Is block warmer needed?
 

Sorry for this question, I looked in the search box with little luck.
The dealer that sold me my 2008 A3 says that this car does not need a block warmer since it runs 100% synthetic.
I live in Edmonton now and have had no trouble at all this winter but I wonder if I should just go ahead and install one of those cheap DIY kits for a bit of peace of mind.

Thanks for your comments

PD: I wish I had installed seat warmers, leather sure is cold in the winter :???:

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

*bump

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

I dont even know if mine has one I live in Calgary and have never plug it in, and I park outside. But the winters havent been that bad I think you should be okay up till -30 ish. I have noticed the car does hesitate to start on a cold night out, but nothing major. I think you are fine

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

You can get oil pan heaters installed on the car.
For all intents and purposes you're okay without it however if you're planning on keeping the car for a really long time in that climate it may be worth the investment for longevity.

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

Thanks for the answer Marko and 1move.
Today we had -31C and it started easily altough it coughed a bit. I`ll see how it does in the next few days (-32 to -25). I haven`t made up my mind if I`ll return it when the lease expires in 3 yrs, I guess I should just go ahead and install it.

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

-31? ouch... yeah if you're planning on keeping the car for a while, you might as well install a heater...

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

Damn, I should have done this before. Last Sunday I was in a hurry to travel to Calgary (it was -25C) and when I turned the A3 on the yellow engine shaped warning light lit.
The computer said I need to take it to the dealership, what a nightmare. Maybe it has nothing to do with the cold but still . . .

My trusty old Honda civic which I haven't used in the last 6 weeks worked flawlessly and now I have a brand new Audi sitting in the snow while I have time to take it to the dealership (it is still 2 weeks while I go back to Edmonton :()

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

well in my experience most euro cars don't particularly like extreme cold temperatures... and by the sounds of it, you're getting plenty of extremely cold temperatures up there...

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

I know a few Audi owners in Sweden who get hammered with very cold temps frequently, not to mention snow :D

I'll ask and see if they're doing anything special to prolong life.

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

There are 2 ciculating theories re: block heaters.

1. Block heaters save "lives" as the oil is warm and more "fluid" and that reduces the wear on start-up
2. The oil is indeed more "fluid" but when it circulates through the colder parts of the engine it becomes more viscuous and the benefits are minimal

A while back I read an article which said that when starting up any engine in extreme temperatures it will idle rough (air/fuel mixture stuff). But the vehicle must be driven off immediately, regardless if block heated. Drive gently for 2-3 minutes, or more if you can, so all of the components warm up evenly. The comment I remembered was: what is the use of having a hot engine when everything else is stone cold?!

I practiced this for many years, with many outdoor parked cars... mind you, I live in Southern Ontario!

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

25orsix24, thats currently what I do. I have a garage but when the car is left outside, I start it up, and drive on eggshells for the first few km until the engine is warmed up. Slow acceleration and smooth driving till things come up to operating temp. Haven't had a problem with any car yet.

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

Thanks for the discussion guys; I for one am celebrating that we are not longer at -30C, what a week that was.

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

yeah, it's pretty nice to have warmer weather...

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

I am under the impression that block heaters are "selfish", as in you want heat as soon as you start your car. Oil pan heater is good for the engine, but you have to wait for heat.

I have a 300 watt Katz heater on my pan and when its -21C the oil pan feels about 17-20C to the touch. I agree that the oil will immediatly get cold once it circulates through the engine, but it is already where it needs to be -> on the cams and sleeves. The oil pan heater was plugged in all night.

I have never used a block heater, as i understand they are around 1500 watts... requiring a timer. How do you have a warm block with cold oil? Seems the oil would warm up to at least freezing ( 32F)... would like to hear any input.

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

...and this is why is best not to worry about it... either start the car and drive it nice and slow and warm it up: all components equally; save your "hydro" dollars, or buy a "junker"... like a Cadillac or a Magnum! and drive that in the winter like you "don't care".

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

I drive my '95 corolla to work almost everyday (when it decides to start). Good winter beater, i dont have collision on it and i dont care if anyone hits me. Only catch is the 'Ol lady wont step foot in it, don't blame her. So sometimes you gotta take the other car, -20C or not. So for those days its not a bad idea to have warm oil.

Some quick math... Current hydro rate including delivery and tax = $0.15/kWh, 300Watt heater = 0.3kW/hour, 9 hours plugged in costs $0.45.

I can list 100 things i piss more money away on, all of which do not save my engine. I only plug it in when I know it is cold and I will be taking her out in the morning (the car, not the wife - I stopped worrying about her when I bought the Audi..... j/k)

Re: Is block warmer needed?
 

hmmm quick heater panel math... what else will I learn on here i wonder?