Winter is one of the most difficult times for engine cars. Low temperatures, humidity, and road conditions make the car work harder than usual. Many people don’t know this, but during winter the engines can slowly be damaged. For this reason, experts recommend paying attention to engines during cold months, because those damages can lead to expensive repairs. Lucky for you, there is a simple solution that can help you avoid these issues. So, let’s see what we all should do.
Cold is the enemy of engine cars
When temperatures drop, the engine cars don’t work the same way as in warm weather. The first big issue is engine oil. In winter, the oil becomes more dense, as if it got harder, which makes it difficult to flow well through the engine, therefore, it can’t properly protect the moving parts.
If you start an engine when the oil is still cold and dense, the metallic pieces crash against each other. This creates extra friction and causes faster wear, which can lead to the damage of important engine components in the long term.
This makes the engine suffer more during winter, especially if the car is parked outside at night.
Engine heater
This is also known as a preheater and it’s a device designed to heat certain parts of the engine before starting the car. Its main function is to help the engine start easily when the temperatures are low.
This device can warm the engine block, oil, coolant, or transmission fluid. By heating these fluids and parts, the engine can start more easily and run more smoothly from the very beginning.
Basically, when the engine is already warm, oil flows better, metal parts move with less friction, and the engine does not have to struggle to start.
Main parts of a heating system
An engine heating system may include several important elements, such as:
- Engine block heater.
- Oil pan heater.
- Transmission pan heater.
- Electrical plug or junction box.
- Battery trickle charger.
These elements work together to make sure important liquids are warm and ready before you drive.
Benefits of using an engine heater in winter
Using an engine heater has several important advantages during winter, let’s have a look at them:
- First it protects the engine and reduces wear and tear.
- Then, your car will start more easily on cold mornings. This can save time and frustration, especially in very low temperatures.
- Third, an engine heater helps reduce fuel use. Cold engines burn more fuel while warming up. When the engine is already warm, it uses less fuel during startup.
- Last, but not least, cold starts produce more harmful emissions. By warming the engine first, engine heaters help reduce pollution.
When to install an engine heater
An engine heater is especially advised if you live in a place where winters are cold. It is even more important if temperatures are 20°F or lower. It is also a great idea if your car is outside at night or if you notice it’s difficult to start the car in the winter mornings. The best idea is to install it before the freezing cold arrives, generally in autumn.
If you are wondering about its price, it is cheaper than what you would pay for a serious repair of the engine.
So…
Taking a small step, like using an engine heater, can make a big difference for your car and for your wallet. Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind when you turn the key and head out into winter conditions. Now that you know this, would you consider buying an engine heater?