Engine Block Heater National Backorder
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 1,171
From: East TN
Another benefit of the block heater in my experience is the heat escaping upwards helps to keep the snow / ice on the hood "loose" so it falls off very easily. It also helps with defrosting the windshield very quickly, although the rapid heat option likely plays into that as well for my truck. The engine also starts instantly - no waiting for the glow plugs to do their thing - which saves drain on already cold and diminished batteries.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 62
Likes: 22
FWIW l live and work in Alberta and am up north a lot. My 17 6.7 work truck has 420000km now and has never been plugged in. It starts the same at -38 as it does a summer day. I don't warm it up either. I hit the remote start while I'm pulling my boots on. Put it in gear and go. Zero issues.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 602
Likes: 312
I've used my block heater probably 10-15 times this winter. If the forcasted low temp is single digits or below, and I'm planning on using the truck in the morning, I'll plug it in. I have an outdoor timer set to energize at 4 AM and by the time I leave around 8, the engine is around 65 - 70 degrees. Truck starts immediately and idles normally, with heat much sooner. Without the block heater, it will start and immediately go to 1100 rpm's. What's nice about the block heater is you can use it if you choose to, but you don't have to. Just remember to unplug it before driving. 
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