Editing Block heater (section)

== Designs ==
Some cars are produced with block heaters from the factory, while others are fitted with block heaters as an aftermarket add-on.<ref>{{cite web |title=Using an Engine Heater in a Diesel Engine for Cold-Weather Starts |url=https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/diesel-engines/using-an-engine-heater-in-a-diesel-engine-for-cold-weather-starts/ |website=www.dummies.com |access-date=27 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref> The most common type of block heater is an electric heating element in the [[engine block]], which is connected through a power cord often routed through the vehicle's grille. Some block heaters are designed to replace one of the engine's [[core plug]]s and therefore heat the engine via the coolant.<ref>{{cite news |title=How cold should it be before I plug my car into a block heater? |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/culture/commuting/what-is-the-benefit-of-plugging-in-my-car-to-a-block-heater-and-when-should-i-do-it/article27446878/ |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=24 November 2015 |access-date=27 August 2019|last1=Tchir |first1=Jason }}</ref>

Alternative methods of warming an engine include:<ref>{{cite web |title=Block Heater Technology: Unsung Hero of the Frozen North |url=https://www.lifewire.com/car-block-heater-frozen-north-534833 |website=www.lifewire.com |access-date=27 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
* Engine oil heater attached to the engine's [[oil pan]] with magnets.
* Engine oil heater inserted into the [[dipstick]] tube.
* In-line coolant heaters, which are installed into a radiator hose to warm the coolant (sometimes with a circulation pump to increase its effectiveness).
* Electric blankets that are laid over the top of the engine.

Electric timers are often used with engine warmers, since it is only necessary to run the warmer for a few hours before starting the engine.<ref name=Anchorage/> Some cars pump hot coolant from the cooling system into a 3-litre insulated [[thermos]]-style reservoir at shutdown, where it stays warm for several days.<ref>{{cite web |title=In praise of the lowly block heater |url=https://www.metrompg.com/posts/block-heater.htm |website=www.metrompg.com |access-date=27 August 2019}}</ref> While idling is commonly believed to warm an engine, for most it is not effective.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Office of Transportation and Air Quality Frequent Questions |url=https://www.epa.gov/otaq/about/faq.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215034900/www.epa.gov/otaq/about/faq.htm |archive-date=February 15, 2015 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |website=[[United States Environmental Protection Agency]]}}</ref>