2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Engine Block Heater

Engine Block Heaters for Winter

An electric engine heater, or engine block heater, is a device that is used to preheat the engine of a vehicle in especially cold weather. This allows it to be started more easily in the winter, which reduces the risk of wear and tear during cold starts on the engine components. This also helps the heater blow warm air more quickly, keeps oil flowing more freely, and prevents antifreeze from freezing inside the block in the coldest climates, while also reducing the amount of fuel needed to start the engine. Engine heaters typically use electricity to generate heat, and can be connected to a power source using an electrical cord. Some engine heaters are also designed to be connected to a timer or thermostat, allowing them to be turned on and off automatically based on the outside temperature or a pre-set schedule. The most common types of engine heaters are block heaters and oil pan heaters. Block heaters are installed directly into the engine block and are designed to keep the engine block and coolant warm. Oil pan heaters are installed on the bottom of the engine's oil pan and are designed to warm the engine oil, which also warms the engine block and other components. The easiest type of engine heater to install is inserted in place of the oil dipstick to heat the oil directly. Other options may also be available, depending on your application. If you need to repair or equip a vehicle with an engine heater, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries various types of engine heaters and cold-weather accessories for most applications.