Block Heater Question

Spikes · 2026-10-12T20:12:05-0500

Sorry to bump this thread, but I've been reading about the block heater and realized mine didn't come with a cord, so I went ahead and bought one. It seems the general consensus is to plug it in when there's a sustained cold below 0 degrees F?

I was thinking of setting up a smart plug to turn on when temps drop below say -5, but should I leave the truck plugged in all night? Or is it sufficient to plug it in X amount of time before I need to drive (thinking 1-2 hours). Having it on a smart plug also has the benefit of controlling it from my phone whenever, wherever.

I WFH so will not necessarily be driving daily, but want to keep the engine as happy and healthy as possible.

Here in Upstate NY we can have some pretty cold nights, so just trying to learn and be ahead of stuff.

pigpen23 · 2026-10-13T06:58:03-0500

I bought a WiFi/Bluetooth plug that I plug the cord into. I can turn it on/off with my phone, read power usage, and set a timer to automatically turn it on at a certain time if/when it's needed. It's also nice that with the Bluetooth, I can use it when I travel if needed without having to connect it to WiFi.

gemarsh · 2026-10-13T07:06:31-0500

pigpen23 said:
I bought a WiFi/Bluetooth plug that I plug the cord into. I can turn it on/off with my phone, read power usage, and set a timer to automatically turn it on at a certain time if/when it's needed. It's also nice that with the Bluetooth, I can use it when I travel if needed without having to connect it to WiFi.

What were you seeing for an amp draw or wattage usage?

I can't hear them work like farm equipment block heaters. And they pull close to 12 amps. 10 seconds after plugging them in, you can hear the sizzling.

pigpen23 · 2026-10-13T07:18:32-0500

gemarsh said:
What were you seeing for an amp draw or wattage usage?

I can't hear them work like farm equipment block heaters. And they pull close to 12 amps. 10 seconds after plugging them in, you can hear the sizzling.

Honestly, I only used it once last winter, and I can't even recall. Been a minute ha.

Over the years, I don't know if I've ever heard them sizzle as heavy/farm equipment heaters do.

gemarsh · 2026-10-13T07:24:30-0500

pigpen23 said:
Honestly, I only used it once last winter, and I can't even recall. Been a minute ha.

Over the years, I don't know if I've ever heard them sizzle as heavy/farm equipment heaters do.

If'n you use it this year, make a mental note to tell Gayle what the amp draw is on these gm's!

I'm thinking they run about 600 watts which would be something like 5 amps.

Spikes · 2026-10-13T09:49:34-0500

pigpen23 said:
I bought a WiFi/Bluetooth plug that I plug the cord into. I can turn it on/off with my phone, read power usage, and set a timer to automatically turn it on at a certain time if/when it's needed. It's also nice that with the Bluetooth, I can use it when I travel if needed without having to connect it to WiFi.

It sounds like there is no integrated thermostat, correct? So the vehicle is not going to know when to draw power and when not to?