Hi,
We moved to Edmonton from London, Ont. The mechanic said I do not have a block heater on my 2017 Kia Rondo. It was suggested to get a “blanket heater” for my battery. I’m getting a new battery and am wondering if I need the heater. Do car batteries freeze? I park outside and I’ve had people tell me different things.
Also, I’m getting my oil changed … any suggestions? I’ve never done synthetic oil. Is it better?
Thanks for your help – Julia C.
I understand some drivers swear by block heaters and battery warmers while others don’t. Hence the reason people are telling you different things. Battery blanket warmers are, historically, generally recommended when temperatures regularly drop below minus 15 degrees Celsius. The key word is historically, because historically engines used thick, syrupy oil and were of larger displacement designs, ultimately using larger starter motors that required more energy to turn the engine over. Most modern engines are of smaller displacement, use thinner engine oil and feature low compression engine piston rings which reduce internal engine drag. Contemporary starter motors now draw less electrical current than their older counterparts, resulting in reduced battery strain. Even though the battery will be of smaller design compared to older models, most vehicles have a battery cover and insulator. This cover/insulator aids in protecting the battery from the cold during the winter and extreme under-hood temperatures during the summer.
So, your Kia probably doesn’t need a battery warmer, especially because it has a new battery.
I say probably because I don’t live in that part of the country and have little experience with that climate. But, if you are worried about it, a battery warmer is a cheap investment and easy to install.
While your vehicle may not actually require synthetic oil, most Kia dealers strongly suggest it, and yes, it’s been a popular upsell for decades now. Most auto manufacturers are now producing engines that require synthetic oils to be always used because of its superiority. In my own business, currently 90 per cent of the oil changes we perform require synthetic oil. As such, we are no longer stocking non-synthetic oils in bulk quantities. Buying conventional oil-based products in small quantities ultimately means an increase in cost per litre and I’m slowly phasing it out. To answer your question directly, if you are diligent with servicing and rarely late with your oil changes you are going to be just fine with conventional oil. If you are a tardy oil changer then be sure to use synthetic.
Lou Trottier is owner-operator of All About Imports in Mississauga. Have a question about maintenance and repair? E-mail globedrive@globeandmail.com, placing “Lou’s Garage” in the subject line.
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