Reddit mentions: The best automotive engine heaters & accessories
We found 48 Reddit comments discussing the best automotive engine heaters & accessories. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 13 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. NOCO GCP1 15 Amp 125V AC Port Plug Power Inlet with 16-Inch Integrated Extension Cord
- AC Port Plug - A 125-volt power inlet socket with an integrated 16-inch outdoor extension cord for a car, boat, marine, truck, trailer, pickup, RV, industrial and electrical applications.
- Waterproof - A rugged, waterproof ac electrical power inlet receptacle featuring a pressure fit rubberized cover rated for outdoor use and protects against the elements.
- Peak Performance - Rated at 15-amps with heavy-duty 14 AWG copper wiring to maximum power flow and full-sized AC port prongs for maximum conductivity.
- Plug-N-Play - A simple flush mount flanged power inlet that's easy to install, requiring zero cable modification or hand wiring, and mounts into a 2-inch hole size.
- Multiple Uses - An outdoor extension cord designed for various uses, including onboard battery chargers, bumpers for engine block heaters, outdoor electrical outlets, and more.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 5.35 Inches |
Length | 2.6 Inches |
Weight | 0.4 Pounds |
Width | 5.2 Inches |
Release date | September 2012 |
Size | 16-inch |
Number of items | 1 |
2. Kat's 24150 150 Watt 4"x 5" Engine Oil Pan Heater
- Silicone covered for oil and acid resistance
- Universal applications
- Thermostatically controlled
- Use as an oil or transmission pan heater
- Order New Number 24150X
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
Features:
Specs:
Height | 8.5 Inches |
Length | 15 Inches |
Weight | 0.3 Pounds |
Width | 9.5 Inches |
Size | 4 x 5 |
Number of items | 1 |
3. Zerostart 2600900 Interior Car Warmer Compact Plug-in Electric Portable Heater, 3,000 BTU | 120 Volts | 900 Watts
Ideal for use in passenger, light-duty, and recreational vehiclesEasy to install; mounts on floor or under dash with included mounting bracketFrost Free Windows before engine start900 Watts - 120 Volt AC / 3,000 BTUAutomatic High Temperature Safety Sensor – The device will automatically shut OFF i...
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 2.75 Inches |
Length | 7 Inches |
Width | 4.5 Inches |
Release date | October 2016 |
Number of items | 1 |
4. Mover Parts Engine Block Heater TPS151GT10-000 1500 Watt 120 Volt 1500W 120V Option 100-120F
- Part Number:TPS151GT10-000 590-893 590893 084918G
- 1500 Watt 120 Volt 1500W 120V Option 100-120F.Inlet & Outlet Size : 16mm(0.629")
- Test before shipping to ensure product safety, stability and durability.100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee.Free return or exchange within 30 days
- Applications:Compatible with diesel and gas engines in genset, heavy duty mobile equipment, marine and industrial,trucks and some cars.
- Engine Pre-heater,engine block heater
Features:
Specs:
Number of items | 1 |
5. Windshield Car Heater - Portable Car Defroster Defogger 12V Truck Car Heat Cooling Fan 150W 3-Outlet Plug in Cigarette Lighter (12V Vehicle)
- 【Easy to Use】 - Easy operation,just plug it into your 12V vehicle's cigarette socket and turn it on.Effectively allows you to defrost or demist your window quickly so you can get on the road and get to your destination.
- 【2 IN 1 Cooling and Heating Function】 - Change the switch and the hot air or cool fan come out immediately. This heater is ideal for defrosting or demisting window and windscreens.Also can be used as a fan only to cool you down in the summer.
- 【Portable Car Defroster】 - With 180 degree rotate supporting holder and a convenient handle . Compact size, portable and convenient to use.Low energy loss, low noise, no fire.
- 【Wide application】- Instant heating, automatic overheat protect. so you'll always have the heater/defroster within easy reach. They are widely used at car, truck, vehicle, air conditioner and other commonly used appliances.Fit for all 12V Vehicle Cars
- 【ATTENTION PLEASE!!!】The vehicle should be around 15amp, the heater will worked fine, but if your voltage is much less than 15amp, the heater maybe stop working. If so, please adjust your vehicle voltage.
