Winters coming! how do I keep my mileage up?

[BrianAbington]

Can anybody recomend a good universal block heater?

I have see some that you thread a bunghole into the oil pan and then it heats up the oil. Would this be a good idea or would the warm oil crack the block if its not warmed up?

[DifferentPointofView]

the oil one doesn't work well. It works, but not as well as hot coolant.

You can get an inline block heater that you just put inbetween 2 coolant lines like I have. I got it at autozone. Just ask if they have any block heaters for your car.

I kinda wished I would have gotten a freeze plug type. Those seem to work better cause it heats the coolant in the engine, and not the stuff in the radiator.

[99metro]

You shouldn't warm the oil. You need to warm the coolant.

JCWhtney makes a magnetic mount...(I'm not necessarily recommending this - just an option)

Automobile, Truck & Motorcycle: Parts & Accessories

[tasdrouille]

Originally Posted by ptsmith24

What's this "winter" thing everyone speaks of?

It's one of the 4 seasons we have up here: before winter, winter, after winter and waiting for winter.

I use a 12v electric heater when it's really cold to get heat faster and put an additional load on the engine so it warms up faster. Fuel economy is not really the 1st thing on my mind when it's -20 F.

[wagonman76]

And the overnight temperature drops below 40 degrees.

So basically 9 months out of the year here. I had to scrape ice, not frost, off my windows yesterday morning. Almost time to park the Celebrity and bring out the 6000 wagon.

Good tips on the block heater, I was just thinking about that lately. Ive never used one before but am seriously considering some this year for the wagon and the van.

[cephraim]

Originally Posted by 99metro

The gas stations where I travel advertise it on their little signs out front. I suppose you could ask a manager. Heck, we're buying their product - might as well ask what you are getting?

In the "city" you have to buy the smog gas. Out in the country where I live, it's all "real gas". This doesn't have the winter/summer blends to it. I have noticed a big difference in FE by buying "real gas" compared to "city" gas. Thus my change in fueling stations.

I just spoke with a customer service rep for Hess who said that, in my area (Rochester, NY), the only thing they change in the winter is the "Reid Vapor Pressure". She claims that ethanol (0%) and detergent levels remain the same throughout the year. So, am I good? Or, is there something else I should be looking for.

Thanks!
Eph