Block heaters: plug in and save!

The tried-and-true block heater has been around for years, since long before the first battery-powered vehicles. It can help you save big during the cold season, whether you already have one on your vehicle or are thinking of having one installed. A block heater will also help keep you comfortable and safe, and is even good for the environment.

Drive cozy

Your block heater has a very specific task, namely to warm up certain powertrain components (via the engine coolant) before you start your car. When these parts are at an optimal temperature, the passenger compartment warms up much faster than when the vehicle is cold started. What’s more, there’s nothing better than driving off in a car that’s already comfortably warm!

Of course, a block heater isn’t essential to starting your car, but it will keep you warm and cozy during the long winter months.

Protect your engine block and battery

A block heater not only keeps you and your passengers comfortable, it also protects many vehicle parts. And in the age of turbochargers and direct injection, it makes sense to use a block heater to make cold weather starting easier. Find more information on the best way to start your car in cold weather.

Stricter emission standards have forced automakers to install ever more sophisticated emission control components. To truly benefit from these technologies, it’s better to start with a warm engine. It’s also worth noting that block heaters make for easier starting and less energy drain from your car battery. This is even more true if you only drive occasionally, since the battery tends to discharge somewhat over time, even when your vehicle is not moving. To learn more, read our tips for extending the life of your battery.

Warm your engine, save on gas

If the idea of plugging in your vehicle still doesn’t appeal to you, remember that a block heater also helps reduce your annual gas bill. Plugged-in vehicles consume less fuel—up to 15% less—because the engine is already warm when you start it. And this increases if you drive less than 20km. Check out our list of 15 things you can start doing to save money on gas. 

Drive greener

A block heater will also cut your greenhouse gas emissions. A preheated car emits 15 times less hydrocarbons, 6 times less carbon monoxide, and 4 times less nitrogen oxide at startup than one without a block heater. And depending on your car model, you only have to plug in your car for three hours before leaving to get these benefits, so it’s easy on your hydro bill.

It’s much better to warm up the engine in advance than starting it cold and letting it run. A cold, idling engine uses more fuel to reach its normal operating temperature at very low temperatures, allowing air pollutants to escape. Using a block heater significantly shortens the time it takes for exhaust gases to start being eliminated. A warm engine doesn’t have to run rich to reach the required temperature threshold.

Are block heaters expensive?

Actually, many manufacturers equip their vehicles with block heaters directly on the assembly line. A block heater can also be added to virtually any mass-market vehicle for between $200 and $300, depending on the type of car. Given all the above benefits, it’s well worth it.  

Remote starter or block heater?

Lately there’s been a resurgence of remote starters installed directly at the plant. Major car manufacturers still offer the option of adding one to your car. A remote starter allows you to warm up the passenger compartment in advance, but it means your car will be idling for some time and your engine parts aren’t protected because they’ll be starting cold. Using a remote starter in cold weather also increases air pollution if the engine is idling for 10 to 15 minutes. It also does nothing to help recharge your battery. In fact, it can lead to premature battery aging if your engine switches off automatically after a pre-programmed period and then has to be restarted before leaving.

Lots of benefits

Using a block heater saves on gas, makes your engine parts last longer, and is good for the environment. However if you keep your car in a heated garage, there’s no point in having a block heater.

For more information about your car, your driving, or your safety, please contact our Automotive Advisory Services.