Features:
Specs:
Height | 3.93700787 Inches |
Length | 6.299212592 Inches |
Width | 5.118110231 Inches |
Size | 12V VEHICLE |
6. Kat's 13150 1500 Watt Aluminum Circulating Tank Heater
Fit type: Vehicle Specific
Specs:
Height | 8.5 Inches |
Length | 15 Inches |
Weight | 2.2 Pounds |
Width | 9.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
7. Drivworld Parking Heater 4kw 12v/24v Diesel and Gasoline Air Heater for Car,Truck, Boat,RV,Camper (4kw12v Gasoline)
- The heater is fully automatically controlled. It features in compact structure, easy installation, energy-saving, environmental protection, safety and reliability, easy maintenance, etc.
- Scope of Application The heater can be applied for heating the cab of the freight vehicles,vans,storage battery cars and all kinds of other vehicle.Compact dimensions can be installed on any vehicles .Diagnosis function reduces the maintenance time.
- This heating system uses the gas or diesel as the fuel,after heat the exchanger, the hot air through the air blower,arrives to the compartment ,storehouse equipment,therefore, achieve the purpose that heats and removes the frist to them.
- 1. Pleasant sound operation make your drive comfortable. 2. Excellent independent stepless heating capability. 3. Perfect and easy control set.
- you aren't need to start the engine on the cold winter cold parked car engine and cab and car warm-up heating, and completely eliminate the car's cold start wear and tear.
Features:
Specs:
Height | 11.81102361 Inches |
Length | 18.110236202 Inches |
Weight | 30.86471668 Pounds |
Width | 18.110236202 Inches |
Size | 4kw12v Gasoline |
8. Drivworld liquid parking heater -5kw 12V/24V diesel or gasoline water parking heater - for car,truck, Boat,RV,camper (5kw 12V gasoline)
- The main equipment of environmental protective and highly intelligent remote control parking heater (hereinafter referred to as the heater) is a small fuel furnace controlled by a single-chip microprocessor. Its medium circulation system is connected with the cooling system of automobile engine. In such a way, the cooling liquid for engine can be heated by the heater while the engine is not working, so as to increase the temperature of the engine and the interior of automobile. The engine is mad
- Application scope This air heater is not affected by the engine, for in compliance with its heating power under the premise of installation in the following vehicles: Various properties of the car (at most 9 people) and its trailer. Building and machinery Agriculture working machinery. Boats,steamer and yacht(Limited to diesel heaters). Motor homes.
- Product Advantages 1. Pleasant sound operation make your drive comfortable. 2. Excellent independent stepless heating capability. 3. Perfect and easy control set. 4. Compact dimensions can be installed on any vehicles . 5. Diagnosis function reduces the maintenance time.
- There are four methods to starting heater: 1.Remote control 2.Rotary controller 3.GSM mobile phone controller 4.Digital control
- Short Description: The heaters not affected by the engine, for in compliance with its heating power under the premise of installation in the following vehicles: Various properties of the car (at most 9 people) and its trailer. Building and machinery Agriculture working machinery. Boats,steamer and yacht(Limited to diesel heaters). Motor homes. Heater purpose: Preheating and defrosting the glass. Heating and keeping the following warm: Driver and working cabs. Freight compartments. Passenger and
Features:
Specs:
Height | 3.93700787 Inches |
Length | 5.905511805 Inches |
Width | 7.87401574 Inches |
Size | 5kw 12V gasoline |
9. New OEM Mazda Mazda Miata 1.8L Engine Oil Dipstick Indicator BPE8-10-450
- Compatible with Manufacturer Part Number: BPE810450, Mazda
- Compatible with Fitment Type: Direct Replacement
- Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year
- Compatible with Genuine Oem: Yes
- Sku: BPE810450
Features:
Specs:
Color | Regular |
10. Zerostart 3100039 Engine Block Heater for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, International by Navistar, Jeep, Mazda, 1-1/2-Inch Diameter | CSA Approved | 120 Volts | 600 Watts
- Ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear
- For Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, International by Navistar, Jeep, Mazda. See Zero start catalog for specific applications.
