Hay River (Feb 06/06) - It's that time of year again, when the temperatures plunge and vehicles in the NWT become just more plug-in appliances.

Ron Arsenault, a service adviser at Kingland Ford in Hay River, says plugging in vehicles is necessary on cold winter nights. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Plugging in keeps the engine block warm, makes for easier starting and prevents engine damage.

"Some people believe plugging in the vehicle is for the electrical components, but that's not the case," says Ron Arsenault, a service adviser at Kingland Ford in Hay River.

There is also a misconception that a new vehicle will start no matter what the temperature, he adds. "It seems the belief is it's a new vehicle and it should start regardless."

A cold start can create engine damage for any vehicle, new or old, and a block heater can prevent that.

"It pre-warms the engine block and allows for ease in starting," explains Arsenault. "In effect, it means less engine damage."

Cold starts can scuff pistons and cylinders and is hard on the valve train, including lifters and rocker arms, Arsenault notes. "We've seen rocker arms literally fall off due to lack of oil from cold starts."

That is especially true if the vehicle is not maintained properly and has old, dirty oil, he notes.

Cold starts are also hard on batteries, Arsenault says. "The batteries really work hard to start a cold engine."

Arsenault advises customers to plug in a vehicle for several hours beginning at minus 15-20C. "At minus 30, it should be plugged in all night long."

It also helps to use a synthetic blend of motor oil.

Fraser Pike, the owner of Pike's Automotive Repair Centre in Hay River, also advises his customers to plug in vehicles.

Pike says leaving a vehicle plugged in all night during a month would cost about $30 in electricity, but would be worth it since the average cost of a boost is $30, while a tow costs about $100.

Pike also highly recommends a good quality synthetic motor oil. "That's strictly to save the engine."

As for when it is safe to drive a vehicle started on a cold morning, Pike advises not to move it until heat is coming out of the vents and there is clear visibility through the windshield.

"That's a safe bet," he says. "You're not going to have any problems with that."