iaink

The fuel saving argument is probably bogus as it doesnt seem to take into account the energy requirements of running the heater for a few hours.

At best a block heater will make it easier to start the car on the really cold days, and maybe save some wear. In Ontario I used to worry about it, but now neither car has a block heater. A decent battery is more important to crank the engine when cold. Out West where its colder for longer I dont suppose having a heater can do any harm. The main benefit though is probably in getting cabin heat a bit sooner.

MikeUK

Electricity is cheaper than (car)gas per Kwh, and a block heater is 100% efficient in heating the block as no heat leaves via the exhaust pipe.
So from my research using a block heater is almost always supported by both economic factor and environmental factors, ( and the Ontario government) and from what I can gather block heaters are popular with large fleet managers as the numbers show up in maintenance budgets and running costs

Google around, see what turns up as I can't be a**ed to argue the point every year

R I C H

I've never needed to use a block heater on a regular gas engined vehicle, but regular early morning starts to use diesel machinery necessitates using one. Cranking a cold diesel engine over at 4am mid winter without a block heater isn't necessarily a fruitless task, but it's very hard on the starter and battery trying to get glow plugs up to temperature, and I live in a relatively mild area of the country.

Piff Poff

Heated seats! Even the plug in your lighter ones are good for the really cold days, warms you much faster than stuff coming through the blowers. (Just got to remember to unplug the plug in ones though otherwise nothing gonna start).

iaink

I hear you...

iaink

Doesnt really help if the windscreen is so steamed up you cant see where you are going. Well, not unless you are dbd anyway

Piff Poff

One thing that doesn't really happen around here, steamy windows(), I suppose it's too dry...

iaink

My breath freezes to mine. Its been an insanely nice long weekend here. Is winter really just around the corner

dbd33

I did come to value the heated seats when commuting by car. I would never have ordered them but, as noted, they make you warm long before you can clear the windows. Most days I'd arrive at work before the heater cleared the glass enough to be able to see out while sitting normally but after the first mile or so my back would be warm. A great gadget.

Simon Legree

Why not install a remote starter as well as a block heater ?
Crank the beast up a few minute early, let it run and bob's your uncle. A nice warm vehicle.
When my wife worked shifts as a Critical Care nurse she swore by one in the winter. After a 12 our night shift she could start her car remotely and by the time she got out of the hospital it would be warm and the windows clear.

iaink

You mean, aside from the obvious environmental reasons


I miss my remote starter neither vehicle has one at present.

jimf

I think most cars in Calgary have block heaters. I've never used mine. The three work car parks I've used all have power outlets for block heaters but I've never seen anyone using one. That said it's probably a good idea for the -20C days to save the wear on the car so I may be more diligent this winter.

Lemonfish

I'm always confused by this block heater debate every year.

Ottawa can get pretty cold (down to 30 below occasionally), but I've never used one and actually never seen anyone else doing so. Assume some people must be, given debates on here. Maybe its more a prairies/further north thing?

Perhaps it is because I bought a car from new when I arrive, and so far, 4 years later, it starts. Should I anticipate trouble in future as I drive it longer into its lifespan?

dbd33

I've never used one and I've had a variety of cars, some recent, some very old. I don't know, of course, if most of the cars had block heaters. Like winter tyres they're something I first heard of on this board so I'd bowled along for 25 years in Canada without them coming to my attention.

G77

Got one, never used it as I read they can be prone to going faulty on my particular car and setting the car/garage/house on fire