Does My Car Need A Block Heater During Winters? 

Driving during the winter in Canada can be challenging, especially when it comes to starting and operating a vehicle in sub-zero temperatures. A block heater is a device that is used to preheat the engine block of a car, truck or another vehicle to help make starting easier in cold weather. 

It is typically an electric heating element that is installed in the engine block and connected to an electrical outlet. Block heaters are commonly used in colder climates such as Canada, where temperatures can regularly drop below freezing.

When your vehicle is parked in the cold for long periods of time, the oil and other engine fluids can become thick and sluggish, making it harder to turn over the engine. A battery-powered block heater can help warm up these fluids, allowing the engine to start more easily and reducing wear and tear on the engine over time. 

In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about block heaters in Canada and do you really need them or not. 

What is a block heater? 

A block heater for cars is an electrical device designed to warm up a vehicle’s engine block before starting it in cold weather. It is typically a heating element installed directly into the engine block or attached to the engine’s coolant system and connected to an electrical outlet. 

When activated, the block heater installation warms up the engine block and other critical components, including the oil and coolant, which reduces wear and tear on the engine and makes starting easier.

Different types of block heater

There are two main types of block heaters: immersion heaters and circulating heaters. Immersion heaters are installed directly into the engine block and heat the engine coolant directly. 

“We’re far from having too much horsepower…[m]y definition of too much horsepower is when all four wheels are spinning in every gear.” by – Mark Donohue

They are generally easier to install and use but may not heat the engine as evenly as circulating heaters. Circulating heaters are installed in the coolant system and circulate heated coolant throughout the engine block, providing a more even heat distribution. They can be more complex to install and use but are generally more efficient.

How do engine block heaters work?

Block heaters for car work by using an electric heating element to warm up the engine block and other components. They are typically connected to a timer or thermostat that controls when the heater turns on and off. 

This allows the engine to warm up gradually and reach operating temperature more quickly, which reduces wear and tear on the engine and improves fuel efficiency. In addition to improving starting performance, heat blockers for cars can also help reduce emissions by allowing the engine to reach optimal operating temperature more quickly. 

Overall, block heaters are a simple and effective way to improve vehicle performance and reliability during the winter months in cold climates like Canada.

Benefits of block heaters

There are several benefits to using a block heater in the winter:

• Improved fuel efficiency:
  When the engine is cold, it takes longer for it to reach its optimal operating temperature, which can reduce fuel efficiency. By using a block heater for a car, the engine can warm up more quickly, reducing the time it takes to reach operating temperature and improving fuel efficiency.
• Reduced engine wear and tear:
  Cold weather can cause increased wear and tear on an engine, as the oil and other fluids can become thick and sluggish, making it harder for the engine to turn over. By using a block heater, the engine warms up more quickly, reducing wear and tear on the engine over time.
• • Easier cold weather starting:
    Plug your car in winter with a block heater to start the engine in cold weather much easier. When the engine is warm, it starts more quickly and smoothly, reducing the strain on the battery and starter motor.
  • Reduced emissions:
    By plugging in the block heater can help reduce emissions by allowing the engine to reach optimal operating temperature more quickly. This is because a cold engine emits more pollutants than a warm engine. By using a block heater, the engine warms up more quickly, reducing emissions.
  • Other benefits:
    Using a block heater can also help reduce idling time, as the engine will warm up more quickly, reducing the need to let the car idle to warm up. Additionally, block heaters can help reduce the risk of engine damage in extremely cold weather. Another benefit is that the block heater replacement is also easier. In case the previous block heater is fine but shows some issues, then you should go for block heater cord replacement. 

  Do you need a block heater for your car in Canada? 

  Whether or not you need a battery warmer vs block heater for your car in Canada depends on a few factors, including where you live, the type of car you have, and your personal preferences. However, block heaters are generally recommended for cars in colder regions of Canada, where temperatures can drop below freezing for extended periods of time.

  There are several factors to consider before deciding whether or not you need a block heater, including:

  1- Your local climate: 

  If you live in a region of Canada that experiences prolonged periods of sub-zero temperatures, a block heater can be an important tool for ensuring reliable vehicle operation during winter.

  2- Your car’s make and model: 

  Some car models are more susceptible to cold weather starting problems than others and may benefit from plugging in block heater. For example, diesel engines are more difficult to start in cold weather and may require a block heater to operate reliably.

  3- Your personal preferences: 

  Even if you live in a region with relatively mild winters, you may prefer to use a block heater to improve cold weather starting performance and reduce engine wear and tear.

  In addition to these factors, it is important to consider any local regulations or requirements related to block heater use. Some cities and municipalities in Canada have laws requiring the use of block heaters during certain times of the year, and failure to comply with these laws can result in fines or other penalties.

  Conclusion: 

  Using a block heater car plug in for winter can provide several benefits, including improved fuel efficiency, reduced engine wear and tear, easier cold weather starting, reduced emissions, and more.

  By warming up the engine before starting, a block heater can help ensure reliable vehicle operation during cold weather, especially in regions with prolonged periods of sub-zero temperatures.

  There are plenty of block heater alternatives; you must have checked out posts like oil pan heater vs block heater, although block heater is a better option.

  FAQs

  1- When to use a block heater on a diesel car?

  Diesel engines are more difficult to start in cold weather, and as a result, a block heater can be particularly useful for diesel vehicles. As a general rule, it is recommended to use a block heater on a diesel car when the temperature drops below -15°C or 5°F. However, the exact temperature at which you should use a block heater will depend on several factors, including the make and model of your vehicle and the specific climate conditions in your area.

  The block heater power consumption is also lower, so you can easily use them without any complications. 

  2- How long does it take to plug in a block heater?

  The length of time that you should plug in your block heater will depend on several factors, including the type of heater you are using, the outdoor temperature, and the make and model of your vehicle. As a general rule, it is recommended to plug in your block heater for at least 2-3 hours before starting your car in cold weather. However, some block heaters may require longer or shorter heating times, so it is important to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for specific guidance.

  3- How many amps does a block heater draw?

  The amount of power that a block heater draws can vary depending on the make and model of the heater. However, most block heaters are designed to draw between 400 and 1500 watts of power, which equates to approximately 3 to 12.5 amps of electricity.

  4- How much does a block heater cost?

  The cost of a block heater can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the type of block heater you choose, and the installation cost. Generally speaking, block heaters can range in price from around $30 to $150, with installation costs adding an additional $50 to $200 or more.

  5- Is a block heater necessary in Canada?

  Whether or not a block heater is necessary for Canada will depend on several factors, including the specific climate conditions in your area and the make and model of your vehicle. However, in general, block heaters are recommended for use in colder regions of Canada, where temperatures can drop below freezing for extended periods of time.

  6- At what temperature does a car need a block heater?

  The temperature at which a car needs a block heater can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle and the specific climate conditions in the area. However, as a general rule, it is recommended to use a block heater when the temperature drops below -15°C or 5°F, particularly for diesel engines.