Is block heater enough for -30 Celsius weather?

apollo18 · October 6, 2017

Hey guys! I have a 2007 escalade ext. it has 330,000 kms on the engine. During our winters in Canada we get down to -30 Celsius, so I'm wondering if the block heater is good enough or should I get a oil pan heater too? I have noticed during cold winter starts that right when the engine starts it makes like a bang noise. Sounds kinda like there is no oil or something but the noise goes away after a couple seconds of idling. I'm guessing it's because the oil is not very viscous. Probably a lot of start up wear as well. The noise is hard to describe but it's not BAD. I don't think it effects the engine majorly since it's done it mostly every winter. I run fully synthetic 5w30 also.

Also should I get a upgraded block heater? Or should it be fine? I don't know how many watt mine is

Colossus · October 7, 2017

Good questions. If you are getting down to -22F then yes you want a good working block heater and a good working pan heater and also consider a battery heater as well. Make sure you are running full synthetic oil and a premium top of the line oil filter too and that you change that out more frequently. You will notice a huge difference running all 3, the Escalate will love you for it.

Z45 · October 8, 2017

You should run 0W-30 synthetic and a good one like Mobil 1 or AMSOIL. Not all synthetic oils are created equal. There is a difference in quality.

from your owners manual page 406

If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below −20°F (−29°C), it is recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures.