Engine Heater Worth it?

[Kenny Boxster]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Unless you are planning to move above the Arctic Circle, this is totally unnecessary. You will also not find a solar or battery operated one worth a damn, as these things require current (amperage) to create heat, so they are all 110/220 volts.

A block heater will also not warm the oil. To do that, you need a heating pad like device that surrounds the sump, and I have not seen one that would work on a Porsche style sump. Anything magnetic is not going to work as the sump is entirely aluminum.

You would be better off saving your money and letting the car warm up for a few min. when it is very cold, the oil cooler will warm up your oil in the process.

+1. If you're concerned with low temperature starts, switch to 0w-40 if you have not done so already.