Well, we got assigned to Whiteman AFB in Northern Missouri I wanted to know if I should install block heaters this summer in my 2010 F150 or her Explorer? I am getting an auto start installed.
I know my F250 liked to be plugged in below 15 deg. But it was diesel. Thanks guys.

 

Whiteman is more central Missouri. No where near the artic circle. The coldest month is Jan and the average temp that month is 25, though there are times it gets into the single digits. Either way you'll be fine without it. A remote start is a great idea. Block heaters in gas vehicles is not a comman option here like in Canada. In fact I don't know anyone with a gas vehicle that has one.

 

Okay, thanks. We were hoping for Elmendorf in AK. Maybe next time.

 

On a side note, the remote start you buy, assuming you go aftermarket should have a cold start feature, where if the truck hits a certain temp, it will start automatically, and run it's time cycle. I wouldn't bother with a block heater.

 

Typically, we will plug in the block heater at around -15C (5F) or lower for a few hours before needed. That's a pretty conservative setting, many won't bother until -20C (-4F) or so.

Sure, you can skip it and you're truck will start without much issue at the lower temps, but you'll have more wear-tear on it over the years.

 

It got down to -11f here this winter and I didn't plug mine in because it was in the street - with the 20+ inches of snow we had I couldn't get down the alley and up my driveway to get near electricity. It started no problem. In fact, I've never plugged it in, I don't know if the factory heater even works. I bought the truck used and didn't even find the plug till the oil change place pointed it out, the cord was wrapped around something and tied up where it was hard to even see. The cap over the plug was missing and it's corroded all to hell.