ewingli

I moved from Vancouver to Calgary a couple months ago and finally drove my sc400 down here. My question is, would I need a block heater for when the winter hits Calgary?

Thanks,

Jay

busdepot

iTrader: (1)

I don't even know where my block heater plug is

Winters in Calgary are pretty mild. There will be the occasional cold snap down to -35, but that usually doesn't last long. -10 to -15 is pretty typical for winter. You will be fine without it.

Bippu147

iTrader: (9)

No, I've never used my block heater, ever.

ewingli

Thanks for the input guys.

Arcadian

Dude, it's Alberta, anything can happen.
If you're going to get the coolant flushed this fall, have them install it then. My garage isn't heated so I plug in when its -25 or colder. And I'll assume you're running synthetic?

Arcadian

Oops, forgot to say, welcome to Alberta!

Dailow

It was a different car, but I drove an Acura CL to Edmonton and stayed there for a school year a couple of years ago. Temperatures were as low as -30 that year, and while the car never failed to start, there was a huge difference in starting the car from when I did and didn't plug in my block heater. I also had to keep my car parked outside, so if you've got indoor parking then you might not have to worry about having a block heater.

When my car wasn't plugged in, you could really hear the car struggle to start - again, it never failed to start, but I didn't get the healthy initial "vrooom" sound you normally do. I didn't tend to plug in unless temperatures were lower than -20, but with it plugged in, it started immediately like it was in mild weather.

If you want peace of mind, I'd install one. Otherwise you'll probably be OK.

ewingli

Thanks Arcadian, and ya i'm using synthetic oil. I know my oil won't freeze but I want my engine to have an easier cold start. I'm thinking of getting two battery warmers and just slapping that on top of my engine bay lol.

Dailow, what kind of block heater did you have install one that goes in the oil or underneath the oil pan?