Just a comment

[Iceracer]

In a lot of our threads about snow tires and block heaters, for instance.
Many say they have driven for years in the worst conditions and never NEEDED such a device. True, can be done.

The point is that adding snow tires are not only an aid to going in the snow but they are also a safety item. Able to steer and stop, for instance.

In the case of a block heater, again the car will run for years without one.
But they are an aid, they warm the block which makes starting easier, the oil
circulates quicker, you start getting heat from the heater almost instantly.
So again, they could prolong the life of the engine, paricularly when started in below zero temps. Plus they are a nice convenience.

So again, It is a matter of choice. Just because you have done or done without for years doesn't mean that it is the correct way.
Until you have driven on snow tires in the winter and had the convenience of a block heaer, You don't know what you are missing.

[FORDSVTPARTS]

Snow tires are a massive benefit in snow/ice conditions for sure, I had Dunlop Graspics on my car and it was like having four wheel drive.

I've lived with and without block heaters and do like them but I've never gone as far as adding one to a car that didn't come with one.



.

[wmussatto]

I thought one of the advantages of a block heater is that it shortens the time that the engine runs in the gas gulping warm up mode. But then I live in So. Cal. and when I was in other places it was never the northern tier. VA had lake effect snows but it didn't get that cold.

[archenok]

I started a rental Yaris at about -25c ish (maybe colder ... dunno) It was *NOT* a happy camper and made bad noises for 10 minutes. Clunkety.

Yes you need a block heater if it's so cold the oil gels.

Snow tires in winter are the bomb.

[f91]

When I lived in Alaska in the 80's, virtually every car had a block heater. Last time I was up there, a lot of the newer ones didn't. Could be a result of 0W30 or something? I just got Blizzaks for the wifes car for those 3 or 4 days we might need them up here.

[Iceracer]

Originally Posted by wmussatto

I thought one of the advantages of a block heater is that it shortens the time that the engine runs in the gas gulping warm up mode. But then I live in So. Cal. and when I was in other places it was never the northern tier. VA had lake effect snows but it didn't get that cold.

Yes it does.
The quicker warm up alluded to in earlier posts, heat and defrost, ignored the other advantages of having a warm engine on start up.

[FXSTi]

I'm looking into a block heater, but I don't think I'll ever do snows. This car could prove me wrong though.

[FORDSVTPARTS]

Originally Posted by wmussatto

I thought one of the advantages of a block heater is that it shortens the time that the engine runs in the gas gulping warm up mode. But then I live in So. Cal. and when I was in other places it was never the northern tier. VA had lake effect snows but it didn't get that cold.

When it's -20 no one cares about fuel economy, it's all about getting heat and helping the oil get up to temp.

Oil flows at those temps but until you've experienced what -20,-30 does to the engine, trans and suspension you'll never know.

Originally Posted by archenok

I started a rental Yaris at about -25c ish (maybe colder ... dunno) It was *NOT* a happy camper and made bad noises for 10 minutes. Clunkety.

Yes you need a block heater if it's so cold the oil gels.

Snow tires in winter are the bomb.

Oil does not "gel", it does get thicker but it won't stop flowing.

Originally Posted by f91

When I lived in Alaska in the 80's, virtually every car had a block heater. Last time I was up there, a lot of the newer ones didn't. Could be a result of 0W30 or something? I just got Blizzaks for the wifes car for those 3 or 4 days we might need them up here.

Used to be that a block heater was almost a requirement to get cars running in super cold temps due to carburation or engine management systems that were pretty rudimentary back then.

Dealership service departments used to spend a TON of time changing plugs and oil on cars off the lot that were flooded just trying to start them to move for snow clearing.

Originally Posted by FXSTi

I'm looking into a block heater, but I don't think I'll ever do snows. This car could prove me wrong though.

Don't knock modern snow tires until you've tried them, they are a massive improvement in snow and especially on ice over even the best all season tires.

[f91]

I didn't notice a lot of block heaters in Minnesota when I was there several years ago either. I did notice people leaving their cars running in the parking lot of restaurants. Baxter, before you ask. 40 below with the wind chill, thanks.

Originally Posted by FORDSVTPARTS

When it's -20 no one cares about fuel economy, it's all about getting heat and helping the oil get up to temp.

Oil flows at those temps but until you've experienced what -20,-30 does to the engine, trans and suspension you'll never know.



Oil does not "gel", it does get thicker but it won't stop flowing.



Used to be that a block heater was almost a requirement to get cars running in super cold temps due to carburation or engine management systems that were pretty rudimentary back then.

Dealership service departments used to spend a TON of time changing plugs and oil on cars off the lot that were flooded just trying to start them to move for snow clearing.



Don't knock modern snow tires until you've tried them, they are a massive improvement in snow and especially on ice over even the best all season tires.

[FORDSVTPARTS]

Originally Posted by f91

I didn't notice a lot of block heaters in Minnesota when I was there several years ago either. I did notice people leaving their cars running in the parking lot of restaurants. Baxter, before you ask. 40 below with the wind chill, thanks.

Yup, SUPER common here to let cars idle. That's why remote starts are so popular around here.

There are tons of cars with block heaters around here, you just can't always tell. I had one in my last Focus but kept the cord tucked under the hood.