Abstract
The article presents a review and comparative analysis of modern pre-start heating systems for internal combustion engines, which are highly relevant for operation in the harsh climate of the northern regions of Kazakhstan. Cold starts are accompanied by increased wear of the cylinder-piston group, higher fuel consumption, and greater emissions of pollutants, as confirmed by experimental studies. An additional factor that has intensified the problem is the restriction introduced in 2025, which limits engine idling for warming up to five minutes, thereby requiring alternative technical solutions. The study systematizes three main classes of preheaters: electric, autonomous fuel-based, and combined intelligent systems. For each type, the design features, operating principle, advantages, and disadvantages are considered. It is shown that electric systems are simple and inexpensive but depend on the availability of external power; autonomous heaters ensure rapid engine start and independence but require additional costs; combined solutions provide high efficiency and intelligent control, yet remain costly. A comparative analysis based on efficiency, energy consumption, environmental impact, and ease of operation demonstrates that autonomous fuel-based systems are the most reliable under extreme cold conditions, while the most promising direction for development lies in intelligent and combined systems that integrate renewable energy sources and the concept of the “smart city.”