Can a Car Be Push-Started When the Battery Is Dead?

[DeMackenzie]

Manual transmission cars can be push-started when the battery is dead, but automatic transmission cars cannot. The reason automatic transmission cars cannot be push-started is that they are connected to the engine by a component called a torque converter, which requires sufficient speed to function. Principle of push-starting a manual transmission car: Manual transmission cars have clutch plates that can make direct contact with the flywheel. By pushing the car, the force is transferred to the piston in the cylinder, forcibly compressing the gas in the engine cylinder to ignite. Precautions for push-starting: Avoid push-starting on roads with heavy traffic or many pedestrians to prevent accidents due to improper driver response after the car starts. Before pushing the car, turn on the ignition switch. Once the car reaches a sufficient speed, engage the gear and quickly release the clutch pedal while pressing the accelerator. Once the engine starts, quickly press the clutch pedal and control the throttle to prevent the engine from stalling, then stop the car slowly.