Cold Starting

When starting your engine from cold on cars with manual transmission you should have your foot ‘OFF’ the clutch pedal and the transmission in neutral. Why? When you depress the clutch pedal you place a very direct force on the crankshaft thrust washers and with no oil pressure in the cold engine more wear will take place than needed of the thrust washers.

The wear will not be so great on an engine that has recently been operating and has all the parts well coated with oil. However its always a good idea to get into the habit of starting the engine with the gear lever in neutral and your left foot off the clutch.