Engine block heater - any good?
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Engine block heater - any good?
Anyone invest in the engine block heater? I would sure like to know how well it works. This cold weather has got me thinking about getting one. Please post your experience with it if you have one.
Thanks
Thanks
#2
Team Nighthawk MechE
Originally Posted by badboy
Anyone invest in the engine block heater? I would sure like to know how well it works. This cold weather has got me thinking about getting one. Please post your experience with it if you have one.
Thanks
Thanks
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At least I don't think so.... It's been between 3F and 25 F here for quite a while and I've have no problems...
I'd think in Northern Canada, they'd have more use for the heaters...
#4
Instructor
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Calgary AB
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It was –32 Celsius (–25F) 2 weeks ago here in Calgary
for a week and no problem the dealership here doesn’t even say you need one. Maybe when the car is older you might need one but I’ll have a new car before this TL is on life-support.
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#5
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I didn't think many people used it. -32C is cold, and if they don't need one, I sure has hell don't.
Have you guys noticed that the engine bay in our tls stays so clean. I opened up my hood today and it looks the same as the day I got it if not better.
Have you guys noticed that the engine bay in our tls stays so clean. I opened up my hood today and it looks the same as the day I got it if not better.
#6
Originally Posted by badboy
I didn't think many people used it. -32C is cold, and if they don't need one, I sure has hell don't.
Have you guys noticed that the engine bay in our tls stays so clean. I opened up my hood today and it looks the same as the day I got it if not better.
Have you guys noticed that the engine bay in our tls stays so clean. I opened up my hood today and it looks the same as the day I got it if not better.
#7
WDP Director of R & D
A block heaters is a small electric element that fits into one of the engine block "freeze plugs" (placed within the water/coolant jacket of the block). Depending on the size of the element (some are smaller by design due to the size of the "freeze plug" in the block) they can work quite well.
Having spent numerous years in MT and NE all of my vehicles had them. Given the fact I live in TX now the TL didn't get one.... The best thing about a block heater is it warms the coolant thus your heater works near instantly after starting. Not sure where you live but even if the car starts fine when cold, the fact that you get instant heat having a block heater can be nice.
So, if you live in a cold area, have access to an outside plug-in/power outlet, like having heat at startup and don't mind spending a few extra bucks on the electric bill, a block heater is for you. Like others have mentioned, the car may not/doesn't need one where you live, but either way the near instant heat is nice.
Having spent numerous years in MT and NE all of my vehicles had them. Given the fact I live in TX now the TL didn't get one.... The best thing about a block heater is it warms the coolant thus your heater works near instantly after starting. Not sure where you live but even if the car starts fine when cold, the fact that you get instant heat having a block heater can be nice.
So, if you live in a cold area, have access to an outside plug-in/power outlet, like having heat at startup and don't mind spending a few extra bucks on the electric bill, a block heater is for you. Like others have mentioned, the car may not/doesn't need one where you live, but either way the near instant heat is nice.
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#8
Moderator Alumnus
#9
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Join Date: Oct 2004
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I had one put in my 10 year old Explorer and it came in handy when we went skiing in VT one year where it was -20 below one morning. My truck started. One of my friends cars didn't. Even in NJ where you really don't need to worry about the very cold winter days, it does help to get heat to come out into the cabin much quicker. Might be a good investment just to get warmer quicker on cold days in NJ.
#10
No need for one in the lower 48. Unless you you leave your car out in very cold temperatures <0F for days the car will start without problems. I've had them in a couple of Hondas (didn't get for my TL), the only time I ever needed it to start a car was when my civic was left out in the middle of a Minnesota winter for over a month without being started.
#11
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Edmonton, AB. CANADA
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Never plugged any of my cars in ever. I say your fine. But i heard it is good if you have a timer on your outlet, cuz it only needs like 1 hour before it is supposed to be started. Otherwise its just a waste of electricity.
I live in Edmonton... the Model City of Winter.
I live in Edmonton... the Model City of Winter.
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