Glow plug

Newer systems automatically activate the glowplug(s) before the engine is started and have a quicker warm-up time.

Glow plugs are used to help overcome this issue by introducing additional heat energy into the combustion chambers.

Glowplug filaments must be made of certain materials, such as platinum and iridium, that resist oxidation and withstand high temperature.

[1] For older vehicles, the driver needs to activate the glow plug for approximately 20 seconds before starting the engine.

This is achieved by leaving the ignition switch in the "on" position, and only moving it to "start" once the glowplug has finished pre-heating the engine.