Ready for the Storm....
 

........thats just hitting Calgary? I went out and finally bought some snow boots and a block heater lead last night in preparation.

The snow started pretty much on the dot here in South Calgary, intreguid as to what -30 actually feels like, and perversely looking forward to it

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

I'm in Edmonton and I think its due to come here as it is going to be -30 tomorrow.

I'm just as intreguid as you at the moment. ;)

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

I got stopped walking into Wal-Mart this afternoon. I wasn't wearing a jacket and someone asked me if I was cold.

It was only -6 and I was only walking from the car into the store, and no I wasn't cold.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

What kind of lead does one need for a blockheater? Can it just be a bog-standard extension type thingie? It doesn't need to be heavy duty, does it? And just "normal" plug bits on either end ?

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Yep
Nope
Yep

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Very simple and straight to the point answer, Rich.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

I got a specific lead from Canadian Tire, rated down to -40, was on $16.99, same as a similar lenghted normal outdoor lead

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

My tractor's been plugged into a normal extension cord each winter, and been fine. I don't know if a -40 rated cord's any more expensive, but in my experience, if it is, don't bother.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

In Toronto, on the other hand, temperatures tonight was well above 0, something like 5 to 7º ("Its almost tropical!, I kept hearing on the radio). Around two weeks ago, I was eagerly waiting for a fantastic snow storm over here, and the media kept bombarding people with it, giving advise on how to avoid it. Just light rain came :( When will I see such incredible things! (I know they will come, I know... :) )

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

I remember last winter being in Canadian Tire trying to find an extension cord for the block heater and they just looked at me as if I was mad, now I know any extension lead will do but why couldnt they just say that :)

I also remember when we got our car being told that it already had a block heater fitted. So back home in the garage looking car over we hunted high and low for the lead couldnt find it. Rather red faced we went back to Honda and said excuse me could you just point out where this block heater plug is we cannt find it. 20 minutes later and around four people looking under the hood they announced 'there isnt one'. We didnt feel so bad after that but were rather annoyed at the porkie - error was put right rather hastily by Honda. :)

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

At the risk of invoking debate about "the block heater thread" - at what temperature does one require one? I don't think I even have one, not that I'd know what I was looking for.... but then it only gets down to about -10 here....

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Don't mention block heaters!!!!!!

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

I heard the other day it can get heated regarding this subject :lol:

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

According to the locals here at temps below -15, you don't necessarily need to use it but the idea is that it helps you engine to have some warmth and there for start easier and do less damage.

Having a mechanical engineering background I would advise erring on the side of caution and use one rather than not use one.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

They haven't been mentioned for a while, just think of all the people who don't know the answer, and don't know about that thread....
:rofl:

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

We're buying a puppy this weekend.
What great timing... just in time to start taking him for walks in -30 at 6 in the morning....

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

I don't think it's advisable to take a puppy for walkies in -30 temperature.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Yep, I was told anything below -15 and you should plug ya car in......whether this is a cynical approach by those that manufacture/sell them I don't know but better to err on the side of caution as you say:thumbup:

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

I have to admit that its feels like well below -15 in lethbridge tonight and OH has just gone out to plug the cars in, never used block heaters

But they must of put them on there for some reason, i think well use them just incase .........
Mind you im trying to sort out my lights, so my car wont be going anywhere for a few days :blink::unsure:

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

The switch to turn them on will either be on the turn signal stalk on the steering column, or on the dash panel.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

[QUOTE=CaptainHook;7063207]The switch to turn them on will either be on the turn signal stalk on the steering column, or on the dash panel.[/QUOTE

:eek::rofl::rofl::rofl:
so funny, no i tried that my dear and no lights have come on, so its either two bulbs that have blown togeather or a fuse......
car runs fab, but with this snow and strong winds i think i may get a policeman flashing at me, so i think ill stay in until i see my OH and he can fix it.....

