Quote:
Originally Posted by Hersbird
I question the cost of using a block heater regularly compared to 5 mins of idling. If you put the heater on a timer because you know exactly when you will be leaving and then maybe it's less. Some of those things use some serious watts.
|
The degradation to engine oil & ring life is what you’re missing. The amount of acids formed is prohibitive.
Year-round, cutting the total time (not distance) to engine op temp is key. The “winter penalty” is somewhat offset by year-round attention to the problem.
The insulated garage is the answer.
In the meantime it’s making best use of tools: pre-heat, trip plan for initial miles, and recognizing the difference between empty and loaded (wherein not entering a highway from cold start on a cold day be offset by several miles of lower speed warmup).
(Cutting potential vehicle life by objecting to electricity use makes no sense).
.