Classic/Antique Car Repair/Block Heater Myth

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Expert: - 8/9/2009


Question
First, I am not a mechanic.  Nevertheless, I have been hearing what I consider to be a myth about the use of a block heater.  That is, I have heard it said that if a person regularly uses a block heater in cold weather to help start the car, it will spoil the car's ability to start in cold weather without a block heater.  There are actually some people in the northern part of Canada where temps drop to -40 who believe this statement.  In order to help me to pursuade a friend that this premise is not true, I need an expert like yourself to confirm that it is indeed a myth.

Answer
There is a nubbin of truth in their notion about the block heater, but only a nubbin. The computer controlled cars have an adaptable memory that can be trained to remember operating conditions. It is conceivable that should one use a block heater tricking the computer to think that the ambient temperature is higher than it really is over a period of time, and one day the block heater is not used, it is possible that the car will be harder to start that day. But the computer should make the necessary adjustments and compensate. In the long run there then is little truth in their thinking.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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