Is it beneficial and recommended to use that 3 prong plug that sticks out from the front of the car and plug it into the wall outlet?
does it help the car? and how does it help? i heard it warms up the car or something...what does it warm up? the oil?
i wana use it on my maxima but am not sure if using it wil cause some sort of harm because i wana use it everyday.
2006-10-13 16:27:57 · 8 answers · asked by Jns A 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
can i use it everyday...can i leave it on for the whole night?
2006-10-13 16:31:06 · update #1
It's most likely a block heater. It has an element that is inserted inside the motor and heats the coolant/antifreeze. This keeps the engine warm, making it easier in cold weather.
I have also seen instances of circulating heater, that fits in heater hose, and heats/circulates the coolant with supposedly the same effect as block heater. My daughter had one of those in her Mustang, and it didn't work well.
If it's just a plug at the front of the car, it could also be an interior car warmer. I would suggest that you follow the wire and see where it leads.
2006-10-14 01:53:42 · answer #1 · answered by Louis C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is one of the following. A tank heater, lower radiator hose heater or soft plug heater. There are some other ones too. It is to warm your car engine. Everyone in my state(ND) has one. If you live in the cold climates you need it. If it doesn't get down in the single digits temperature wise you probably don't need it. It hits
-40 around here sometimes so it is essential. Don't use it when it is warm out. By warm I mean above 10 degrees Farenhait
2006-10-14 12:00:37 · answer #2 · answered by spudfarmer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's called a block heater. It keeps the coolant in your car heated during some extremely cold weather. You plug it in when it is below freezing. Basically, you plug it in overnight and in the morning, your car will start much better. Don't believe those other answers. It does NOT heat the oil. My husband is a mechanic and this is what he told me. I work at a parts store and I know this as well.
2006-10-13 23:34:06 · answer #3 · answered by miyazaki75 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It warms the coolant in the engine ,so that when it is very cold there is less strain on the starting system,eg starter&battery.It also is a good idea if it is really cold as it stops the oil thickening up which means there is less wear on start up
2006-10-13 23:34:49 · answer #4 · answered by stu1mcfc 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Read the owner's manual, dummy! That's what they put them in the car for!
it is a pre-heater for those of you who live in the frozen nawth country. It warms the oil so it will flow when the engine is cranked.
2006-10-13 23:31:13 · answer #5 · answered by seeitmiway32 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It sure sounds like an oil heater. I wouldn't touch it though until I have checked the cars instruction book or with a dealer. Good luck.
2006-10-13 23:35:16 · answer #6 · answered by Phil h 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
it sound like an oil heater, it is used in places where the car is exposed to very cold weather
2006-10-13 23:29:59 · answer #7 · answered by let it be 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
what kind of car is it. is it a diesel car and where does the plug lead to. i would not do anything with the plug intil you know what it is for. read the manual. it might have something in there about it.
2006-10-13 23:51:44 · answer #8 · answered by dfboxer 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