What is a cold start?

A cold start is a term used to describe the process of starting a vehicle's engine after it has been sitting idle for an extended period, usually overnight or for several hours. During this time, the engine has cooled down, and the oil has settled in the oil pan, which can lead to increased friction and resistance.

This increased friction and resistance make it more challenging for the engine to turn over when you try to start it, as the battery must work harder to overcome the resistance. A cold start may also result in a rough idle or sputtering as the engine adjusts to the temperature change.

To minimize the effects of a cold start on your vehicle, it is recommended to use an engine block heater to warm up your engine before starting it. You can also use a lighter-weight oil that flows easier in cold temperatures. Additionally, you should let your engine warm up slowly by driving slowly until it reaches its normal operating temperature.