NAPA AUTOPRO

Can you add an engine block heater to a car? 

Winter can be brutal on your car, especially if your engine struggles to start in the cold. Adding an engine block heater can make all the difference in winter: Designed to warm your car’s engine and fluids in extreme cold, a block heater can prevent cold-weather issues and extend your engine’s life. 

But can a block heater be installed in any engine that doesn’t already have one? The answer is “usually.” Here’s everything you need to know to start exploring your options, including what to do if you can’t get a block heater installed. 

What is an engine block heater? 

An engine block heater supports your engine’s functionality in chilly weather. By transferring heat to the engine block and its fluids, a block heater makes it easier to start your car, reducing the strain on your vehicle’s engine components. 

Engine block heaters are typically plugged into an electrical outlet a few hours before driving, which gives the device time to warm the engine. Many drivers run their block heaters overnight, but this isn’t usually necessary. 

Block heaters vs. battery blankets 

There are many ways to add warmth under or around the engine bay. Before we dive further into the different categories of block heaters, we’d like to explain one distinction: block heaters and battery blankets. 

Block heaters and battery blankets serve different purposes, but are both designed to warm components of your car for a smoother winter start. 

A block heater heats the engine block and its fluids. By focusing on the engine, the block heater ensures proper fluid flow and efficiency in startup. The objective of a block heater is to avoid engine strain and prevent hard starts. 

A battery blanket keeps the battery warm by insulating the battery to maintain its temperature. By maintaining the battery’s charge in frigid conditions, the battery blanket prevents the battery from losing its charge. 

Using a block heater and battery blanket together where possible can provide protection for both your engine and battery, but it’s important to choose the right block heater for your vehicle. 

So, let’s dig in. 

Can I use any block heater in my car? 

Not all block heaters are compatible with every car. Freeze plug heaters and in-block heaters, for example, require access to specific parts of the engine block. 

If a technician determines that the ports in your vehicle are not accessible or your vehicle doesn’t have the appropriate ports to begin with, you can opt for external heaters like oil pan warmers. An automotive technician at your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre can help assess your engine’s compatibility. 

Many car manufacturers will specify which engine block warmers are suitable for their models. Checking your owner’s manual can help prevent a choice that may damage your engine or void your warranty. A professional can help identify the most efficient and reliable option for you. 

Types of block heaters 

Internal 

In-block heaters are installed directly in the engine block and are among the most effective options. These heaters require professional installation to ensure the heater is properly positioned. 

Freeze plug heaters are designed to fit into the engine’s freeze plug ports and warm the coolant directly. To install, a technician will access and modify the coolant system. 

Inline coolant heaters heat the circulating coolant by connecting to the hose in the cooling system. Professional expertise is necessary because these heaters require significant modifications to the cooling system. 

Dipstick heaters replace your engine’s standard dipstick and directly heat the engine oil. This makes the circulation of oil smoother during startup in cold temperatures. 

External 

Oil pan heaters consist of a flat heating element that is either adhesive or magnetic. When attached to the oil pan and plugged into a power source, the heating element warms the oil in the pan to reduce its viscosity and better circulate engine fluids during engine starts. An auto technician can install one for you. 

Magnetic and adhesive block heaters are external options that attach to the engine block or oil pan. You can usually install and remove these yourself, but they may not heat as evenly as the in-block options. Ask a professional for guidance. 

Engine warming blankets keep your engine insulated and warm and help your car start reliably in the cold by maintaining an ideal temperature for your engine and its components. These are easy to use and warm the entire engine rather than just one component. 

Protecting your engine in winter 

There are plenty of options available to keep your engine warm in the winter months. Adding an engine block heater to your vehicle can reduce wear on your vehicle and cut down on the time you spend warming up your car in the morning. 

For help deciding which block heater is best for your car, visit your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre. Our experts can answer all your questions and take care of any maintenance work you need.