Engine Block Heater Necessary?

I suppose it may depend what your climate is like. I begin plugging in when the temp. is going to go to below zero F overnight. I use a timer and set it for between 1 and 4 hours before I plan to use the car. The 4 hour setting is used for nights when it is going to get to minus 30F.

Some of the new timers now on the market have a remote control feature - which would be great when you could just plug the car in every time you come home - leave the timer set to off - and use the remote to turn the power on one or two hours before you plan to use the car.

IMHO - heating up the engine with a block heater is going to lengthen engine life - as it allows it to start easier seeing as the whole block is warmed up. On the comfort side - the plugged-in car begins to produce heat for the interior faster. The cost is minimal if you use a timer.

I have a (former) brother-in-law (the type with a cigarette package tucked in his t-shirt sleeve). He used to scoff at me plugging in & say HIS cars were TOUGH and would not be plugged in. He is on his 10'th or 11'th car (and countless 'no start' tow truck bills) - while I continue to chug away with my one 1989 Camry - 380,000 km on it - which starts every time.... Guess my car is a wuss .... one that starts though!!!

LOL...

My car is a wuss...too ('02 Corolla Wagon...only 165,000 miles)

"Car Guy" skrev i meddelandet news:veoNb.2705$ snipped-for-privacy@news20.bellglobal.com...

Hello, I have found two reports in English on the internet from a Scandinavian research about block heaters, their reduction of emissions and fuel consumption, see:

I don't use one, even at minus 30C because.......

....I also use synthetics which makes starting easy.

JP

Hi:

It really depends on the climate in your area. In some very cold areas in Canada, most cars sold have a block heater, and long-term parking lots have electrical outlets on each spot. The short-term parking lots, like in shopping malls, have no outlets.

If most cars sold in your area come without block heaters, you probably do not need it either.

Regards.

Your experience mirrors mine. Even though I live in Edmonton, Alberta, I haven't used my block heater on my 99 Camry in at least 3 years. IF I was using conventional oil, I would definitely be plugging in for about 3 hours before usage, when temp. dropped below -15 C or 5 F.

heat the battery eh, then she will start.