Dec 15 2008
Very Cold In the Wild West
Man, was this weekend COLD! Saturday’s high temperature was -9; Sunday’s high was-14; and today’s high was -4! Yes, that is four degrees below ZERO! And, those were the High Temps…. I don’t even want to go into how cold it was overnights. In other words, DAMN COLD! On the bright side, my little Rav-4 started every day. I am impressed with my little buggy. I didn’t even plug it in. Not because I forgot, or because I was lazy; but I didn’t realize I didn’t even have a block heater on the engine. I found the extension cord, unburied the outlet in the garage, then froze my fingers looking all along the radiator, skid plate, headlight compartments… anywhere someone could have stashed the plug for the heater. Nope, not there! I have never purchased a used vehicle in Montana that did not have one installed! I guess I should think about getting one, but right now it isn’t too high on my priority list. No reason to stress over an added expense when the engine barely even protested on Sunday morning after sitting all night in temps that dipped to -20. Another good thing about the little Rav– the heater works really well! I had to turn the temp gauge down because it was blowing so hot.
Oh Yeah… some of you readers may not even know what an engine heater is. I remember when Joe first moved to Montana from Pennsylvania. He finally asked me why all the cars had a plug hanging from the front, below the radiator. Here is a very, very, VERY basic explanation: there are a few different types, but the main effect is the same. Some attach to the engine at the soft plug and heat the coolant fluid, and others that attach to the oil pan and heat the oil. They keep the fluids, well, fluid, and some of the heat transferred to the engine block. With the engine and fluids warmed; the battery, starter, and ultimately the engine start easier with less stress on all parts involved. Of course, if you have a bad battery the car may not start even with an engine heater.
OK, there all you folks in the warmer climates go. A little knowledge can go a long ways–LOL. (Think Trivia games!)
Well, now I am off to buy some burger buns. I think Joe and I are going to BBQ tomorrow. Yes, seriously… We BBQ all year long here in the Wild, Wild, West.
