On Tuesday, November 25, 2014 9:57:19 AM UTC, David wrote:
On Mon, 24 Nov 2014 09:27:48 -0800, sm_jamieson wrote:

This year we have a little one to take to the child minders so hectic
mornings, and I have a diesel car which is slower to heat up than a
petrol car. So I was thinking of some type of auxhilliary heater that
can get things going. Any recommendations? - most of the 12V lighter
socket ones seem to have poor reviews.
Simon.

Is this to keep the inside warm, or to shift frost, snow and condensation
so the car is safe to drive without sitting for a while defrosting?


The main purpose was to help with scraping the ice off in the mornings. However, you soon get onto the whole issue of engine block pre-heaters, which heat the oil or coolant, and which have the dual effect of better engine life and faster cabin heating. The best option is a fuel-burning device, but very expensive. The least efficient, I would think, are heating pads that fix to the sump and connect to the mains.

Also, my car had a factory option for an electric cabin heater, which I could probably get retro fitted for a price.

This is crying out for a DIY option (some on youtube), but the insurance company might not be happy.

Simon.