I have found that SYNTHETIC oil bought me about 10 degrees of lower starts. Sitting outside all day today at 5 degrees was no problem.

I've also kept a drop light with 100w bulb in the engine bay overnight when not using a block heater. This has helped. But nothing and I mean nothing compares to a block heater. Have installed two and they are a pain in the butt to put in, but its worth it.

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed