[whatsnewell]

Based on discussions with other DD owners and my own experience having been in sub freezing temps more than I would prefer you should use your block heater when it gets below 60, and here is my reasoning based on experience, and the advice of others more knowledgeable than I. Every time you have a hard start you take a little time off the life expectancy of your engine.....theoretically. Typically, on a warm day it takes less than 3 seconds for the engine to "fire". On a cold day it may take 15-20 seconds, or longer, to get the engine to fire. When I know I need to use the block heater I turn it on at least 45 minutes to an hour prior to my desired start time. When it is in the 40's, or below and I am moving every day I leave the block heater on all night.....if I am plugged in. I've been down in the high teens with the block heater on all night and it fires up just as if it were 80 degrees outside....2-3 seconds. The theory about hard starts may not be true in the most literal sense, but it makes me feel better when it starts easily, and logically it must be easier on the starter and engine. As Wally often says...."that's my 2 cents and I'm sticking to it!"