Can the car be started in neutral?

[LaCourtney]

Yes, the car can be started in neutral. There is no difference between starting in neutral and starting in P (Park) gear, as the structural principles of P gear and neutral are essentially the same. The only difference is that P gear has an additional set of pawl gear mechanism compared to neutral. Whether in P gear or neutral, the connection between the transmission input shaft and output shaft is cut off, preventing the output shaft from rotating. However, when in P gear, the pawl gear mechanism at the end of the output shaft is also locked. A manual transmission is a gear-shifting device used to alter the speed and torque transmitted from the engine to the driving wheels. It enables the car to achieve different traction forces and speeds under various conditions such as starting from a standstill, climbing hills, turning corners, and accelerating, while also allowing the engine to operate within a more favorable range. An automatic transmission eliminates the need for the driver to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Typically, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sport), and L (Low).

[LaBrayden]

I've been driving manual transmission cars for over 20 years and can confidently say that starting in neutral is completely fine. Neutral gear in manual cars disconnects the transmission from the engine, and you can start directly by pressing the clutch pedal without worrying about the car moving unexpectedly. This is quite common in actual driving situations, like when parked on a slope - starting in neutral is safer to prevent rolling. Some beginners worry about engine damage, but engines are designed to start in neutral to protect the system. For automatic transmissions, you usually need to be in P or N gear to start, and I've tried many models without issues. The only thing to watch is the clutch condition - if it's worn, there might be some hesitation, but it'll still start. Overall, this is a basic and reliable operation that I often use in traffic jams to avoid constant gear shifting.

[CamillaLee]

As a car enthusiast, I've found that neutral starting works in most vehicles. For manual transmissions, you can start the car by shifting to neutral and depressing the clutch, as this disconnects the engine from the wheels. Automatic transmissions usually have a safety mechanism that only allows starting in P or N gear to prevent accidental operation. I've checked many vehicle manuals, and they all recommend trying it once on level ground to confirm. If the start fails, it might be due to the clutch not being fully depressed or a gear position sensor issue - just try a different position. Additional tip: cold starts in neutral during winter save more fuel as the engine load is lighter. Personally, I've tested this across various models from old manual to new automatic transmissions, and neutral starting worked smoothly without affecting battery life.

[StCorey]

I commute by car every day, and starting in neutral is no problem. For manual transmissions, just put it in neutral, press the clutch, and start—simple and practical. For automatic transmissions, make sure it's in N or P to avoid sudden movement when starting. This habit helps reduce engine wear and is very convenient at traffic lights. Occasionally, I hear friends say their car doesn't start smoothly—it might be due to incorrect gear position, so just check the gear and clutch. Safety first—don’t try this on a slope.