If you are thinking of buying a portable car heater the information in this article 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 Adjust-ability: 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 and Sears to name just a few.
