Is the shaking during cold start related to engine oil?
4 Answers
Shaking during cold start that subsides after a while is related to engine oil. Solutions for shaking: Due to gravity, engine oil tends to settle in the oil pan after prolonged parking, resulting in insufficient lubrication and low oil temperature. The shaking will disappear after the engine warms up. Alternatively, using cold-start-improved engine oil can help. Functions of engine oil: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves multiple purposes including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. It is often referred to as the "blood" of a car. Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component determining the fundamental properties of the lubricant, while additives compensate for and enhance the performance of the base oil, providing additional characteristics. Additives are an essential part of engine oil.
I've driven quite a few cars and encountered cold start shaking issues quite often, which indeed has some relation to engine oil. When the engine is cold, the temperature is low, the oil viscosity is too high, flow is poor, engine lubrication is insufficient, and friction between metal parts increases, hence the shaking. But you can't blame it all on the oil—it could also be an issue with the ignition system, like aging spark plugs or damaged ignition coils causing unstable combustion, which leads to severe shaking. Or it might be fuel system blockages, carbon buildup on fuel injectors or throttle bodies, resulting in uneven fuel mixture during cold starts. My suggestion is to first use the correct oil viscosity—not too thick—and perform regular check-ups and maintenance, replacing parts when necessary. If needed, have a professional mechanic diagnose the issue to avoid more serious mechanical problems. Over the years, I've found that early detection and handling can save a lot of trouble, especially in northern winter regions where oil selection needs extra attention.
I remember when I drove that old car, it would always shake during cold starts in winter. The engine would shudder like it had caught a chill when first starting up, and it would take a few minutes of driving to smooth out. I figured it had something to do with the engine oil. In cold weather, engine oil thickens, reducing lubrication efficiency and increasing friction, which causes shaking—especially with the wrong viscosity oil. But don’t just blame the oil. A dirty air filter restricting airflow or faulty sensors like the oxygen sensor can also affect cold-start performance. Additionally, impure fuel or a contaminated fuel injection system might contribute to this issue. I recommend paying attention to the oil grade during each maintenance check to ensure it’s suitable for the season, and also cleaning the engine bay to reduce the risk of shaking. Ignoring such small issues can lead to increased fuel consumption and part wear over time, so developing a habit of regular checks saves money and brings peace of mind.
Yes, the engine shaking during cold start and then stabilizing is likely related to the engine oil. When cold, the oil's viscosity is high, leading to inadequate lubrication and unstable engine operation, which causes shaking. However, other factors should also be considered, such as carbon buildup—when internal dirt accumulation affects air intake or fuel injection—or faulty spark plugs causing intermittent ignition. Solutions include using season-appropriate engine oil to avoid incorrect viscosity selection, as well as timely replacement of filters and spark plugs. Simple self-checks on these can prevent many issues.
