well I know that this time of year isn't the time to be asking a question like this, but next year I'm going away to college and the place I'm going can get -20 to -30 in the winters. I wanted to get a block heater for my car however I have no knowledge about them.

how do block heaters work?

how hard are they to install?

Where can I get one?

Do they have to be plugged in at night?

any help is appriciated

thanks

 

well I found some answers to my own questions on other sites.. I guess they do have to be plugged it correct? there are 2 types.. one that heats up your oil using a different dipstick.. and another that goes in your drain plug and keep the coolant warm? obviously installation wouldn't be too hard then correct?

so now I need to know where to get what and what I should expect to pay?

thanks anyone for your help

 

I'm not even sure most of us know what a block heater is :dunno:

 

haha its something you put on your engine and plug into your house at night to keep your engine warm so when you start it in the morning the oil isn't thick and the coolant is nice and warm.. makes engine starts easier on the block.. Its an factory option on newer hondas

 

yeah..my parents had to run them on there cars when we lived in Minnisota during the winter. I am pretty sure you could order it from any auto accessories/parts store, and I would imagine that they are not all that expensive.

 

my friend has a block heater on his 95 integra.

i'm not sure if his had to be plugged in or not. In Northern Virginia you don't really need it, his car just sorta had it.

 

They are pretty common in any parts store locally once fall hits. I have tried the dipstick version (actually burned the oil) and a magnetic version that attaches to the side of the block. that didn't work that great either. Main problem is you're running an extension cord out to your car in freezing weather...this sucks. Both of these were used on an '85 RX-7 in logan....20 below sometimes. Never had starting issues with the '98 civic.

 

haha right on, Logan is where I'm going to school. I think I'm gonna try to find an OEM one if they are available.. I just don't wanna try to start my car when the temp is below 20 degrees or so just to prevent cold start wear

 

you lived there, yet you can't spell it??

 

bitch I was three....:fawk: