As you all know, the cold weather threads have been showing up with greater frequency as the season changes. One question that has not been asked is how long should the block heater last? 5 years? 10? Has anyone used theirs to the point of expiration? Thanks.

 

I guess that they are all the same in the Dodge and the one that was in my 96 was still going strong when I got rid of it in 03. Not too many real cold days here in SC but it was used right regular every winter when the temp was going below 40. Not reason for that use, just the way I want to do it. Also, I plug it in all night.

 

My thought is that the block heater elements heat up to about 200F everytime the truck is driven, for many many miles and years; I don't think it really matters too darn much if AC is running thru the elements.

I wouldn't worry about wearing it out, especially if it affords easier cold winter start-ups.

 

They should last the life of the vehicle, I live up north and I have had block heaters on every vehicle I have owned, and I have yet to have 1 fail.

 

About the same as an electric water heater... Tank usually goes long before the elements.

 

I feel better about plugging in a little more often now. I plug in for heat not for easy starting.