That link that Bass put up has some very good info in it. If you get a battery keeper, make sure it's not just a "trickle" charger. Make sure it has a "chip" in it so that it knows when to charge and when to not charge. I've used the "Battery Tender" on motorbikes for years. If you are only using the car about once a week and the temp in your barn doesn't get below say about 25*F on a regular basis, then a block heater is really not necessary. Using one when it's above this temp might actually do some harm as you are basically boiling the water around the area where the block heater is placed and this can lead to accelerated corrosion of that fitting. If you do get one, a couple of things to consider:
1. Plug it in only for about 2-3 hours before driving the car.
2. When you have a block heater installed, it is placed in the lower right engine block drain plug, so this means all your coolant falls out during the install. May as well use this opportunity to replace the coolant with new rather than letting the mechanic pour the existing stuff back in. Who knows how clean his catch pan is.

In either case, when you do start the car, especially if you don't have it plugged in, let it idle for 2-3 minutes. Don't rev it. Give the oil a chance to circulate and warm up a bit. Starting a car in freezing temps pushes the oil pressure "through the roof" and it doesn't flow that well the first few minutes either.
If you're driving the car weekly, you may not want to pump the tires up over the norm as you'll need to let some out before you drive it. Just park it on thick pieces of carpet. Don't let the fuel tank get less than 1/2.

 

thanks xviper

 

How many miles do you have on your car??? Over 7,500 ? Try using Mobil 1 5W-30. It will not thicken in cold temperatures and create a starting problem. Your car will start like it was spring time. It will eliminate the need for the heater. Block heaters have been known to fail and a the short starts a fire. Be careful if you are using an extension cord and use only what the manufacturer suggests.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by StwoK
[B]How many miles do you have on your car???

 

With 5W30 full synthetic, you should be just fine WITHOUT a block heater. Even 10W30 synthetic, you'd be fine. It pours much better than "normal" oil at cold temps. Normal 10W30 starts to pour like honey starting at -18*C. I've tested synthetic 10W30 down to -24*C and it still poured like when it's "warm".

 

I live in KY and we have snow only a few times a year (but we got almost 6" last night!!). Anyway, we DO get some pretty low temperatures Not often below zero, but below 15 degrees F. is not unusual.

Yesterday morning (temp. about 27 F.) the car did not start w/ the normal vigor and it idled at over 1500 RPMs for the first minute or so. I worry about the wear such a high idle might cause w/ sluggish oil, even tho I do use 5W30 Mobile One.

As a possible solution for those really cold days, what do you guys think of one of those after-market "dipstick" heaters that only warm the oil basically?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pixsurguy
[B]I live in KY and we have snow only a few times a year (but we got almost 6" last night!!).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pixsurguy
[B]Yesterday morning (temp. about 27 F.) the car did not start w/ the normal vigor and it idled at over 1500 RPMs for the first minute or so.

 

Thanks guys - do appreciate the input.

Yes, I do use synthetic (Mobile 1, 10w30), so at least that part of the mix is covered.

We're expecting 10 F. tonight, so tomrrow morning I'll try the key on for ten seconds routine.

Thanks again for the responses.

John