Just wondering if there is any reason that my car cannot be plugged in for a long length of time... 12 hours or more? how does the block heater actually work.... i know there is just a straight connection with power, or is there a temperature sensor that shuts the power on and off from the power outlet?
block heater question
- Thread starter ZiO
- Start date
gjmoreo said:
It's a small heating element that is mounted on the engine. Element slowly warms the coolant, and eventually the whole engine block. It works on regular house current (110V)
Perks : engine is pre-warmed before start-up, so oil flows easier, thus protects the engine sooner. Engine lasts longer.
Down : about a $100 installed, VERY tough on your electricity bill, especially when plugged in full time. Reasonable when used only an hour or so before engine start up.
heres the deal.....if you live somewhere, where your car is going to sit for LONG periods of time and not be started.....and the temps where your car will be are below freezing ALL the time.....you might want to consider it...as what these things do....is prevent your block from freezing and either cracking it....or if you are lucky it just blows out a freeze plug ..... of course as soon as the block thaws all your coolant runs out of the damaged plug....
thanks for the reply guys. but i was wondering if there is any sort of problem for lets say plugging it in for 12 hours as opposed to an hour before? can it too hot? thats what im kind of wondering about.... does the element it self regulate how hot the antifreeze can get........
I am very lucky. One of my "company perk" is that I can plug my car ALL DAY if I want, so it is plugged from 7:15AM to 4:00PM these days.
I don't know to what temp the engine is warmed before the block heater's thermostat kicks in, but I know it isn't that high. If it snows during the day, it may melt a circle on the hood just over the engine, and that's it. Takes about 3 to 4 minutes before temp gauge needle starts to go up.
The big advantage is at start up.
To have or not to have one is up to you, but I sure wouldn't go without.
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most 'mericans think the electric plug coming from the grill of a vehicle is for charging the batteries (Humvee)
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The plug on mine is attached to the left hook underneath the front, so it is almost invisible.
I don't know to what temp the engine is warmed before the block heater's thermostat kicks in, but I know it isn't that high. If it snows during the day, it may melt a circle on the hood just over the engine, and that's it. Takes about 3 to 4 minutes before temp gauge needle starts to go up.
The big advantage is at start up.
To have or not to have one is up to you, but I sure wouldn't go without.
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most 'mericans think the electric plug coming from the grill of a vehicle is for charging the batteries (Humvee)
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The plug on mine is attached to the left hook underneath the front, so it is almost invisible.
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engine heater
Hey,
another perk for you guys with the heater....I bet it greatly reduces the "cold start-up noise"! Heck it might be a good idea for me to get one cause this morning at 8 degrees, my car had a little trouble getting going. Although, that does not happen much here in North Carolina, it could be nice to have when it does!
Taylor
Hey,
another perk for you guys with the heater....I bet it greatly reduces the "cold start-up noise"! Heck it might be a good idea for me to get one cause this morning at 8 degrees, my car had a little trouble getting going. Although, that does not happen much here in North Carolina, it could be nice to have when it does!
Taylor
Zio - I wouldn't plug it in for 12 hours at a time, your electricity bill would be significantly affected. I read in the Edmonton Journal that in -30 weather, a car has to be plugged in for 3 hours before. So, I can see it being fine for plug it in for 3 hours but it is best to check your owner's manual or talk to Mazda before plugging it in for 12.
Wow. This thread is 4 and a half years old, lol. Somebody's been using the search function.(yippy) But in response to enitram45, It gets damn cold in all of the northern US states, not just the Northeast. I use a block heater in the winter in Eastern Washington state. Temps routinely reach single digits (and that's in farenheit).
And I just have the extension cord plugged into a timer. I set it to turn on an hour before I leave for work, and it shuts off the outlet just after I normally leave. I don't even notice the difference on my power bill.
And I just have the extension cord plugged into a timer. I set it to turn on an hour before I leave for work, and it shuts off the outlet just after I normally leave. I don't even notice the difference on my power bill.
I know right? THANK you!
