If you want to get the most out of your vehicle when it comes to the sub-zero temperatures in the Foothills then it's best to have a warm garage or the alternative in plugging your vehicle in at night.

When temperatures start to hit the minus 15-20 Celsius range, if you start your vehicle without plugging it in you could be doing more harm than good.

Okotoks Fountain Tire Owner Bryce Heron says there's plenty of things under the hood that need to be warm before starting in the cold.

"The oil gets thick, the engine block is cold, the fuel doesn't want to atomize so even if you get your vehicle started without plugging in it's going to use a lot more fuel during that start-up process," he says. "So plugging it in is going to extend the engine life, limit the amount of times you're going to have a no start condition and generally just be a lot kinder to your vehicle."

Heron says you don't have to plug in your vehicle as soon as you get home for the next day and suggests buying a extension cord with a timer because the power a block heater takes is similar to running a common household item all night.

"If you can imagine running your hair dryer all night long that's going to affect your energy bill. So investing $50 or $60 in a timer that lets it turn the block heater on four to five hours before you plan to start the vehicle, is going to give you the benefits of a warmed up engine without necessarily spending as much money if it was running."

Heron adds that if you aren't sure your block heater is working properly or the connection may not be consistent, do not hesitate to contact a certified mechanic or service shop for help.

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