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The correct way to drive a Smart car when cold

Model: Smart Smart 451 - Years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Part: Engine

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Video tutorial

In this video, we see the correct way to start a Smart 451 (especially with the Softouch automated manual transmission) from a cold start. In this case, the engine and transmission oil are more viscous, and the electric actuator suffers if forced to change gears with a cold engine.

The recommended procedure is to let the engine run for 10/20 seconds. The RPMs will be high (1200/1500, but it's normal); do not use the automatic mode until the engine is warm, but switch to sequential mode (lever on the left of the transmission or buttons on the steering wheel).

Start in second gear, as first gear is very short and stresses the engine; shift gears below 2000 RPMs, accelerate gently, and gradually warm up the engine. After 3-4 minutes, or when the engine temperature reaches halfway, you can switch back to automatic mode.

Things to never do when starting cold: keep the engine running cold for more minutes, as it serves no purpose and pollutes; accelerate hard to warm up faster; force the automatic transmission when you feel it struggling.


Posted on 8 September 2025 by ScegliAuto


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