What are Engine Block Heaters and Why Are They Essential in Winter?
Posted on May 22, 2025
When temperatures plummet, your car’s engine needs more than just a warm-up—it needs reliable protection from the cold. This is where engine block heaters come into play.
Designed to warm critical engine components, a block heater for a car ensures smooth starts, even in freezing conditions, while reducing strain on your vehicle.
But how do engine block heaters work, and are engine block heaters necessary for every driver? In this guide, we’ll explore what engine block heaters do, the different types available, and how to use them effectively.
Whether you’re facing harsh winters or just curious about this handy tool, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
What Do Engine Block Heaters Do?
An engine block heater is designed to warm up your engine block and its fluids, especially the motor oil.
When temperatures drop, oil becomes thicker and harder to move, which makes it tougher for the engine to start. By using an engine block heater, your car will start more easily in cold weather and use less energy.
Plus, the engine reaches its ideal running temperature faster, so you can drive without worrying about putting too much strain on the engine. In short, it makes starting and running your vehicle in freezing conditions much smoother.
Why Do You Need an Engine Block Heater?
When winter weather hits, starting your car can feel like a struggle. This is where an engine block heater comes in—offering multiple benefits that go beyond just making sure your car starts.
If you live in a cold climate or want to preserve the longevity of your vehicle, an engine block heater can be a real game-changer.
Cold Climate Survival
If you live in an area with harsh winters, an engine block heater is practically a must-have. It ensures your car starts reliably, so you’re not left stranded on those freezing mornings.
Extended Engine Life
By reducing the strain on your engine during cold starts and improving oil flow, an engine block heater helps preserve the health of your engine for years to come.
Fuel Savings
A warm engine runs more efficiently, which means better fuel economy and less money spent on gas.
Environmental Benefits
Starting with a warm engine reduces harmful emissions, making it a more eco-friendly option during the colder months.
With these perks, it’s clear why an engine block heater can be a worthwhile investment for those facing freezing temperatures.
Do I Even Need a Block Heater?
Deciding whether you need a block heater depends on a few key factors, including your car’s oil type, where you park, and the climate in your area. You might not need a block heater if:
Your car uses synthetic oil
Synthetic oil is designed to perform well in extreme temperatures, making it less likely to become too thick in cold weather.
You park in a heated garage
If your car is kept in a warm space, there’s no need to worry about the effects of the cold on your engine.
However, a block heater might be necessary if:
Your car uses non-synthetic oil
Non-synthetic oil can become too viscous in colder temperatures, making it harder for the engine to start.
You park outside in temperatures colder than –10°C
If you’re regularly dealing with freezing or sub-zero temperatures, a block heater will make cold starts much easier and less stressful on your engine.
Before you rush out to buy one, though, check your vehicle’s battery and how often you drive in winter. If your car sits for several days without being used, the battery could lose its charge. This is a bigger concern, especially if you have an older battery. You can add a battery minder to help with this issue.
How To Use an Engine Block Heater
If the temperature drops below -15°C, it’s a good idea to plug in your engine block heater to ensure a smooth start. You don’t need to leave the heater plugged in all night. Just three to four hours of heating is enough to warm up your vehicle.
To save on electricity, consider using a timer to turn the block heater on early in the morning, so your car is ready to go when you are.
Types Of Engine Block Heaters
In Canada, many vehicles come with a block heater as a standard feature, but there are also after-market options available for installation, either DIY or professionally. Here are some of the most popular types of car engine block heaters:
Engine Warming Blanket
Like an electric blanket, this device drapes over the engine or attaches to the top of the hood to keep the engine warm, providing an easy way to maintain optimal temperatures.
Oil Pan Heater
Installed on the outside of the oil pan using bolts or magnets, this heater warms the engine oil to prevent it from thickening in cold temperatures.
Dipstick Heater
This simple device replaces your regular oil dipstick with one that contains a heating element, directly warming the engine oil to improve flow.
In-line Coolant Heater
Spliced into the radiator coolant hose, this heater circulates warmed coolant through the engine, using a pump to keep it at the right temperature.
Freeze Plug Heater
Replacing your engine’s freeze plug, this heater warms the coolant directly, preventing freezing and ensuring the engine runs smoothly in cold weather.
Each type offers a unique solution for keeping your engine in top shape during the winter months, ensuring easy starts and better performance in freezing conditions.
The Essential Role of Engine Block Heaters Beyond Extremely Cold Regions
While engine block heaters are most associated with extremely cold climates, they offer valuable benefits even in milder weather. In regions where winters aren't brutally cold, these heaters still play a key role in improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
By warming up the engine before you start driving, the vehicle reaches its optimal operating temperature faster, which means less fuel is wasted, and the engine runs cleaner.
Block heaters also help reduce wear on engine components by preventing the strain of cold starts, which can lead to premature engine wear. This is especially helpful for maintaining your vehicle's reliability over time, regardless of the weather.
Overall, engine block heaters are a smart investment for any vehicle, helping it perform better, last longer, and stay more efficient in a variety of conditions.
Keep Your Engine Protected Year-Round with CarHub
Car engine block heaters are more than a winter essential—they’re a smart investment in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, engine longevity, and overall performance, no matter the season.
At CarHub, we’re here to help you keep your car running smoothly in all weather conditions. From expert advice to professional installation services, our service center is equipped to meet all your automotive needs.
Ready to prepare your vehicle for the colder months or looking for reliable maintenance solutions? Visit CarHub today or explore our blogs for tips and insights to keep your car in top shape all year long.