- 1-1/2-Inch diameter
- 5. 8' (1. 8m) cord included
- Volts: 120 | Watts: 600 | Plug Type: 120 Volt, 15 Amp (Type A)
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
Features:
Specs:
Height | 2.1 Inches |
Length | 7.2 Inches |
Weight | 0.6 Pounds |
Width | 5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
11. Kat's 13080 850 Watt Aluminum Circulating Tank Heater
- Uses versatile strap type mounting
- Thermostatically controlled from 135 to 175 degrees
- Requires moderate mechanical ability to install
- Die cast aluminum design for corrosion and impact resistance
- Order New Number 13080X
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
Features:
Specs:
Height | 8.5 Inches |
Length | 15 Inches |
Weight | 1.55 Pounds |
Width | 9.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
12. Kat's 14600 600 Watt 1 1/2" Lower Radiator Hose Heater
- Thermostatically controlled
- Easy to install with versatile applications
- Cord permanently attached for best electrical connection
- Connects to normal AC power via regular power outlets
- Available in 400, 600, and 750 watt
Features:
Specs:
Height | 8.5 Inches |
Length | 15 Inches |
Weight | 0.65 Pounds |
Width | 9.5 Inches |
13. Zerostart 3100057 Engine Block Heater for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Jeep, Pontiac, Continental, Oldsmobile, 1-5/8-Inch Diameter | CSA Approved | 120 Volts | 600 Watts
- Ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear
- For Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Jeep, Pontiac, Continental, Oldsmobile. See Zero start catalog for specific applications.
- 1-5/8-Inch diameter
- 5. 8' (1. 8m) cord included
- Volts: 120 | Watts: 600 | Plug Type: 120 Volt, 15 Amp (Type A)
- CSA approved
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
Features:
Specs:
Height | 2.1 inches |
Length | 6.9 inches |
Weight | 0.4 Pounds |
Width | 4.9 inches |
Number of items | 1 |
🎓 Reddit experts on automotive engine heaters & accessories
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where automotive engine heaters & accessories are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
Charging the battery while driving is pretty simple but took me a year to figure out how simple it was. Hopefully you are planning on using a trailer wire junction box. If so, run a 14ga wire from the junction box (that connects to your truck) to the positive side of the battery. Add something like this inline between the junction and the battery for safety. https://www.amazon.com/Fastronix-Automatic-Reset-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B07NSD3KYH
For shore power, I used one of these on the side of the camper which then runs to a 2 amp charger that charges the battery. In hindsight, I should of done a 4 or 5 amp charger.
https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GCP1-16-Inch-Integrated-Extension/dp/B009ANV81S
​
Solar, do as other have said and get a controller.
Well you say you warm the engine up for 10mins, but that's only the engine, your trans will still be 90% cold (all but little bit of conductive heat from the engine). Do you happen to have a garage? You could get a transmission pan heater (might as well get an oil pan heater too) then you can just set one of those wall timer things, just wire them up so the cords are on the driver's side, and hopefully you have an outlet on the driver's side, then you can just plug them in when you get home and unplug them before you leave. I'd set the timer 2 hours before you leave, and then you could start your truck like 5 minutes before you leave (just so the oil has enough time to go through everything, but the block should be warm anyways, just an extra safety measure i guess). I'd highly recommend doing it.
Heater
Mechanical Timer
> The max temperature of a toaster in air is less than its max temperature in vacuum, same as the engine, if it works as I speculate.
The issue is what is the toaster made of? Steel? Won't it melt if it's hot enough to melt an engine block? If the toaster melts all the insides short and it stops being a toaster, it might still be able to melt the engine block, but you've made what is closer to an arc furnace, not a toaster.
> You mean like the red color of hot metal? Thats mostly from the surface, right?
Yes, hot metal gives off IR radiation which will cool it, yes it's from the surface, but the heat from the toaster will be transferred via conduction to the surface. An engine block if more than capable of transferring 1.5kW without melting, they are typically designed to handle a couple hundred kW when water cooling is available. A 1kW toaster will almost get it warm, what you have is essentially a large block heater, 1.5kW is actually what some people connect to their engines to help it start
My friend spotted this vehicle in a public parking lot in SF Bay Area.
Additional photos:
http://i.imgur.com/dfJXcn6.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/uulAUJc.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Qrbfmxx.jpg
Anybody any more information on what this is?
edit: A few more pics:
Not radar, but IbeoLux modules: Actually 2 there are 2 on each rear side looking sideways, two more on the rear bumper looking backwards, and two more under the front headlights looking forwards. http://i.imgur.com/ez0tlee.jpg
Also, there are two rectangular panels adjacent to the front radar. (Looks like a Delphi ESR 2.5 Radar ) http://i.imgur.com/703JyDp.jpg
There are Lidars on the right side mirror too. The molding looks perfect. http://i.imgur.com/ruKO5ee.jpg
2 Garmin GPS antennas on the back roof roof corners near the rear window. http://i.imgur.com/nx0VAQh.jpg
Lastly, there is a 'NOCO Genius GCP1' power port on the front bumper, adjacent to the 80/20 beam, which is probably used to provide power to whatever additional equipment they screw into the beam. http://i.imgur.com/SqCbiMF.jpg
My conclusion is that this is NOT a Tesla prototype, rather some small company who is working on self-driving/computer vision software. I'm not sure why they would choose a Model S for this though, except perhaps because they want to sell their software to Tesla, or perhaps they are a Tesla partner which has managed to get access to the control systems for steering, braking and speed.
