What Causes Engine Shaking in Winter?

[DiAngela]

Engine shaking during cold starts in winter occurs because the engine coolant temperature is too low. To quickly raise the engine to its ideal operating temperature, the fuel supply system automatically enriches the air-fuel mixture, causing the engine to run more aggressively, resulting in unstable operation and significant idle shaking. Therefore, it is advisable to warm up the vehicle before driving in winter. Below are the common causes of cold-start engine shaking: 1. Mechanical engine faults, such as uneven cylinder pressure across cylinders; 2. Intake system issues, such as air leaks in the intake manifold. Excessive carbon buildup on intake valves and the intake manifold, or dirt accumulation on the throttle body and inner walls of the intake manifold; 3. Engine management system malfunctions, such as incorrect coolant or intake air temperature signals, or wiring faults; 4. Ignition system problems, such as excessive carbon deposits on spark plugs or incorrect gap settings, leakage in high-voltage wires or distributor caps, or damaged ignition coils; 5. Fuel supply system faults, such as clogged or leaking fuel injectors due to excessive internal carbon deposits.