"Booster ignition and lift off for space shuttle Discovery, taking the space station to full power for full science,"

VOA: standard.2009.03.15

Instead of sparking the ignition when the piston is close to top dead center (when the air is compressed), that spark occurs as the piston is pulling away, when the air pressure is at its most turbulent, creating much faster ignition and more power.

FORBES: How To Get 50 MPG Out Of Your Gasoline Engine

In severe cold, below -15C, before you turn the ignition key flash your main beams - this takes a bit of battery power and thaws it a bit inside.

BBC: Your tips for coping in a colder UK climate