Engine block heater in winter: Is it necessary in Quebec?
Is an engine block heater really useful during Quebec winters? The answer is yes. Not only does it make starting your car easier in freezing weather, but it also helps protect your engine from premature wear. A preheated engine improves cabin comfort and can even reduce fuel consumption. Here’s why this small investment can quickly pay off.
What is an engine block heater and what does it do?
An engine block heater is an electrical device installed in a vehicle to warm the engine and fluids before starting the engine in freezing temperatures. The most common and effective model is the type that heats the coolant, ensuring your engine is ready to go even on the coldest mornings.
What are the benefits of an engine block heater?
A block heater offers several practical and economic benefits:
Easier starts in cold weather
Cabin warms up faster
Engine protection and longer battery life
Reduced gas mileage, greenhouse gas emissions, and better fuel efficiency during winter conditions
When should you plug in your block heater—and for how long?
Can a block heater save you gas?
Yes. A plugged-in vehicle can use up to 15% less fuel because its components are already warm when you start it. The savings are even greater if you drive short distances (under 20km). For more ways to cut down on fuel costs, check out our 15 simple tips to save on gas.
Does a block heater really protect the engine and battery?
Absolutely. A block heater doesn’t just make your car more comfortable—it also helps protect the engine and battery.
By warming up the coolant before startup, the block heater makes it easier for the powertrain to get going. It reduces the strain on mechanical parts and limits premature wear. This is especially important for turbocharged and direct-injection engines, which need stable operation from the first seconds.
A preheated engine also preserves your car battery, since easier starts draw less electrical energy. This benefit is even greater if you don’t drive your vehicle often, as a parked battery slowly loses charge. A warm engine needs less effort to start.
To learn more, check out our tips for starting your car in cold weather and protecting your car battery life.
Can a block heater damage the engine?
No. A properly installed engine block heater will not damage your engine.
Just make sure the installation follows the manufacturer’s recommendations or have it done by a certified mechanic.
Does a block heater make winter driving more comfortable?
Yes. A block heater allows your cabin to warm up much faster than it would with a cold start. It’s a great ally for maximizing comfort during Quebec’s long, harsh winters.
How does preheating your engine help the environment?
A block heater significantly reduces polluting emissions when you start your vehicle. It helps your catalytic converter—the main anti-pollution device in your car—work faster and more efficiently.
By warming the engine before driving, your vehicle emits fewer hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.
“Rather than idling your engine while parked, take it easy on the road instead. Your vehicle will warm up faster, consume less fuel, and emit fewer pollutants. By preheating your engine with a block heater, you shorten the period when exhaust gases are untreated—an excellent way to protect the environment.”
Sylvain LégaréResearch Analyst, Mobility, CAA-Quebec
How much does a block heater and installation cost?
The cost of a block heater and installation depends on your vehicle model, the heater type, and the garage’s installation fees.
Block heater price (part only): about $50 to $200
Installation cost: between $100 and $250 or more
Good to know: Some garages offer “part + installation” packages, and many automakers install block heaters directly on the assembly line, meaning they’re already included in the price of the vehicle. Always check before buying!
Engine block heater vs remote starter: Which one to choose?
While they’re often compared, these two accessories serve very different purposes. The engine block heater preheats the engine block and fluids. The remote starter warms the cabin but not the engine or its components. The remote starter also has drawbacks:
Polluting emissions: Idling your engine for long periods releases greenhouse gases and contributes to air pollution.
Premature wear: Since the engine isn’t preheated, it still starts cold and doesn’t benefit from a block heater’s protection.
Battery drain: Instead of helping your battery, a remote starter can weaken it—especially if the engine shuts off automatically after a set time and must be restarted.
Should you invest in a block heater?
It depends on your situation. If your car is stored in a heated garage, a block heater isn’t essential. But if you want to protect your vehicle and enjoy maximum comfort this winter, installing a block heater is a smart choice. For many Quebec drivers, it’s a small investment that’s absolutely worth it.
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