Warm wishes, warm hearts and warm oil are what is needed to survive the holiday season once again. With the recent temperatures in Alberta dropping dramatically to around -30C without the wind chill, it’s very important to plug in vehicles in order to maintain your daily routine.
When plugging in your car, van or truck try and use a timer on the block heater to help reduce your energy consumption. A car only needs to be plugged in three hours before it’s started.
“Plugging your vehicle in when temperatures drop below -15C allows your block heater to warm the oil in your engine,” said Randy Loyk, with AMA Automotive Services. “When the oil has been warmed before your start your vehicle, you will have less trouble starting the engine. And since cold temperatures cause oil to thicken, making your vehicle harder to start, it’s a good idea to switch to synthetic grade oil in the winter which keeps its viscosity better in cold temperatures.”
AMA responds to over 300 calls a day across the province of Alberta from people who have locked their keys in their vehicles. With the oncoming cold weather, make sure to keep a spare key with you at all times to avoid being stranded or having your car stolen and left to fend for yourself.
Check the forecast before long trips and make sure that the necessary tools, blankets and equipment are in your car before going on a long driving trip.