Does engine oil heater degrade oil?

[otis24]

I have been looking into engine heaters. I live in South Dakota. Any suggestions of which type (block heater, oil pan heating pad, dipstick)? The engine oil heater makes sense (heated pad on the oil pan). This type would be the easiest to install. One manufacturer says that they heat the oil to operating temps. Would this degrade the oil and shorten OCI? I do a lot of short distance driving to work (two miles or less) and figure this would be a good way to eliminate the problems of short distance driving. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Quest]

The short answer is no. You should be more concerned about fuel dilution on your oil (shortening of OCI) then the stoopid engine oil/coolant heater (actually more like a warmer).

The long answer is--> you need to find time to read up on the fundamentals on automotive engine operation and also BITOG postings.

(I lived in Fargo ND 18 yrs ago with my 1st car and no block heaters).

 

[Lonnie]

A pan heater could help. Starting with warmer oil has to be easyer on an engine. When I've use a glue on pan heater, I've liked having the interior heater come up to temp quicker. I spend more of my life in the desert and do not tolerate cold too well.

 

[rpn453]

No, it won't reduce the oil life. It may only reduce the effects of short-trip driving a little bit though, depending on how warm the engine is at start-up. A warmer engine is certainly better though.

I generally prefer a block heater. It seems like a more efficient way to warm up the engine. An oil pan heater will help too though. Oil pan heaters are preferred when the oil is unsuitable for the climate, like when using a 15w40 at -40F.

I plug in as much as I can in the winter. My engine sounds happier, gives me heat more quickly, and comes up to operating temperature sooner. I only use a block heater though.

 

[Patman]

It won't degrade the oil at all, in fact it will lengthen it's life!