Why buy a block heater?

A car that refuses to start or that starts laboriously after several attempts when it is very cold is a common situation in Nordic countries like ours. Fortunately, a small device can easily prevent these problems on cold days: an engine block heater. You don’t have one or you doubt its relevance? Read this, and you’ll change your mind!

This device is powered by clean, affordable electricity and has “super powers”:

• It prevents oil and antifreeze from solidifying, keeping your engine’s valuable components from rubbing against each other and wearing out;
• It makes defrosting easier and warms up the cabin up to 40% faster (at -30°C, that’s certainly not a bad thing!);
• It reduces fuel consumption by about 15 to 30%.

The result? More efficient starting (which reduces greenhouse gas emissions), protected mechanical components (including the indispensable battery!) and improved comfort in extreme cold.

In addition, only 3 or 4 hours of connection are required to take full advantage of the qualities of a block heater. And, luckily, you don’t have to wake up at 2 a.m. to turn it on: all recent models feature a programmable timer.

Considering the savings made by using such a unit – installed as standard or sold for about $50 to $200 – it is absolutely absurd to do without one in Quebec!

For more tips on auto mechanics, trust the M 360 Mechanic team and consult our blog!