Engine Block Heater: Better Shifting when Cold?
 

I've read about problems with oil consumption, rough shifts when cold, etc.

I just wondered if using a block heater in my garage would make it easy to jump in the car and go without any worries.

I want it to be my daily driver all year round.

Comments Appreciated.

Hmm...Well you'd still want your oil to circulate for 30 seconds or so, but the car should definitely warm up faster. As for avoiding rough shifts, I don't think the block heater would help at all. I think you'd need a transmission heater:p ...I drive a '98 Prelude, with a notoriously bad tranny in cold weather (grinds etc). I know that I can have the car running, and warmed up for awhile. The hot air is blowing nicely, idle down to @700, but the second I pull away and shift into second *grrrrrrrrrrind*...I have to shift a lot (essentailly warm up the gearbox and transmission) in order to stop the grinding.

Hope I helped in some small way;)

I thought if the engine block is warm, the transmission can't be too far off from the same temp. I'll consider adding it if I have problems or concerns later.
Thanks
Paul

An engine block heater heats up the water in the engine. It will not in any way warm the transmission in any way. Only thing it will do is make the engine start easier. Since you are parked in a garage I do not see why you would want a block heater.:confused:

Is your garage heated? Is it well insulated? Using a block heater under such conditions is ill-advised. It may get too hot. The heating element in a car block heater is no different than the one in a tea kettle. With long term use as in where I live, the area around the block heater can become badly corroded after about 8 to 10 years of cold weather use. This time would decrease dramatically if you were to use it in a warm garage. For your information, there is no difference in the way the tranny feels and shifts after the car has sat overnight at ~ -15*C unplugged compared to when it sits overnight (same temp) plugged in. The tranny still feels stiff and difficult to get into 1st gear on the roll during the first 2-3 minutes. After that time, the tranny feels no different that if it were summer. But then again, my tranny has never ground in any gear at any time. It's an '00 with almost 20,000 km on it. This is its 2nd winter.
ps. I do NOT plug the car in unless it is going to get colder than -10*C while I'm at work. Plugging it in above 0*C for sure is a waste of electricity and will most likely shorten the life of the block heater. If it corrodes enough, the block heater may just fall out one day at the most inopportune time. Then guess what happens. This has happened to me with another car.