block heater, fixing flats

[bucketmouth64]

I have a F-150 from TX, would you recommend a block heater? Truck will be in a garage in the winter. I've been told having one would be beneficial. What about a heater for a Chevy Aveo?

My other question is having a flat tire fixed either patch or plug. Which is better? One shop said patch is better than a plug. I didn't know there was much of a difference. Should you ask to have one or the other?

[Scott K]

I havent plugged in a vehicle in 20 years. If for some reason it doesnt start, then its to cold for me to be outside as well.

As for the plug vs patch, If it is in the tread, just use a plug, plugs are what 99% of the leaking tires hav in them, and they do a decent job. If it is near the corner of the tire, but still in the tread, a plug patch works best. It is a plug, with a patch on the back of it, it is the best of both worlds. If it is in the side wall, replace it.

[Walleyehooker]

Fuel injected motors start pretty well without block heaters even when left out in harsh elements as long as you have a good battery. So if kept in a garage even unheated you shouldn't have a problem. But one nice thing if you plug in a block heater you get heat in the vehicle much faster.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Make sure you have the coolant tested for freezing point on that vehicle before winter!

I have also not plugged in a vehicle since about 1997.

If the tire has more than half the tread left go with a patch or a patch plug. It will last a lot longer. If you go to a tire dealer they half to patch them.

[bucketmouth64]

Make sure you have the coolant tested for freezing point on that vehicle before winter!

Coolant was good to -30. However, my wife's car was only good to -10, so it was conditioned to -30. Repair shop made it a point to check coolant when I had oil change since I told him we moved back from TX.

[wally diver 2]

Make sure you get the minus 30 windshield washer fluid in there to. We have an impala from California the froze on us one December. We bought it in October.