Question for Canadian Vibers: Oil pan heaters.

[Cougar Vibe]

Do any of you guys in the colder climates use an oil pan heater on your Vibe? I live in nothern Washington and the nights have been in the single digits (F) for a few weeks now. Though I've got a garage, it's unheated and I'm a little concerned about cold start wear. There seem to be quite a few pad-type oil pan heaters on the market and I'm thinking about ordering one for my Vibe. Here's a link to what I'm talking about:Oil Pan HeaterFor those of you that use them, is there anything specific to look for? Installation tips (it looks fairly simple)? Thanks,Cougar Vibe

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

nope... block heater only and as long as the oil is good i've never needed one.

[vibe-04]

Interesting. Nice idea. that would also be good for the auto transmission. I've seen them become slushies in winter.I've also seen a guy use a 100 W lightbulb to keep his engine warm enough. He swore by it. I just use the block heater and I've never had a problem even at -38 C.Cheers

[Atomb]

I use the block heater at any nighttime temp below -10C (or maybe -8C). Works fine...so far.I also know a guy that built a 'heater box' out of wood and some insulation. Stuck a 100W bulb in it and measured it so that it slid under his car perfectly.It works great and I thought about doing the same but since the Vibe has the block heater i decided to give it a shot first. It has worked to this point, so no 'heater box' has been built...yet.

[Sharpeye]

I'm an hour from Canada.I installed one of those last year before it got cold. Also added one to my Canyon. small 150w pads.They look just like those in your post.I plug in when the temp gets below 10f. I checked to see how much heat they provided, the dipstick oil felt warm when it was -15f outside. I plugged in about 15 times here last winter.The pads use a lot less electricity and just stick to the oilpan. I had to fold one end around the pan, but the silicane sealer holds it there good. I checked them before our first cold snap this year. They are holding up well. I forgot to plug in at work once (-05f) and I could tell the motor was harder to start.

[ArcsVibe]

No I don't have one. I just installed a car starter to beat the winer blues

[KNINE]

I used to have a Datsun diesel pickup that wouldn't start below 40 degrees F. I installed a coolant heater that mounted in-line in the lower radiator hose. It was great. I used an outdoor timer, like the kind you get for Christmas lights, and set it for three hours before I left for work. The truck started right up every time, and I had instant heat and defrosters.