Skip the All-Night Plugin: Block Heater Timing Only Needs 2-4 Hours

Your engine block doesn’t require all night to start warm. Proper block heater timing can give you the warm start you need without wasting electricity.

Leaving your engine block heater plugged in all night wastes electricity and doesn’t make your engine any warmer after the first few hours. The sweet spot? Two to four hours, depending on how brutal it gets outside. At 5°F (-15°C), two hours gets the job done. When temperatures plunge to -22°F (-30°C), bump it up to four hours. After that, you’re just heating the outdoors since heat loss matches what the heater puts in.

Are things different for a diesel engine using a block heater?

Most experts say to start plugging in below 15°F (-10°C), though diesel owners often start at 32°F (0°C) since diesel engines need extra help in the cold. Smart move: grab a $20 timer and set it to kick on 2-3 hours before you leave. One mechanic’s proven formula: at 10°F plug in for 1.5 hours at 0°F go for 2.5 hours, and at -10°F use the full 3 hours. Your standard 750-watt engine block heater reaches maximum temperature after three hours anyway, so anything beyond four hours just runs up your electric bill. For extreme cold temperature below -20°F (-29°C), diesels might need up to 6 hours, but that’s pushing into territory where you should question if you really need to drive. Even Ford says 4 hours max is all you need.

What is a cold start?

Sometimes you can’t avoid cold starting your vehicle because you have to park it outside, such as when you leave it at the airport during a business trip. A cold start occurs when you have to start your vehicle in extremely cold temperatures, which requires more power to get things going. A cold start can cause rough idling, slow acceleration, and extra wear on important engine parts.

Proper block heater timing provides cold start protection

Why do you need to be concerned about the engine block heater timing? Although using a block heater all night increases electricity usage, cold weather starting can be awful for your vehicle. Here are some ways starting your vehicle in extremely cold temperatures can damage your vehicle.

• Increased engine wear and tear
• Depleted battery performance
• Increased fuel consumption and lowered efficiency
• Damage to exhaust system due to moisture and rust

How can you reduce the impact of cold starts?

In addition to proper block heater timing and winter car maintenance, there are a few things you should do to protect your vehicle when you need to start it up during extremely cold weather.

Use the right engine oil

Cold temperatures make engine oil thicker and reduce its ability to flow properly. Check your owner’s manual to learn which oil is ideal for cold weather. Some oils are mad for colder temperatures, which could help protect your engine during the frigid months.

Allow the engine to warm up

You don’t have to idle for several minutes but give your engine at least 30 seconds to a minute to warm up. This allows the oil to spread better, ensuring improved lubrication and protection of internal engine parts.

Keep your battery in good condition

Have your battery tested before the winter weather arrives. This will ensure it holds a proper charge, giving you the chance to change the battery if it’s weak. A weak battery means you aren’t going anywhere.

Park in a garage

You’re using block heater timing to save on your electric bill, but one of the best ways to avoid the damaging effects of a cold start is parking in a garage. Your garage protects your car from the weather and is often warmer than the outside temperature, ensuring your vehicle doesn’t get quite as cold as it is outside.

Drive gently at first

During the first few minutes of driving in frigid temperatures, drive gently. Avoid harsh acceleration, which allows the engine to warm up better and reduces strain on mechanical parts.

Use proper block heater timing and be good to your vehicle

Your vehicle is your second most expensive item, and it should be protected. You need it to work right for you every day, which means using an engine block heater to get things warm. Proper block heater timing allows you to save money on electricity by avoiding an all-night warming session, but using these tips to avoid damage from cold starts can help your vehicle give you years of dependable driving.