Or if anyone fancy's coming to the bridge, feel free, car is in the garage plugged in :wub::wub:

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

You can get block heater specific extension cords that have a light on one end so you know you're getting power to the heater.

Use the block heater for a couple reasons: 1 to make starting easier; 2 to avoid wear and tear on the engine. The latter is more important over the long term.

How does it stop wear and tear? It keeps the oil more liquid so it can lubricate more easily when you start.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

iank will be along soon...

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Pardon my ignorance and please don't ask me to do a search because I haven't the patience tonight (X factor final) but what is a block heater?

:eek:

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

It's a thingy near the engine that warms it up a bit. You'll often see cars running around with leads hanging out from under their hoods that plug into sockets by spaces in parking lots....... apparently my car has one but I haven't found it yet. :o

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

It was plus 17C this afternoon in NL and I was walking around in a Polo shirt. It is a bit windy and its been fairly wet over the past couple of weeks but winter seems far away today! Tommorrow of course we're supposed to have flurries but then the temp gets back up into double figures next week.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

I was driving around for most of last evening in the storm .... first trying to get home, and then got changed and threw on some makeup and drove halfway across town to get to a show I was performing in.

I arrived ten minutes after the thing had started and had to walk onto the stage between songs to join my group. :p

Didn't get back til around midnight. My friend got stuck driving over to my place before we left so I had to rescue her first .... glad I have my jeep! :wub:

This morning hubby set off for work and I settled back to sleep, only to be woken a short time later by him stumping in grumbling about being stuck in some deep snow at the side of the road, so I had to throw on some clothes and go help dig him out. It was -24 at the time (wind-chill -30 something?). Then I cleared the drive (somewhat) before retreating inside for a shower to warm up and get some porridge in me! :thumbsup:

Meeting Mandimoo later today to go sledging with her kids and have some hot chocolate (I hope)!;) :thumbsup:

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Thank you, I await next winter with baited breath so that I can see them for myself!!

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Isn't the reasoning behind these devices, that you plug them in if the vehicle is left OUTSIDE ?

Surely if left in the garage, a vehicle will be OK with the just warmer ambient temperature ?

:confused:

R.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Rich
When it below -20 outside and we have a outside garage that isnt part of the house, then i'm advised by the locals to plug it in, i'm going off what the locals say, will be going down to -40 over the next couple of days and if my car starts first time im happy.

I would say the locals know what they are talking about :blink:

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Block heaters are not needed/used in some parts of the country. They are not needed in the Toronto region for example and would not be standard installation there.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

I would rather have one than not need it. I know most of my Canadian friends in the GTA have block heaters on their vehicles, just in case.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Agree, unless its a heated garage. Some friends of ours had frozen and exploding cans of pop in their unheated garage last winter.

Used teh block heater last night, car started almost immediately in -28 temps this morning and was up to running temp quicker than normal if I don't use it

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

What all should I be looking at purchasing as far as winter clothes go?

I dont own a hat, gloves, scarf or jacket as it stands!! :unsure:

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

All of the above. www.marks.com

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

Our car, an 8-year old Pontiac Shitfire, doesn't have a block heater and has never been parked in a garage. It has never failed to start first time.

I don't see the need for a block heater in the GTA and I don't know of anyone around here that has one.

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

My brother has been winding me up that people go to work in ski outfits complete with snow boots etc...

I take it i'll be ok with a good gore-tex jacket and a set of gloves on?

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

You might want a pair of snow boots or other stout boots and leave a pair of shoes at work to wear inside. Aside from that a decent jacket (doesn't neccessarily have to be goretex, gloves and a hat are all that is required. The hat is important, especially for those of us getting a little thin on top!

Re: Ready for the Storm....
 

erm depends where you are going :confused:
You know they say that fashion is out of the window here in canada :eek:

Thermals are my new love in life....do i care if i look sexy...................erm NO..i am warm

At -30 outside sod the fashion until it warms up :rofl::rofl: