[Levi3xt]

I'm curious to know how those living in very cold locations cope with running their cars in such conditions. Things like, what do you do to keep your engines warm at night especially if parked outside (or, keep your engines warm when at work). When starting the engines in extremely cold weather do you drive off virtually straight away or, let your engine idle for some time.

 

[Dean]

I use the mobile start frequently in the cold weather.
Set the heated seats to high.

I have not yet plugged in the block heater as we had a good winter.
Not below -30c since I bought my CX-3.

You can start off within a minute or so after a cold weather start - just keep the RPMs down.

 

[Geezer]

In cold Canadian Winters when I first start up the engine can sometimes sound like ball bearings in a blender so I go easy on the throttle for a few minutes. But once warmed up the engine smooths considerably and off we go.

 

[Levi3xt]

I use the mobile start frequently in the cold weather.
Set the heated seats to high.

I have not yet plugged in the block heater as we had a good winter.
Not below -30c since I bought my CX-3.

You can start off within a minute or so after a cold weather start - just keep the RPMs down.

Thanks Dean & Geezer for you replies. Dean, can you give me more info on the block heater mentioned. Is this something you attach to the block or is it built in when the car is purchased?

 

[Dean]

I think almost every car sold in Canada includes one.

This is often a dealer installed option, not sure whether or not Mazda installs them during production.

An interweb search should give you all the info you need.


Here's a link to one sold at Canadian dealer

http://mazdashop.ca/collections/2016-mazda-cx-3/products/engine-block-heater-cx-3

 

[Geezer]

I think almost every car sold in Canada includes one.

This is often a dealer installed option, not sure whether or not Mazda installs them during production.

An interweb search should give you all the info you need.


Here's a link to one sold at Canadian dealer

Engine Block Heater | CX-3 - Scarboro Mazda

You probably get them automatically in the Prairie Provinces where temperatures can be truly bone-chilling at night and on morning startups. However here in "balmy" Ontario, we don't get them unless we pay for them. I know when I lived in northern Manitoba having a block heater was a necessity, not a frill. By the same token, plugin stations for block heaters are available in most overnight parking spots out west but not in Ontario.

 

[PeterTwoMeter]

I live in Sweden and Finland. Have not gone thru Winter yet with my cx3. But there is really not much different starting the car in cold or warm weather. Only difference is that its good to keep the rpm low at the begining, when engine is still cold. Also using the vindscreen wipers when car is still cold is not recomended for obvious reasons.
And i believe we use heated seat button much more often than you guys over in Australia
We also need to scrap ice & snow away from the mirrors, windows and the hole car. This is the part thats annoying most of us living in/near the north pole.

 

[Levi3xt]

So interesting to hear the various comments. I'm even more certain that I wouldn't like to live in such cold places. Not even sure if heated seats are offered on the CX-3's here in Ozz.

The coldest we get in my location is around 0 degrees C (maybe 3-4 days a year). Usually starts the day around 5-8 degree C rising to 12-15 in the middle of winter. Sure we have to scrap ice from the windscreen some mornings but, that's it (Not me, thankfully I have a garage))

As for snow, it has not fallen in Melbourne's suburbs since June* 25, 1986, while the last major Melbourne snowfall was in 1951. So, of course no need to add salt to the roads (with it's corrosive effects).

After reading about the "block heaters" I would think they would be worthwhile if the temperature was constantly under 0 degrees C.

 

[Levi3xt]

Just a few more comments on installing a block heating. I've been into a few other forums and come to the conclusion that block heaters are not fitted as standard in Canada (or, if they are, the owners don't know...make of that what you will).

Must add, on these other forums it is very hard to get much info. They certainly don't have the "clued up" people we have on this forum (I know, I know I'm biased....but really).

Therefore my search on exactly "how and where" they are fitted is very hard to find. Or, more precisely where on the CX-3 are they fitted.

 

[JPA]

Or, more precisely where on the CX-3 are they fitted.

Defa block heater for FWD: http://www.defa.com/file/cf4302a19739/412215.pdf
Defa Contact heater for AWD: http://www.defa.com/file/8d3f03020200/414890.pdf

 

[Levi3xt]

Defa block heater for FWD: http://www.defa.com/file/cf4302a19739/412215.pdf
Defa Contact heater for AWD: http://www.defa.com/file/8d3f03020200/414890.pdf

Thanks JPA, that info certainly helps me understand fitting/location. See what I mean..."clued up" people..Lol