Can You Release the Clutch in Neutral Gear?
2 Answers
You can release the clutch in neutral gear. When the transmission is in neutral, releasing the clutch will not cause the car to stall. Neutral gear typically refers to the state where the vehicle's gearshift lever is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, completely disconnecting the transmission from the drive wheels. For manual transmissions, neutral is the middle position, while for automatic transmissions, it is marked as 'N'. Additional relevant information is as follows: Impact of Automatic Transmission on Downhill Driving: Never coast in neutral when driving downhill with an automatic transmission. Notes on coasting downhill in neutral mention that coasting in neutral is equivalent to idling, where the fuel injector continues to spray fuel, leading to carbon buildup and being environmentally unfriendly. Dangers of Automatic Transmission on Downhill: Coasting in neutral downhill is also highly dangerous. Notes on coasting downhill in neutral state that if the driver encounters an emergency situation while the transmission is in neutral, the drivetrain is not connected to the engine, and the vehicle lacks engine braking assistance. This not only reduces braking effectiveness but also causes the vehicle to lose stability and slide sideways.
After driving for so many years, it's completely fine to release the clutch after shifting to neutral, and it's actually a good habit. Neutral gear means the transmission isn't engaged with any gear, so the engine's power can't reach the wheels at all, which is why the car won't move when you release the clutch. On the contrary, if you keep pressing the clutch while waiting at a red light or when parked, the release bearing and pressure plate will remain under constant pressure, accelerating wear over time, and repairs can be costly. I recommend beginners develop this habit: shift to neutral and release the clutch if stopping for more than a few seconds, then engage the handbrake to prevent rolling. This not only protects the clutch components but also allows your left leg to rest, avoiding fatigue while driving. In case of an emergency, your foot can react more quickly. Just remember to confirm you're in neutral before releasing the clutch, and avoid any improper operations while in gear.