ok when i was buying my car i kind of wanted this because i use this as my daily commuter and i figure it would keep the engine nice and toasty to help in cold starts in the winter. but when i ordered the car i forgot to list it as an item i wanted. its a 50 dollar item, has anyone installed it after the fact? is it hard or even worth it? i park my car in the garage and there is an outlet nearby where i can plug it in.

 

Based on the experiences last winter, I don't think I need it in NYC.

Some other ppl mentioned before that 04TL's engine block heater is easy to use and remove (compare with some old systems or vehicles'). Wish someone from the North could provide more specific answers to you soon.

 

i wouldnt waste your time or money. i think is more geared for people in canada or maybe minnesota. my dealership has not installed any yet and we have about the same winters here as you do in ny.

 

alright thanks nick i just thought it might help in those cold starts.

 

I ordered my car with the block heater and it works great. Sometimes I have to leave my car parked outside overnight at work. My parking spot is right next to an outlet on the side of the building and I just leave it plugged in overnight. I keep a 10 ft heavy duty extension cord in my trunk, just for this reason. When I come out in the morning I just unplug it, wrap up the cord, start it, and let it idle for a minute before driving off.


It was worth the money, especially after last winter's sub-freezing temps.

-Chad

 

I agree it is not needed where you live. The one time I got it as an OE item, it leaked. and it took 3 trips to the dealer to get it straight (it replaces a "freeze plug" in most cars or one of the block drain plugs on the TL). It really does not aide with starts so much as ensure the car warms up quicly - modern oils, even non-synoils, have "pour-point depressants" which keep the wax crystals in minoil from causing the oil to thicken to the point where the starter cannot turn it. Plus, the base stocks are more highly refined nowadays, removing many of the crystals. Synoils do not have the wax at all, and that is one reason they have such low pour points, well below -40degF in most cases.

If one lived in International Falls and the cars sat outside, or one lived somewhere where having the car not start would be dangerous, I would say "go ahead". But in your case, it is not a good benefit vs. cost (risk) proposition in my opinion.

 

thanks that clarifies some questions about the heater. only reason i was interested was because i plan on taking several snowboard outings with the TL to vermont this season and sometimes the temps drop down pretty low.

 

I spent a few days and nights at Okemo last winter. With freezing temp out there, I have no problem to start my early build 04TL...

But, if you would worry, with $50, you could make yourself more comfortable in any severe conditions.

 

0w oil and a good battery should suffice. you could always bring a few sterno cans. place one under the oil pan :

 

I live in Canada, and in winter it is around -4 F and stays around -40 F for about 2-3 weeks. I do not use the block heater until the ambient temperature is below 14 F.
I do not know how cold NYC is in winter but as long as your antifrreze is mixed up properly (say 70% antifreeze and 30% water), you should be fine to be at 5 F.
I have left my car in -22 F for 24 hours without pluggin in the block heater, and it was fine (just warm it up slowly by driving in parking lot at 5 mph).

 

50/50 mix is good to -34degF. 70/30 would not give optimal cooling in summer. The guy is fine with the stock setup.

 

Thank for the info. It does not get too hot here (only 93 F for about a week) so most of the cars are setup for winter protection. Here is a link for more detail antifreeze mix ratio
http://www.techguys.ca/howto/antifreeze.html

 

I live in Edmonton where the winters are brutally cold. I have owned a 1993 Buick Regal, 2003 TL-S, and now own a 2004 TL, and a 2004 EL.

All my cars come with the block heater dealer installed. I have never ever used it. Even my Buick Regal, which saw a lot of cold winter nights outside the garage due to the Acura's taking over, still started no problem and also heated up just fine.

Side note, are weather here can get as cold as -35 degrees celcius which can almost feel as bad as -50 degrees with the wind chill.