I live in Buffalo and needless to say its cold. Recently whenever I start the car there is a high pitched whirring sound for 5-10 seconds then it stops. I only have the sound when I start up a cold engine. Any idea what it could be?
When you start it up cold, see if you can figure out the noisy part, or leave it overnight at the mechanic and let them figure it out.
Could be something driven by a belt: power steering pump, alternator, AC compressor, idler pulley, etc. If the belt(s) are removed or loosened when the engine is cold, then each driven component can be checked for stiffness, graininess, looseness, etc. when turned by hand.