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

 

In New Jersey? It doesn't get THAT cold that you'd need one!

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...

 

yeah i considered getting the heater but most people have told me i don't need it. its designed for much colder conditions that what we get here in the tri-state area.

 

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.

 

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.

 

mine is pretty clean but it has gotten dirtier since the first day i got it. when you drive through more dusty areas and expose to car to more moisture it will begin to get dirty. its not that bad but i do end up cleaning it a bit.

 

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.

 

Another one here in the Garage...


https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70105

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.