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I have found a relevant quote from here that might be related:

Plugged-in engines are already half-warmed when started. Fuel consumption is thus reduced by an average of 15 per cent over the first 20 kilometers driven (after which, the engine will be fully warm) according to the CAA.

I know also that all fluids become more viscous as temperature decreases, and so the engine oil becomes thicker and requires more fuel to pump it around when it is cold. The battery also experiences a higher strain due to the increased current draw from the starter motor when the driver tries to start the car in the cold (they perform a cold start).

What is meant if an engine is "plugged in"?

Note: This question applies to non-electric cars.

dlu
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Max Goodridge
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1 Answers1

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In very cold climates there are electric heaters that replace the dip stick. They are plugged into an AC outlet and because they reach the oil pan they can apply heat directly to the oil. That way the oil doesn't get cold to the point where it totally looses it's ability to keep your engine protected at start up. It's plugging in that electric heater that "plugging-in" refers to. In places like North Dakota parking lots have electric outlets for each spot just for this.

Hope that helps!

cdunn
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