Where I live in northern Sweden it is common to have both a block heater and a cabin heater installed that runs on external electricity. I have both installed and it's the best combo ever. Engine is always warm when I start the car which means I never have any troubles starting it with the block heater no matter how cold it gets, and the cabin is warm too which completely removes ice and snow from all the windows. A must have according to me if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and frequently sees temperatures below -20 degrees celsius.
Questions from a tropical country: how much more energy do you think you spend to keep your car warm and do you keep it always warm or do you warm it just before you leave?
@@rantos9 Energy wise it is pretty high consumption during the winter months. 550 Watts for the engine block heater and I think 1200 Watts for my cabin heater. During the coldest days it was usually running for 3-4 hours before entering the vehicle, but the exact time was automatically adjusted by a smart outlet depending on the outside temperature that day.
Before you go looking for your vehicle's block heater plug: you probably don't have one. They're not factory installed in most modern ordinary passenger vehicles. They're installed later as an option. And most of Canada is not so cold that you need one. In the areas that are cold enough to need one, then you didn't need this video to tell you what you already know.
I’m from Vancouver and I’ve been asking people that live further inland how they manage it, I have never used a block heater or lived in a building with a garage. Wouldn’t mind trying to live elsewhere in Canada, I just don’t want to make a rookie mistake on day 1.
You don't need one unless you regularly see below -25 C ish. I don't have one, never have. My car started without problem at -30C last week. Just make sure your battery is healthy and fully charged. Such deep cold only happens once or twice a winter, if at all, where I live.
A thinner oil might be helpful no more than 5W30 and changing your oil for winter will help greatly as old dirty oil will thicken because of all the carbon. A charging system check up is a must INCLUDING all the ground points to be serviced - where the wire attachment points are detached cleaned and reattached - this should be done before hand in the fall then the vehicle will withstand cold starting better. I do live up here in the Carriboo and we get down to -30 to -40s
@@Brandon-21MN I live in Alberta, Canada :( it’s currently -37 degrees and feels like -40 with the wind chill…I guess I just have to wait till it’s warmer to drive😂
lifepo4 battery 100ah 12v is light weight ... you can put it in your car if you have the room ...or keep one charged at home and use jumper cables to give your car extra juce when your in need for it ...even a small 50ah will work if its fully charged... a small investment that will keep you safe forr some years and my help your friends or people living nearby ....
What about engine running temp? Here in denver. 10 Fahrenheit or below makes My heat gauge run a little low. Doing uber eats all day. Ive heard that running an engine colder than opperating temp isnt good. Because of thermal expansion, there is a best temperature for the engine. I suppose running cold would mean less efficent. Having to work harder.
My car has trouble after minus 20 but if it’s plugged in she’s fine but at work I don’t have a plug in spot so I’ve been caught a few times having to ask my parents or buddy to come get me
Where I live in northern Sweden it is common to have both a block heater and a cabin heater installed that runs on external electricity. I have both installed and it's the best combo ever. Engine is always warm when I start the car which means I never have any troubles starting it with the block heater no matter how cold it gets, and the cabin is warm too which completely removes ice and snow from all the windows. A must have according to me if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and frequently sees temperatures below -20 degrees celsius.
Questions from a tropical country: how much more energy do you think you spend to keep your car warm and do you keep it always warm or do you warm it just before you leave?
@@rantos9 Energy wise it is pretty high consumption during the winter months. 550 Watts for the engine block heater and I think 1200 Watts for my cabin heater. During the coldest days it was usually running for 3-4 hours before entering the vehicle, but the exact time was automatically adjusted by a smart outlet depending on the outside temperature that day.
@@niclasbergman8418 Oh wow, that's indeed pretty high, I'm surprised! Thanks dude, very interesting.
The problem with most of these methods is they require outlets, apartment residents do not have access to a plug in
you mean the 2 methods he suggested . not sure where you got ''most'' from?
Before you go looking for your vehicle's block heater plug: you probably don't have one. They're not factory installed in most modern ordinary passenger vehicles. They're installed later as an option. And most of Canada is not so cold that you need one. In the areas that are cold enough to need one, then you didn't need this video to tell you what you already know.
I’m from Vancouver and I’ve been asking people that live further inland how they manage it, I have never used a block heater or lived in a building with a garage. Wouldn’t mind trying to live elsewhere in Canada, I just don’t want to make a rookie mistake on day 1.
You don't need one unless you regularly see below -25 C ish. I don't have one, never have. My car started without problem at -30C last week. Just make sure your battery is healthy and fully charged. Such deep cold only happens once or twice a winter, if at all, where I live.
A thinner oil might be helpful no more than 5W30 and changing your oil for winter will help greatly as old dirty oil will thicken because of all the carbon. A charging system check up is a must INCLUDING all the ground points to be serviced - where the wire attachment points are detached cleaned and reattached - this should be done before hand in the fall then the vehicle will withstand cold starting better. I do live up here in the Carriboo and we get down to -30 to -40s
Currently -36 and my car isn’t starting :( I have to park in the drive way because cuz there’s no space in my garage. So so frustrating
May need a new battery?
@@Brandon-21MN the car is only 3 years old😭
@@Tobzzzz_ oh wow. I'm in Minnesota and mine last longer than that, even with cold winters. What area are you in?
@@Brandon-21MN I live in Alberta, Canada :( it’s currently -37 degrees and feels like -40 with the wind chill…I guess I just have to wait till it’s warmer to drive😂
@@Tobzzzz_ oh yeah that definitely gets colder than here. Maybe the extreme winters take a toll on your battery
lifepo4 battery 100ah 12v is light weight ... you can put it in your car if you have the room ...or keep one charged at home and use jumper cables to give your car extra juce when your in need for it ...even a small 50ah will work if its fully charged... a small investment that will keep you safe forr some years and my help your friends or people living nearby ....
What about engine running temp? Here in denver. 10 Fahrenheit or below makes My heat gauge run a little low. Doing uber eats all day.
Ive heard that running an engine colder than opperating temp isnt good. Because of thermal expansion, there is a best temperature for the engine. I suppose running cold would mean less efficent. Having to work harder.
Don't drive when it is minus 40. You don't need to go anywhere that bad.
My car has trouble after minus 20 but if it’s plugged in she’s fine but at work I don’t have a plug in spot so I’ve been caught a few times having to ask my parents or buddy to come get me
What about Polar Bear Attacks?
You’re absolutely right, I think more people should be talking about this risk
I dont have the option to plug a blanket in and im not dragging a cord in my house either.
Use your brain just slightly and figure it out. Add a damn outlet outside, simple.
Hello Colin Harris. You are an auto technician, and does not know how electricity works, stay in your lane.
Keep it plugged in and don't go anywhere.