My '04 Coupe 6MT came with a block heater already installed (most Canadian drivers know what I mean by a block heater).
When the temperature drops below -10C, how long should this be plugged in to have a beneficial effect during a cold start? For example, is an hour long enough? Do some of you leave it plugged in over night?

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Hey bro, I'd suggest no more than 2 hrs. plug in for your b/h. Should be just right for taking the chill off the engine.
I give mine an hour with anything below 0c, but mine's in the garage. On the driveway , I'd give it 2.
Take care
GSM (in Cambridge)

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I don't usually plug it in unless it gets below -15C. Studies show a 2 hr. plug in is optimal for most temps, but at -10, an hour should be good enough.

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what if you leave it plugged in overnight?

I forgot we had those buggers... good thing, its been fricken freezing here lately, my face nearly fell off!

laterrrrrrrrrrr

 

I remember that the dealer told me to just plug it in overnight.
I can't imagine it being bad for the engine, cuz it probably doesn't make it very hot. just warms the oil and battery a bit.

 

I've always used my block heater once it gets below -15C. I use a timer
so I can set it to come on early in the morning. There is no need to run the block heater all night. Maximum of 4hrs is best I've found over the years of using them in various vehicles.

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GREAT IDEA

Thanks G

 

there is absolutely no way of using the block heater outdoor right? (for those with no garage) ?

 

Galay,

From what you are asking, it doesn't matter if your car is in a garage or not. You are lucky if your car is in a garage. Mine stays outside all year.
Having the car inside helps by not having any windchill to factor in. Another bonus, some garages are heated.
Galay, just run an extention cord( make sure the cord is rated for cold weather/block heater use) to your car. Like I said before, use a timer. There is no sense using excess electricity when you don't have to.
Outdoor timers are readily available at Cdn Tire as are the outdoor extention cords.

 

i had the same question 777,
i've tried 30-45 mins in the mornings in my garage but it does not seem to do much, the car is still cold, i use a timer and i'm going to put it on for 2 hours and see if that works better. On motoring 2004 (TSN) bill gardner said at around 4 hours.

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Does it do any harm to leave it plugged in all night (asides from the excess use of electricity)? That's what I have been dong for the last few days of this cold spell. It has worked great. You can definitely tell the difference running the engine first thing in the morning vs. a cold start without the block heater use. In fact, it runs better than when I start it in the afternoon after sitting at work all day.