I thought someone might be interested in this idea that my husband and I have used for many years when the weather gets very cold up in the mountains of PA. We place a 60 watt light bulb, we use a chicken light, up against the block of the car at night. We then cover the hood of the car with an old quilt and give it a kiss good-night. This really makes a difference in the starting in the mornings. I suppose it is just enought heat to keep the oil (or something) warm. I'm sure this is not a new idea, but it is a useful one for us. Remember.... Spring is on it's way !!!!

-- Helena Di Maio (windyacs@ptdprolog.net), January 29, 2000

Answers

At our location, it is routine to have an engine block heater installed in cars--however your light is much cheaper as engine block heaters usually run $60-75. Way back when I traveled to New Mexico then met my future husband...My future father-in-law thought I had an electric car because I had a plug sticking out of the front grill. We still laugh over that one!

CC

-- CC (car-col@usa.net), January 30, 2000.

We have heated bricks on top of our wood stove and wrapped them in blankets and set them on the block, closed the hood, etc. That worked pretty well. Don't know if it would last overnight...guess it depends on how cold it gets.

I have also used a hairdryer with an extension cord and stood and directed the heat at the block (when I didn't have time for the bricks!) Not generally recommended but it worked.

The 60 watt bulb is a good idea. We used to keep one in our pumphouse to keep the pump from freezing.

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), January 31, 2000.

Helena, your idea is a great one. I must tell you, however, that it dates back at least to the early '40's. Still works, though! Brad.

-- Brad (homefixer@mix-net.net), February 04, 2000.