I agree that you may not need one...but it probably does help minimize wear when the car has been sitting out overnight in -40C. Ours did sound pretty horrible the few days where it got really cold and I didn't plug it in, even with synthetic oil.

 

yeah exactly, its to minimize the wear on the engine for the fist minute or so while the engine gets itself moving. but you definitely don't need to plug it in overnight, thats insane unless you like massive electrical bills. Ive never plugged a vehicle in longer than 2 hours and thats even during the deep freeze winters.

 

It is my assumption that the 5W-20 oil is recommended specifically for the same reasons, avoiding or at least minimizing wear during cold starts, among other things.

 

i dont know why you are scare of the cold, the engine is on waranty for 10 years right ?

 

i like to keep my vehicles for longer than 10 years. i dont buy disposable vehicles. i try to get the longest use out of them i possibly can. if i was into garbage vehicles, i would have bought an american car.

 

Ouch!,... Wear on the engine will alos reduce fuel efficiency, so even if it's not broken, it will still cost the owner.

 

10 - year/160,000 km Powertrain Limited Warranty
5 - year/100,000 km New Vehicle Limited Warranty
5 - year/Unlimited km Roadside Assistance

So, only 5 years...

 

My last vehicle was sold at 22 years and the one before that at 19 years old. 10 years is nice, but I prefer it last much longer than 10 years.