When is an engine block heater really needed?

[timrobporter]

Just make sure you put an extra blanket over your Bronco when you tuck it in for bedtime. It should be nice and warm all night long, and not require a block heater.

What kind of blanket do you use for that? Can I order it through the ford website?

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[604Bronco]

What kind of blanket do you use for that? Can I order it through the ford website?

I suggest buying a crocheted one off Etsy.

I sure hope you realize my original post was a joke…

 

[Toccoa]

I suggest buying a crocheted one off Etsy.

I also recommend crochet.

 

[GroovyGeek]

No worries at 0. -30 is a different story. @Sven might be more helpful...

Can't speak for the Bronco but a Wrangler started 4 days in a row in below -40F weather in Calgary a few weeks ago. No real hesitation in the morning after all night outside. No engine block heater. Was really surprised, I was expecting the oil viscosity to go up substantially.

 

[timrobporter]

I also recommend crochet.

Ooh, I love that but need it in black

 

[Sparkherd]

I checked the block heater as an option when I ordered the Low-Q Bronco.
$110 option. Well worth the money if you ever need it.
Posted this pic on Fascistbook with the caption "Plug-in Non-Hybrid".
Got a bunch of feces from former frens-of-mine who live in cold country.
It's my money, and my truck...I'll do what I want with it.

 

[broadicustomworks]

I also recommend crochet.

You know who doesn't?
Because YARN.
I must resist the urge to tag her.
Must. fight. the. intrusive. thoughts.

 

[RimrockPaul]

I'm from the south, so engine block heaters are new to me. I had the option to purchase a Wildtrak with a heater, but I didn't. Now, I'm heading to Taos, NM for a ski trip where the temperature will be 0 degrees. What is the guideline for when you need or should use a heater?

When it's cold. Or you can use any season. It's not magic.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

Is this it?

That is it.

 

[Aonarch]

I've never used mine.

Diesels absolutely need block heaters. Gas cars, not as much.

I've read below -4F is when you want to use a block heater.

 

[JerryC]

Watch some of Project Farm's motor oil tests and see what cold temps do to the oil.

 

[Imaginary Friend]

I wasn't aware that they were an actual option.

My '15 Mustang came with one by default, since MN was one of many DSOs on the list that got them standard whether you wanted it or not. I sort of assumed then that this was the case with any newer Ford.

And it definitely sucks here in winter, and I wonder more and more every year why I continue to live here...

 

[cbrenthus]

I didn't read the whole thread, but I've never had a block heater and driven many times in sub zreo temps including down to -20 in my '13 mustang GT. I think engine heaters were more important with older, conventional oils that really didn't flow in the cold compared to today's synthetics.

That being said, I got one one my Bronco because I ordered, and for $100, why not? It's very hard to add after the fact from what I understand. I've used it a few times, and it is nice to be able to have a head start on heat in the cold, but I haven't used it in a long time, just not really worth it.

But, going forward, I will always get one if I can, because it might be nice if I really need it, but I wouldn't fret if I didn't have one

 

[dpequip]

Be aware block heaters add a point of failure. Yes I have them in my diesels but I had one blow out because the retainer that held it in the block cracked in half and the block heater blew out dumping all the coolant and yes it put me on the side of the road. According to Ford parts man this was common issue as he had several in stock. If you truly need one get it, but be aware it's another point of failure for leaks.

 

[Dorf2point0]

I also recommend crochet.

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