How long must a block heater on a car be plugged in to be effective but not to waste electricity?

Question

I have a 2000 Ford Taurus with a factory installed block heater. I live in Canada, eh? I want to use a timer to turn the block heater on in order to save electricity. If I leave home at 8 a.m., at what time should the heater turn on, in order to do an optimal heating job without wasting electricity, by running the block heater for longer than it needs to be run? Is this time dependent on the outdoor temperature? Thanks, - Tom

Answer 1

Two hours should do it for you. remember the block heater only warms the oil pan to make starting easier and will not prevent gas line freeze up. You should also put gas line antifreeze in on each fill up.

Answer 2

Without knowing the wattage of the heater, one really cannot give you a meaningful answer. If it is a 300 watt heater I would say plug it in during October and leave it 'til March. 1800 watts and you could start it at 7:30

Answer 3

When it goes below Zer0 Degrees Fahrenheit and is going to be sitting outside in the elements, Plug it in 2 to 3 hours before you plan to start up the automobile. Then, start it up and Let it run for at least 5 to 10 minutes to warm up the Oil and Interior of Vehicle. Then put it into Neutral for about 3 to 5 minutes to get the Transmission fluid flowing, to get it warmed up as well. Don't Forget to put a bottle of "isopropyl gas-line antifreeze" or "iso-Heet" in each time you fill up your gas or diesel Fuel Tank (there is a type made for diesel also) . Whenever the gas tank gets to half full or less and is going to sitting overnight, fill up the gas tank to full level for best results. Also, use "Rain-X De-Icer Washer Fluid -25* degrees" or "Windex De-Icer Washer Fluid -30* degrees", to help fight against ice and road grime when it gets below 32* Degrees Fahrenheit. You can also add half a cup of "isopropyl rubbing alcohol" to a full Washer Fluid Reservoir Container to help fight against freezing.

Answer 4

call advance auto.