Why Cant you Start the Vehicle with a Kats Tank Heater Plugged In

Updated 01/16/2018 | Published 01/14/2018

Question:

Why can’t you start the car with the tank heater plugged in? My car has a remote start so I’d like to be able to start it prior to unplugging it. Thanks

asked by: Greg

Expert Reply:

According to my contact at Five Star Manufacturing (Kat's), the vehicle cannot be started while the Kat's Heaters Thermostatically Controlled Circulating Tank Heater part # KH13150 is plugged in because, "Once the vehicle is started or running there is a chance that an air pocket can go through and it would then be exposed to the element. This exposure could then cause the element to burn out".

With that being said, starting the vehicle prior to entry is not really needed using the tank heater. The coolant in the vehicle will already be near operating temperature which means the vehicle will not take nearly as long to heat up and the heat coming from the vent will be available much sooner in comparison to a vehicle not equipped with some sort of coolant heater. The tank heater will save you money as you are not wasting gas while the vehicle is at idle reaching operating temperature. However, with that being said you will still need to wait for the engine oil, transmission fluid, etc. to reach operating temperature before you drive away but you will not be sitting in a cold vehicle waiting to do so.

expert reply by: Conner L