I installed an oil pan heating pad

[TheGodfather]

Winter has finally decided to show up here in Alberta. At 7am this morning the temperature was -34 degrees Celsius (-29 F).

I have the pad hooked up to a timer. I set it to activate for 3 hours prior to departure.

The X5 did start, albeit rough. I am glad I bought a new battery in Sept. Obviously I can't exactly expect it to immediately purr serenely at such frigid ambient temps. Of course only the oil is a little warmed, the engine and its components are still crazy cold. Everything about the car sounds,feels and looks like a brittle block of ice. Happy the old girl made it though, considering how poorly it has faired in the past. The X5 sat outside overnight for 9 hours in temperatures as low as-35 .

I noticed the engine coolant temp needle begins to move very shortly after driving. And it should right? That is the point of the oil heater. I remember it taking twice as long under the similar or even warmer conditions.

Tomorrow I plan to set it to turn on for ~4.5 hours prior to departure and see how it goes. It is expected to be -30 tomorrow morning as well.

Two things have raised some concern though:

1. How long is too long? ie. boiling the oil?
2. What is the likelihood that the pad could warp the aluminium oil pan?

The second was brought to my attention by someone on-line, I never considered it before. I personally do not think it is likely, but I would rather not take a chance. I imagine it would only be possible if the pad was left turned on for +10hrs in warmer temperatures.

Thanks for the comments.