Do you ever find yourself shivering in your car during frosty winter mornings? Perhaps you’ve come across the concept of using a block heater to heat your engine in advance, but did you know that you can also utilize a remote to activate your car’s engine with the block heater still plugged in? Although this may appear a convenient solution to get your car ready for the road, it’s essential to consider various factors.
In this post, we’ll delve into the intriguing question of whether a remote starter can be employed to launch a car with a block heater and what precautions must be taken to ensure safety. Armed with this valuable information, you’ll enjoy a warm, toasty vehicle that is always prepared to hit the road, regardless of how frigid it may be outside.
What is a block heater?
Block heaters are an essential tool for those living in colder climates. They are designed to keep your engine warm during winter, when temperatures can drop to unbearable levels. But what exactly is a block heater, and how does it work?
At its core, a block heater is a small heating element installed directly into your car’s engine block. This element is connected to an electrical outlet and heats the coolant in the engine block, ensuring the engine stays warm even when it’s not running.
Benefits
The benefits of using a block heater go beyond just keeping your engine warm. Here are some of the main advantages:
- Easier starting: When your engine is warm, it is much easier to start, even in the coldest temperatures. This can help you avoid the frustration and potential damage of a dead battery or a struggling starter.
- Reduced wear and tear: When your engine is cold, the oil is thicker, and the metal parts are less pliable, leading to increased wear and tear. Using a block heater can help reduce this by keeping the engine warm and lubricated.
- Improved fuel economy: A warm engine operates more efficiently. This can save you money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Increased longevity: By reducing wear and tear on your engine, using a block heater can help prolong the life of your car.
Overall, block heaters are an excellent investment for those in colder climates. They are relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of frustration and potential repair costs in the long run.
See Also: How much does it cost to fix a car heater?
How does a remote starter system work?
Basic components of a remote starter system
The Remote: This handheld device serves as the means of communication with the control module, granting you the ability to start the car from a distance.
The Control Module: Nestled under the dashboard, this unit is responsible for receiving signals from the remote, interpreting these commands, and sending instructions to the starter and other systems as needed.
The Starter: This crucial component activates the engine’s ignition process by turning the engine over.
How a remote starter system functions
The Remote and Control Module: When you press the remote button, it sends a signal to the control module, which deciphers the command and sends signals to the starter and other systems as needed.
The Starter: Upon receiving signals from the control module, the starter initiates the ignition process, subsequently activating the engine.
Safety Features: Various remote starter systems have implemented several safety features to protect the driver and the vehicle. These features help prevent the engine from starting if the car is not in the park, the hood is open, or other potential issues are present.
Advantages:
- Comfortable driving experience in the winter
- Warmer engine resulting in better fuel efficiency and engine longevity
- Reduced wear and tear on the engine
- Increased vehicle value
Disadvantages:
- High cost of installation
- Increased risk of car theft
- Voided manufacturer warranty in some cases
- Requires a reliable battery source
Can I use the remote to start my car when the block heater is plugged in?
It usually depends on the type of remote starter system you have and other factors. Here’s what you need to know:
Can you use a remote starter with a block heater?
One-way systems:
If you have a one-way remote starter system, the short answer is no. These systems do not communicate with the car once the engine is started. So if you use the remote to start the car with the block heater plugged in, you won’t know if the engine started or if the block heater is working correctly.
Two-way systems:
With a two-way remote starter system, you can use the remote to start the car with the block heater plugged in, depending on the system’s design. Some two-way systems include temperature sensors that detect when the engine is warm enough to start and automatically turn off the block heater. Other systems may require you to manually turn off the block heater before starting the car with the remote.
Potential risks and considerations
While using a remote starter system with a block heater can be convenient, there are important risks and considerations to remember. These include:
Fire hazards:
If the block heater is left on while the car runs, it can overheat and potentially cause a fire. Ensure you turn off the block heater before starting the vehicle with a remote.
Battery drain:
Starting the car with a remote and using the block heater can strain the car’s battery, potentially reducing its lifespan. Make sure you have a strong battery and keep it properly maintained.
Warranty issues:
Using a remote starter system with a block heater may void your car’s warranty, so check with your manufacturer before using one.
Overall, using a remote starter to start a car with a block heater can be a convenient way to stay warm during winter. However, it’s essential to understand the risks and potential issues before doing so and ensure you have a suitable remote starter system and maintain it properly.
How to safely use a remote starter with a block heater?
While this combination can be a convenient way to warm up your car, it’s essential to use it safely to avoid damage to your vehicle or injury. Here are a few crucial tips to help you use a remote starter system with a block heater safely:
Check your owner’s manual
Before using a remote starter system with a block heater, it’s essential to check your owner’s manual to ensure the combination is safe and supported by your vehicle. Some vehicles may have specific requirements or limitations on using a remote starter system with a block heater.
Use a timer
One of the best ways to safely use a remote starter system with a block heater is to use a timer. This allows you to set a specific time for the block heater to turn on, ensuring that the engine is warm and ready to go when you need it without running the block heater for too long.
Avoid overuse
Running the block heater for too long can damage your vehicle’s battery and other systems. It’s recommended only to run the block heater for 1-2 hours before you plan to start your car.
Be aware of weather conditions
Before using a remote starter system with a block heater, it’s essential to be aware of weather conditions. For example, if your vehicle is parked outside in the extreme cold, the block heater may not be able to warm up the engine sufficiently. In such cases, it’s best to use a traditional plug-in heater instead of relying on the remote starter system with a block heater.
Keep your vehicle in park
It’s crucial to ensure that your car is in the park before using a remote starter system with a block heater to avoid accidents or damage to your vehicle. This prevents the car from rolling or moving unexpectedly.
By following these tips, you can safely use a remote starter system with a block heater and enjoy a more comfortable driving experience during the winter.
FAQS
How long does it take to plug in the block heater before starting?
The time it takes to plug in a block heater before starting depends on several factors, such as the outside temperature, the type of block heater, and the power source. In general, it’s recommended to plug in the block heater at least two hours before starting the engine for optimal performance in cold weather conditions.
Does the block heater affect the battery?
The block heater can affect the battery, which draws electricity to keep the engine warm. However, if used correctly, the block heater shouldn’t drain the battery significantly. It’s essential to understand the recommended usage and ensure the battery is in good condition.
How do I know my block heater is working correctly?
To determine if your block heater is working, you can check the temperature of the engine block, listen to the block heater’s sound, or use an electrical meter to measure the current flowing through the block heater. It’s essential to make sure your block heater is in good working condition to ensure your vehicle is ready to go on cold winter mornings.
Do engine block heaters use a lot of electricity?
When it comes to engine block heaters, the amount of electricity used depends on various factors, such as the size of the engine and the outside temperature. However, block heaters typically consume between 400 to 1500 watts of electricity, which can add up if used regularly.
What happens if you leave a block heater plugged in all the time?
Leaving a block heater plugged in all the time can result in several issues, including shortening the heater’s lifespan, causing electrical problems, and increasing energy costs. It’s recommended only to use the block heater when necessary and to unplug it once the engine is warm.
Conclusion
So, a remote starter system can be a convenient and practical addition to any car, especially during the cold winter. With the ability to start your car from a distance and even use a block heater, you can ensure that your vehicle is warm and ready to go when you are. However, taking the necessary precautions is vital to avoid damage to your car or injury.
By following the above guidelines, you can safely and efficiently use your remote starter with a block heater and enjoy a more comfortable driving experience. So go ahead, start your car remotely, and enjoy the warmth!
