Engine Preheating for Cold Starts
This guide is based on My Winter Car Early Access (December 2025). Block heater mechanics may be updated in future patches.
A block heater (also known as an engine preheater) is an essential device for cold weather driving in Finland. It keeps your engine warm when parked, making cold starts much easier and protecting your engine from extreme cold damage.
Warms the engine block and coolant using external electrical power. Essential for reliable cold starts in Finnish winters!
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Source | External electrical outlet |
| What It Heats | Engine block and coolant |
| Engine State | Works with engine OFF |
| Cable Location | Front of the car |
The block heater is powered by external electricity, not your car battery. This means you can leave it plugged in overnight without draining your battery. The heating element warms the engine block and coolant, keeping everything at an optimal temperature for starting.
Using the block heater is straightforward, but following the correct steps is crucial:
Drive your car close enough to an electrical outlet so the block heater cable can reach. Make sure there's enough space to access both the cable and the outlet.
Find the block heater cable at the front of your car. It should have a plug that's accessible from the engine bay area or grille.
Grab the cable plug and connect it to the electrical socket. The heater will start working immediately.
The block heater works while the engine is OFF. You can leave it plugged in while you sleep or do other activities in the game.
CRITICAL: Always disconnect the cable before trying to start or drive your car. Forgetting this step will cause problems!
With the cable disconnected, turn the ignition. The preheated engine should start almost immediately, even in extreme cold!
Park → Connect cable → Wait → Disconnect → Start! It's that simple, but don't forget step 5!
Using the block heater provides several key advantages:
Engine starts immediately without struggling or cranking.
Car heater works better when engine is pre-warmed.
Reduces cold-start wear on engine components.
No waiting for engine to warm up before driving.
In extreme cold, your engine oil becomes thick and sluggish. Without preheating, your car may:
You MUST disconnect the block heater cable before attempting to drive. If you forget:
You'll find electrical outlets at various locations around the game world. Common spots include:
| Location | Notes |
|---|---|
| Your Apartment | Parking area near apartment block |
| Parents' House | Garage or exterior |
| Fleetari's Garage | Workshop area |
| Various Buildings | Look for outlets on building exteriors |
In real-life Finland, block heater outlets are extremely common! Many parking lots, especially at apartment buildings and workplaces, have dedicated posts with electrical outlets for car heaters. This is a necessity in a country where winter temperatures can drop to -30°C or lower!
In real Finnish winters, block heaters are typically used when temperatures drop below -15°C (5°F). About 3-4 hours of preheating is usually sufficient to warm the engine adequately.
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Overnight parking | Plug in before bed, unplug in morning |
| Short stop | Engine may still be warm, check if needed |
| Extreme cold (-30°C+) | Always use the block heater |
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Last updated: February 2026 | Based on My Winter Car Early Access (December 2025 release)