PartsAvatar.ca has excellent quality Engine block heaters to keep
your engine warm in freezing weather.
Engine block heaters
may be unheard in sunny climate but they are still the heroes in harsh winter
regions. You literally freeze in Canadian winter and you can just think if human
body succumbs to frost bite then what would happen to an automobile.
Luckily, Engine block
heaters are still there, though as an option for some, but they are the best to
tackle the winter.Parts avatar strongly recommends using engine block heaters in
low temperature areas like that of Canada’s, to have more comfortable driving
experience in freezing weather conditions. So let us read about the importance
of this Heater.
What
are Engine Block Heaters?
Block heaters are
basically engine heating devices whose main purpose is to warm up the engine or
the related fluids before starting it. Engine block heaters may vary with model
and design of the car, so it is advised to always take advice of a professional
before buying a block heater or you can also opt for manufacturer’s
recommendation.
It is typically
installed under the hood and has a connection for an extension cord that
threads through the grill.
It can be used to
accomplish a number of tasks depending upon how the cold the weather is. By preheating
the engine fluids like engine oil, internal engine parts and car's antifreeze
it reduces the danger of wear and tear and emissions. In the areas where
temperature is below the freezing point, it can keep the auto engine coolant
liquid overnight and can prevent any further damage to the engine components.
It also provides warmer
cabin due to heated engine fluids. Engine block heaters are must for diesel
engine vehicles.
Considerations
before buying a Block heater
You often have the
choice to buy the engine block heater along with a new car. The most easy
choice making factor is the temperature where you live in. if you live in an
area where temperature drops below -20 ° C, then engine block heater may be a
need for your car depending upon the type of fuel you use.
Gasoline
Vs Diesel
Engine block heater’s
usage varies based on the type of fuel your auto vehicle uses. Mostly, Gas
Powered engines work fine without engine block heaters.
If you are driving a
diesel powered car, then you may have to consider the engine block heater
because diesel fuel gels around 32 ° F. when the temperature drops further,
diesel starts to solidify which will eventually clog the fuel lines and prevent
the fuel from moving through the engine. That is why it is considered must to
install an engine block heater in the diesel powered cars.
You can still use
engine block heater for gasoline ones, because a warm engine can produce better
fuel economy in cold regions.
Electricity
You may need a suitable
electrical outlet to charge the heater. It is advised to make sure the cord is
rated for outdoor use if you are using it in driveways, parks or garage areas
and it should be long enough to reach the heater.
You can also purchase
the extension cords from some auto stores to prevent any hazard.
If you are not in the
market for a new car, there are plenty of aftermarket auto stores like Parts
Avatar that offer car's engine block heaters. You can choose the block heater
depending upon the make and design of your vehicle or even can take help of a
mechanic to do so.
In some regions where
it isn’t cold enough to crack your car’s engine block, you can save money on
electricity by purchasing a timer. You can avoid wasting electricity by setting
the timer which could power up your block heater in a few hours. It also gives
the benefit of easy start and less wear on the engine.
Symptoms
that may cause the Engine Block Heater to Fail
Having an engine block
heater in the car can save a driver from many upcoming car problems caused due
to cold weather. The heating element that connects your car’s cord to the
outlet is cylinder block. But there may be certain negligence on the side of driver
that could cause the engine block heater to fail prematurely. Let us read about
some of them.
Building
up of substances like calcium and lime on heater
It is very important to
use right mixture
of water and antifreeze and avoid using non distilled
water. The non distilled water can cause the building up of some substances
like calcium and lime on the heater which can cause the burn out and ultimately
will damage it.So it advised to follow owner’s manual before making any
mixture.
Misuse
If you leave the power
cord plugged in even after starting driving off, you might be inviting upcoming
repair expenses of engine parts and power cord. This is because if this
happens, the power cord and some components of car and engine can get severely
damaged. It might harm the people sitting inside if the exposed conductors come
in contact with them, since the electricity is still flowing through them.
Exposure
to foreign elements
The end plug of the
cord is usually installed with a cover through the car’s front grill. If the
cover goes missing, particles like dust, dirt and water can accumulate on the
metallic surface of the cord and may cause poor electric conductivity. It is
strongly advised to avoid using engine block heater in the warm weather as it
could over heat and damage the device by doing so.
Improper
Installation
Installing a power cord
too close to the hot surface could damage its heating element. Failing to
secure the cord could also cause the damage to other parts of the car. Thus it
is very important to properly and securely install the engine block heaters. You
can replace auto engine heater replacement cords at aftermarket auto stores also.
So if you are a
beginner then it is advised to follow the instructions of owner’s manual or to
take help of a professional for the sake of your safety.
Summary
So the bottom-line is,
do not take chances with your engine in cold regions. If the engine is not warm
enough, your car just won’t start. It is beneficial to install engine block
heater either for diesel or for gasoline powered engine. But, at the same time,
the cautions must be kept into mind for its better performance and your safety.
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