtec, Pelonis and Delonghi. They can be purchased from various local stores that sell automobile parts
and accessories. There are numerous online merchants offering these items and some of the major dealers are
J.C. Whitney, Target, Ace Hardware, Amazon, AutoBarn.com and Sears to name just a few.
We hope this information has helped educate you and
enhanced your search for a
portable car heater!
Happy shopping!
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