I didn't get a working link to the FB page on your progress, but just let me know your TNTTT account handle and I'll pop over there to look. One other thing - of the several 120V inlets out there, this one is the best behaved so far. The only caveat is that you'll have to trim the idiot-proofing rubber nub off your extension cord receptacles.
In Yellowknife (and Canada generally), one commonly has one or more of these four things, each of which will have an electrical cord with a two-prong plug meant for your standard North American 110/120V AC socket.
Then, run all the cords to your car's grille. Get an extension cord that has 3 or 4 sockets, plug your cords into that extension cord, then plug the extension cord into an outlet on the outside of your house, or an outlet in your parking lot. If you want to be eco-friendly and not use any more electricity than you absolutely have to, put a timer on that outlet, and have the juice come on at, say, 4-5 am, 'cause 3 hours or so is usually enough to make your car's parts all nice and toasty.
I have a 150W 12V heater and also a 50W 110V heater plus an inverter.
Surprisingly the 50W 110V unit seems to do a slightly better job keeping the windshield fog free.
I also have an outlet timer, my plan for this winter is to leave the 50W heater on the dashboard overnight pointed at the windshield and have the timer turn it on an hour or so before I leave for work.
They make cab heaters. I have one like this in one of my classics.
I've never seen a head bolt heater that actually gets the engine warm enough to get the heater going more quickly when it's legitimately cold out. I prefer an engine preheater like this (installs between the rad hoses and circulates as it heats), or an auto start.
those heaters are probably the safest and efficient solution.
Wonder why the chinese only sell the diesel powered knockoffs, in Germany we also have Gasoline powered ones.
Maybe to many explosions :P
Edit: was just shopping at Amazon:
They make Gasoline powered heaters:
https://www.amazon.com/Drivworld-liquid-parking-heater-gasoline/dp/B07691HB8S/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1538651730&sr=8-5&keywords=gasoline+engine+heater
https://www.amazon.com/Drivworld-Parking-Heater-Diesel-Gasoline/dp/B07B94M8K3/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1538651845&sr=8-2&keywords=gasoline+air+heater
​
I had both varieties in Germany, the engine heater on a diesel - it's completely outside, so silent in the inside. You just have to rig the vent's of the Climate control to heat up the interior.
Further - since the engine block is heated - you got residual heat for a long time.
I used to use a Kat's heater on my Land Rover oil pan, and it worked great on sub zero mornings.
> however it’s not always possible to warm up, especially when it gets to -35 etc. nothing warms up in that.
Hot Pad Heater ($30.44 USD) + Engine Block Heater ($27.95 USD)
A119 is very popular, goodluck with it, v2 is more stable than v1.
Oh thanks for the tip! How would you clip it on?
Would this work for heat?
Kat's 24150 150 Watt 4"x 5" Universal Hot Pad Heater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I8TQD6/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_9O6Hub1RH35ZH
https://www.amazon.com/Mazda-Engine-Dipstick-Indicator-BPE8-10-450/dp/B0077Q3SKE
brand new oem is 25 bucks.. worth it for sure
Make sure you have a good battery and don't worry about it is the simple answer.
If you do decide to install one anyway, they're not expensive and it's not that hard to do. The basic/most common ones replace a frost plug, which is a little tin cup near the bottom of the engine, designed to pop first and relieve pressure if your coolant ever does freeze (which I've never seen happen, because.. antifreeze). So it's just a matter of draining your coolant, popping out the frost plug and tapping in the heater. Getting to the bottom of your engine to do this likely won't be fun.
Example of a simple block heater.
I did spraypaint them with a metallic gold (they were black). I put an old jack in there to keep paint from seeping into the input itself. The power input was on Amazon and the paint job definitely adds a little steampunk/vintage vibe, since it didn't coat the rubber it looks kind of tarnished.
like this
If you're riding in cold/chilly weather, consider a heating pad on the case/oil pan like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Kats-24150-Watt-Universal-Heater/dp/B000I8TQD6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1457748904&sr=8-4&keywords=katz+pad
I think I might understand you... would something like this do what you are envisioning?
https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GCP1-125V-Integrated-Extension/dp/B009ANV81S
certainly, Sir. https://www.amazon.com/Windshield-Car-Heater-Defroster-Cigarette/dp/B07JZ3NMWG/
My work already has these in cars for our work in cold weather. They are usually plugged into a wall outlet but I've seen some people have ones that plug into the car. Some google searching shows similar stuff with timers too, so I'm not sure what would be novel about such a proposed patent.
