Just as we require hot coffee, tea, and dry fruits to keep ourselves warm during the cold weather, cars need engine block heaters to function efficiently. It’s a fact that modern vehicles are designed to deliver maximum performance in all types of weather conditions. However, the vehicles fail to perform efficiently due to intense weather conditions in the USA.

To solve this problem, the engine block heaters step in. An engine block heater is a small electrical device that works to warm the engine and its internal components when the vehicle is not in use for a long period of time. The main purpose of an engine block heater is to warm the engine so it can start quickly.

Due to intense cold weather conditions, the engine oil becomes more viscous than usual, which causes difficulty in the movement of pistons. With the help of the engine block heater, the oil is warmed, and the engine components can move freely.

Pros of Having an Engine Block Heather

No More Worries About Cold Starting

With an engine block heater, you do not have to be afraid of starting your vehicle in freezing weather.

Oil viscosity increases in cold conditions. Thick oil is less efficient in lubricating the internal components of the engine, thus making it difficult to turn over during startup.

The engine block heater warms the oil to make it less viscous, thereby achieving better circulation. This makes for a smooth cranking process and relieves the strain on the engine, helping it start quickly.

Better Fuel Efficiency

The combustion process in the engine is inhibited by cold weather. Fuel can be incompletely combusted, which means that less efficient fuel burning may exaggerate emissions.

The heat produced by an engine block heater assists in warming up the combustion chamber and improves fuel-burning efficiency. This leads to better combustion, fewer emissions, and a better cold start, even in extremely cold temperatures.

To buy your engine block heater today, you can visit any reputable auto repair shop in your area.

Prevents Any Sudden Damage to the Internal Components of The Engine

The high viscosity of the engine oil causes cold and starts to damage moving parts as it does not circulate over time. Engine block heaters pre-heat the oil to keep it at its required viscosity.

This means the friction and wear on critical components such as pistons, camshaft, and bearings is less during start-up. Engine block heaters help prevent this initial stress, and by doing that, they help protect the moving parts of an engine to increase its longevity.

Rapid expansion and contraction of components can give way to metal fatigue over time. This strain is alleviated by engine block heaters that keep temperatures in the engines more stable. Progressive heating up of the engine prevents thermal shock, which is typical during start-up, ensuring longer life for parts such as the cylinder head and block.

The Interior of the Car is Heated Faster

An engine block heater creates warmth for the benefit of an engine and extends up to the vehicle’s heating system. The warm coolant circulates in the engine when it is pre-warmed.

Therefore, this allows for a better heat transfer process to the car’s heater core. Therefore, the heating system can heat up air faster and make it possible to reach a pleasant indoor temperature in less time.

Engine block heaters allow the heater to produce warm air within seconds after turning on the engine switch. This will enable you to enjoy a warm and comfortable ride even in the most brutal cold.

What Are The Cons of Engine Block Heaters?

They Need Electric Power to Operate

The use of engine block heaters becomes unfeasible in isolated or off-grid locations where power sources are limited. Many people work or camp in spots without power outlets, such as forests and remote sites.

Due to this inconvenience, such individuals will find it difficult to use engine block heaters. This limitation might be an important disadvantage for car users in such environments.

The power outlet may not be readily available in an urban setting or a busy parking lot. When there are limited parking spaces, or they are far away from the sources of electricity, people may not use their engine block heaters efficiently.

Can Cause Damage to The Engine in the Long Run

Engine block heaters pre-heat the engine oil in order to ensure better flow during cold starts. But if the heater remains on for a prolonged period, it leads to overheating of oil.

This heat may cause the dissolution of oil and a condition known as ‘oil dilution’ where fuel can diffuse into the lubricant. Oil dilution leads to the loss of lubrication features as friction and wear on engine parts increase.

In some cases, the continuous utilization of engine block heaters may lead to cylinder scoring. This happens due to the uneven heating of cylinder walls.

Temperature fluctuations cause thermal stress on the metal surfaces, possibly causing scoring or cylinder wall damage. Scoring cylinders may reduce the performance and efficiency of an engine.