What is the magic temperature when I need to start using my block heater? The weather here on the coast of NC is cool in the mornings, but I will be in the mid west soon and the weather there is downright cold! Thanks for the help. -Tim-

 

I don't usually use my block heater until the temps go below freezing, but the owner's manual will probably give a temp to start using it. Also, if you're going to where the temps are going to be colder be sure to use a winterized diesel fuel (most places in the mid-west change over to winterized fuel at the beginning of October), and maybe have some winter formula diesel fuel additive for when you fill up.

 

I checked the manual and couldnt find anything on temperature, just a comment on "Cold Climate Starting." I was thinking somewhere around the freezing mark myself, just wanted some reassurance. Thanks for the input, and the info about the additives. -Tim-

 

I think it doesn't matter how cold it gets before plugging in. It will just buck and cough until it is warmed up.

My old truck there were times that it was down to 10* before I plugged it in. Now having said that, I did plug my 05 in last night for the first time. It was down around 25* - 30* or so and we got snow. Not as much as expected but that is fine with me.

What I noticed is that the truck ran better right from startup. Seemed smoother and quieter, which I did expect. I even remembered to unplug before driving down the road

Since it is so easy to plug it in, probably do it the rest of the winter season.

 

Since the new trucks are supposed to start reliably down to -20°F, that's probably the point where you'd need to start using it. Otherwise, it's more personal preference.

Personally, it's getting down in the mid-30s around here overnight and I'm ready to go ahead and fish the cord through one of my basement windows. I don't need it yet......and probably won't really need it at all since the temp seldom drop below the single digits here. I just want easier starting, earlier hot air, etc - especially since I draw the duty of dropping the young-un off at the sitter every morning. I can handle sitting in the cold waiting for heat, my 1 yr old can't.