FENTON, Mich. — Pre-heating diesel engines reduces emissions and improves the performance of the diesel particulate filter (DPF), according to independent testing conducted for Webasto.

In the testing, the impact of a Webasto coolant heater was evaluated by an independent emissions testing lab, the company says. Different temperature conditions were used to simulate seasonal changes.

Emissions testing was conducted using an AC transient engine dynamometer to evaluate engine start-up temperatures on PM, HC and CO emissions using a 2005 International DT466 engine.

The test found: Engine start-up temperature has a significant impact on the emissions levels emitted by the engine; PM emissions were reduced by 66% by pre-heating the engine during the cold weather conditions. Pre-heating also provided a 27% reduction in PM emissions during normal ambient conditions. This will help in longevity of the DPF life and can avoid more frequent regenerations and cleaning intervals; NOx emissions were reduced by around 40% by pre-heating the engine to 155 degrees Fahrenheit; The test results show a 29% reduction in CO during winter conditions, and a 62% reduction during normal ambient conditions; and pre-heating the engine does not have a significant effect on the Hydrocarbon emissions.