With temperatures dropping for winter, Skoda is offering high-performance heating systems as both an option and a retrofit solution for the Octavia, the Superb and the Yeti.
Skoda’s fight against icy windows, annoying cold starts and freezing temperatures continues as the Czech manufacturer is “on fire” in its quest for providing the ultimate cold-season remedies for their customers. Their auxiliary heating systems will not only ensure an unobstructed view and keep the driver’s feet warm, but will also reduce engine wear while lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
These systems can be controlled using either a radio remote control (1,000 meters range) or the corresponding button on the air-con control unit.
You can also program when the auxiliary heating should automatically start and be switched off from the infotainment system, which is particularly convenient. By telling the system when you’d like to set off and what the temperature inside the car should be, the electronics will make sure (among other things) that the windows won’t have to be cleared of ice – which is a clear advantage regarding safety seen as how you can analyze the traffic situation as soon as you leave.
According to Skoda, modern auxiliary heating system will also warm the engine’s cooling circuit, and since cold start-ups are demanding on the engine, overall wear is decreased. It is estimated that a single cold start has the same effect on an engine as driving for approximately 70 km (43 miles) on the motorway.
As for the reduced fuel consumption, well, the benefits are limited with the systems consuming around 0.2 liters of fuel during a 30-minute heating phase. This is however balanced out by the saving effect of the warm engine and the reduced exhaust emissions.
Luckily, auxiliary heating also works great during the summer when ventilation can be activated during hot days in order to cool down the interior.
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