this post was submitted on 21 Jan 2024
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Cars have had remote start for a long time. But you can’t just leave a gas car running in a closed garage. That’s a good way to accidentally take the forever nap.
Not talking about remote start but about heating the car before starting it. It's powered by electricity not gasoline. The garage has an outlet that you plug the car into.
Yeah I have actually been kind of baffled no one else mentioned these, are conventional engine heaters not a thing outside scandinavia?
You can get in engine block heaters that heat the water jacket of the engine in the US and Canada. Or you can get an in-line coolant heater also. I haven't seen a oil pan heater in 40 years. They aren't really a need anymore with 0-30W engine oils anymore.
A block heater will set you back about $120US installed at your local repair station. The in-line coolant heater is some cheaper being only about $75US installed. They both work off of common 115/120V/15A power. No fixed install required for either. At worst you will need to buy an extension cord of the proper gauge. Maybe another $50US. This is well below the costs you cite.
Just go to your local auto parts store and ask for one. They will hook you up.