I have a 2021 Mazda 3 2.5 and live in bolton Ont., I'm interested in a lower rad hose heater the kind that are used on trucks and farm equipment ,my mechanic suggested that i don't use a block heater because the oil is 0w20 and that block heaters tend to leak after so long...he suggested a rad heater instead. what do you think?.....
Get a new mechanic. If there's a boss on the block, put in a block heater. The same one has been in my F150 for over 20 years, no leak.
If you start messing around with the hose & constantly jerking on it to plug in the heater, expect leaks. I'm not sure what temp the heating element runs at but if it goes & starts overheating being by rubber & plastic can be an issue.
why?
Why? Why not. The car has 0W 20 oil so a block heater is really redundant unless you live in Alaska. Lower rad heaters are proven safe there’s no problem. They are supposedly great for taking the frost and coldness out of the cab quicker, instant warmth when you turn the fan on. And much easier to install and remove if necessary and they come with thermal protection. Any and all reviews that I’ve read are positive except for one where the unit didn’t work… But it was replaced with no issues and as far as melting rubber, and or plastic . From The previous the comment , These materials aren’t an issue on trucks or tractors so why would it be an issue on a car rubber is rubber plastic is plastic no problem. Not to mention cheaper than a block heater from Mazda if you want to buy it from the dealer
Block heaters heat up the coolant. Not oil.