Engine Block Heaters

[kobra666]

Hello everyone. I am moving farther up North (Northern Canada, I already live in Southern Canada) for my student internship in two months and I am going to buy a used vehicle to move around up there. The climate is extremely cold, so I wanted the option of using an engine block heater. I do not know too much about cars so I was just wondering, could I install an engine block heater in any car that I purchase? If not I may consider buying a different car based on this. If this is the case, is there a place where I could find what cars do indeed have the option to have an engine block heater installed? Maybe this is a stupid question, but I wanted to make sure...thanx.

[ovr50]

As far as I know, any type of car can have an engine block heater installed. I have never heard of any that cannot. I would expect it to cost somewhere in the $100 - $200 range installed. If you going into N. Canada, you will need it and more (depending on how far North we are talking here). I was in Yellowknife in the late 60s and it was so cold, that unless vehicles were left running, they would not start in the morning, blockheater or not.

[kobra666]

I'm moving up to Barrie, Ontario. Thats great if I can just put it in any car, can someone confrim this indefinately for me!?

[wing]

Barrie?  That's not northern Canada hahahhaha.  That's still southern Ontario!
Don't worry about it, block heater or not your car should start.  I don't use a bliock heater in Ottawa.

[airbalancer]

I heard of stories of people calling Barrie , Northern Ontario, but this is the first time I have read it first hand

[ovr50]

Barrie, ON is the North?

Well, get a block heater if you think it would help, but it sounds like you really don't need it. Others from closer to Barrie can tell you more.

Didn't know that Barrie was considered the frontier in Ontario... 

[safristi]

..Hell Barrie just uses RED BOX ta get him going....mostly!!!!! ....say Hi ta the Penguins & Polar bears for me.....

[barrie1]

Hi Kobra Welcome to the Forum. Barrie Ont is a nice small City to live in and do your Internship in as well. It is still in the Southern part of Ont and will not be that bad for the Winter temperatures in the Winter at all. Many of the used Cars here already have this option installed in them as it is a fairly common thing. Wing is correct in that most owners there will not really need it more then one or 2 nights a year as long as you have a good battery and anti-freeze in the rad. As long as any engine has Antifreeze in it then it will have a place to install a Block Heater. You almost might be better off getting a Interior Heater instead as you would only run it for an hour in the morning and be ready to go to work when you come out to go. These are probably in the area of around $40.00 for a good one as thats what I paid for mine.   

[kobra666]

Ok, I'm a real Southie, right on the border in Windsor, so for me, Barrie is up North! Now whats this Interior Heater your talking about?

[barrie1]

Its a Heater that can be attached to the bottom of your dash with a small fan in it. You can set it up on a timer to run which will heat up the interior of your car quite toasty and warm for you in the morning. It usually melts the Ice and Snow off of your windows if you have it on long enough as well. It can save you a lot of scrapeing in the cold mornings.   

[kobra666]

Thanx alot, I'm pretty inept with cars, so this has been helpful!

[kobra666]

One last question, then I promise I'll leave you all alone. Where can I get an interior heater?

[airbalancer]

What are you doing for your student internship ?

[ovr50]

Personally, I wouldn't rush into the interior heater idea just yet. You might want to get to Barrie and live there a bit this winter before getting one - you may decide you don't need it. Block heater more important IMO. I have heard of malfunction issues with interior heaters and they are a bit of a hydro pig. I would wait and see.

[wing]

Interior heater is really only for comfort.  Nice to have but not needed.  Dress warm and you'll be fine.  I don't think Barrie is THAT much colder than Windsor is it?

[articsteve]

A little colder than Toronto but not nearly the overnight lows like felt in Muskoka.  Where are you staying?  Whose is paying for the Hydro?

[Trainman]

Hers is my two bits:

I have heard that a block heater is quite beneficial at temps below -10.  It helps the motor warm up faster, keeps the oil a little thinner making for easier starts, puts less strain on the battery.

We use them, even in our (unheated) garage when the temp drops below -10 (in the garage).

You can get timers (try Canadian Tire) that will turn the block heater on when you want it to, same idea as an outdoor light timer for Christmas lights only can handle more power.  Set for 2 hours before you normal start and the car will be very happy!

On the install note, when we moved from the west coast to the interior of BC, we had the local GM dealer install a block heater in our very used Corsica.  It fell out the first time it went on the highway and the dealer would not warranty it.  We have not been back there since.  So make sure if you get one installed, that it is a reputable mechanic and there is a warranty.

Welcome to the forums, there are no “dumb” questions; maybe some “dumb” answers  .  Hopefully you will keep coming back with your questions.

[susan_t]

Atleast he's not moving to Timmons or something.  Off topic, but you might want to get some snow tires too if you don't have them already.  Just my opinion.  I have snows all the time for winter driving and I live in the city.  Lots of crazy drivers down here. 

[Trainman]

Atleast he's not moving to Timmons or something.  Off topic, but you might want to get some snow tires too if you don't have them already.  Just my opinion.  I have snows all the time for winter driving and I live in the city.  Lots of crazy drivers down here. 

I thought everyone living east of Vancouver had snow tires all year   

[susan_t]

Atleast he's not moving to Timmons or something.  Off topic, but you might want to get some snow tires too if you don't have them already.  Just my opinion.  I have snows all the time for winter driving and I live in the city.  Lots of crazy drivers down here. 

I thought everyone living east of Vancouver had snow tires all year   

Silly, silly man!!    Did you know A/C is not offered in Eastern Canada??  hahhahhhahaha