'07 Chevy Malibu Doesn't Have a Block Heater

I have a question for my daughter. She recently bought a 2007 Chevy Malibu. The car does not come with a block heater. We live in northern Alberta where it gets quite cold, today it was -35 and yes, the car started with no problem. I wonder, should we install a block heater or do the newer cars not need them? I have never heard of a vehicle without a block heater.

Answers:

'07 Chevy Malibu Doesn't Have a Block Heater

I live in Maine and never owned a car with a block heater. One car I owned, a electric heater was installed by a mechanic to keep the engine warm during cold weather. It was installed in the return hose line to the radiator and had to be plugged into an electric source. I never used it. (12/17/2008)

By Harry

'07 Chevy Malibu Doesn't Have a Block Heater

I think you should go to your dealership and have a blockheater installed. Cars in Canada need blockheaters, unless you keep them all the time in a heated garage. Just because the car started once in -35 doesn't mean it will do so always. Most cars with good batteries will start without being plugged in, but it is obviously better to have them plugged in, or all of us wouldn't be doing it.

You can't take advice from some one who lives in Maine on winters in Alberta. I live in Sask. (12/20/2008)

By Louise B.

'07 Chevy Malibu Doesn't Have a Block Heater

I used to live in MPLS. If you install a block heater, it will save wear and tear on your engine druing startup since the oil is cold. When the oil is cold, its much thicker, it takes more time to lubricate the engine parts, causing engine damage. (12/21/2008)

By Brad