Would recommend getting that plug mounted up into the lower grille or bumper before the winter hits, otherwise it's going to be a corroded mess. NOCO is a nice option, it's the one I have.
Like PatAunces said, you're battery is probably dead. Hopefully it's not dead dead.
If you have accesses to an outlet here are a couple of items that will make future cold starts easier:
Battery Thermal Wrap
Universal Hot Pad Heater
You could also look into picking up a battery charger that supports trickle charges and leave it on your battery over night.
I have an old SUV that sits outside and only gets driven every other month. I disconnect the battery when I park it. If I don't the battery is dead in less than a week.
Here ya go https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBlD0WrFMKE
https://www.amazon.com/Kats-24150-Watt-Universal-Heater/dp/B000I8TQD6
There are multiple sizes available on Amazon, here's one example . Just stick on the oil pan, and maybe one under your battery.
Can you string an extension cord to your card?
And here's a heated seat pad
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009ANV81S
For basic 15 amp power, I run something similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GCP1-125V-Integrated-Extension/dp/B009ANV81S/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1537219599&sr=1-1&keywords=15+amp+power+inlet
I plan on someday, maybe, running a 30 or 50 amp service through the wall.
here it is
You could take a route similar to mine, you can view my trip log here:
Also, for your water tanks I would suggest maybe getting a heating pad or two? They are designed to heat large tanks or in my case, I use it to heat my oil pan.
Hot Pads
They make magnetic ones you can just stick on your oil pan and plug it in. https://www.amazon.com/Kats-24150-Watt-Universal-Heater/dp/B000I8TQD6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549848405&sr=8-2&keywords=magnet+block+heater
https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-Genius-GCP1-Black-125V/dp/B009ANV81S/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X6SE3S6B3876Q0A3TDS0
Thanks!, i didn't know they existed. Here's one on 120v.
This is 95% of what i was imagining, but requires installation. just chuck it somewhere and have the cord be as thin as possible so it can run thru the crack in the rubber of your closed car door (possible?).
I suggest a block heater like this.
Kat's 24150 150 Watt 4"x 5" Universal Hot Pad Heater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I8TQD6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VPSyCb9VMC6PP
Get something like this. Install it yourself, or have it installed at a reputable shop.
An auto start is terrible for the longevity of your engine.
It's a block heater, something like this. Used to get some heat in your oil when you live where it gets really freakin' cold. Plug it into an outlet after parking, and the next morning you don't have to wait for your vehicle to warm up.
I have one on my Jeep ZJ. Comes in handy during Montana winters (and Fall, and sometimes Spring).
eggsactly! i've got a 115V bus under the hood, goes to a lower hose heater, that gives you the instant heat; a float battery tender from harbor fright, an old electric blanket wrapped around the hybrid battery pack, and a dipstick oil heater... they all have their own tstats, but they're also plugged into an thrift store intermatic timer that turns them on about two hours before i'd normally need to go to work, and cycles every four hours on days when i'm home
Install a block heater
Engine block heater then? Or a garage?
Have you tested the antifreeze? Antifreeze that has been left in an engine for a long time without being changed, or had water added to bring it out of the 50-50 mix can degrade its properties. There are cheap coolant testers you can get at autoparts stores or similar area will sell them. They let you take a sample of the coolant and the float will tell you its rating. -15 is cold, if the antifreeze isn't doing it's job and freezes it can crack the block/heads and cause all kinds of trouble. Hopefully it won't be this but worth checking.
I would see if you can get a engine block warmer:
https://www.amazon.com/Zerostart-310-0057-Engine-Block-Heater/dp/B000NM2KNA
or something similar to heat the block to see if it helps.
Alternative things could be IAT sensor or any similar temperature sensor, the engine relies on this when starting to properly gauge the fuel mixture in the engine and if a temp sensor is sending out funky information it can also cause this.
Bring a can of starting fluid. Powerstrokes hate the cold, even with fully functional glowplugs. If(when) you end up using it, remove the air filter cover and only give the engine a little sniff so the glowplugs don't cause a backfire.
Try to park near an outlet and plug in the block heater every night. Consider getting a magnetic pan heater and putting it on the bottom of your fuel tank.