QuestionI have a 2002 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. Recently we have had extremely cold weather in Minnesota (-5 to -20). When I tried to start my car, of course, it was too cold to start. People have told me that I should get a "plug-in" for my car so on the really cold nights, I can plug it in to keep the engine warm. What exactly is this "plug-in" called and approximately how much would it run me (not including labor)?
AnswerHi Katie,
I believe you are referring to a block heater. It is a device that installs in one of your engines soft-plug holes and is nothing more than a small heating element similar to an aquarium heater. When turned on it is designed to keep the coolant in your engine at 40 degrees F. Enough to keep it from freezing.
Will that help your vehicle to start? Probably, but it isn't the reason your car won't start. Engines, batteries and starters are designed to work well below the temps you are experiencing. Your battery is probably getting weak or your starter is 'starting' to see it's last days or it's possible the battery terminal(s) have/has some oxidation or corrosion which is reducing the amps that the battery can give, but the starter is requiring more which makes the battery appear weakened.
My advice would be to clean the battery terminals real good and fully charge the battery. If you are still experiencing the problem, ask your technician or a local AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts or other local parts supplier that does component testing if they can test the starter-draw as this may be your problem.
Why? Well, the brushes in the starter get worn-down with age and that naturally reduces the spring-pressure behind the brush, pushing it against the armature, which could allow moisture, in the form of condensation, to build around the metal armature. When this thin layer of moisture freezes (water is NOT a good conductor of electricity. Contrary to popular beliefs, the human body gets electrocuted in water because of the amount of SALT in the skin) it reduces the amp-flow from the battery, through the brushes and into the armature which reduces the ability of the starter motor to spin-up the engine which is more difficult to turn-over in the cold b/c of the thickened oil and higher air-fuel mixture vapors which are more difficult to compress b/c most of the fuel used by the engine when cold is in liquid form and not vapor.
To answer your question, a block heater will probably run under $50 for a good 800watt or higher unit. Do you need one? Depends on you. Do you want to dig through a foot of snow to find the connector to unplug the unit every morning? Will you remember to plug it in when needed? Longer extension cords especially ones that are cold require more home electricity to run the device on the other end, professional installation will probably run $100 or more, improper installation could result in fire/personal injury or death.
The advice/suggestions I've given above are FREE to try. If they fix your problem, well, you've lived there however long WITHOUT a block-heater why all-of-a-sudden do you think you need one.
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
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