Do I Need to Press the Clutch When in Neutral Gear?

[ReedLynn]

You do not need to press the clutch when in neutral gear. The clutch system consists of: flywheel, pressure plate, clutch disc, release bearing, release fork, clutch cable, and clutch pedal. The functions of the clutch are: 1. Gradually increase the driving force of the car to ensure a smooth start; 2. Temporarily separate the engine and transmission for gear shifting; 3. Prevent overload of the transmission system; 4. Reduce torsional vibration impact from the engine and extend the service life of transmission gears. The working principle of the clutch is: 1. When the inner race is fixed, the outer race rotates clockwise, and the wedge block does not lock, allowing the outer race to rotate freely; 2. When the outer race rotates counterclockwise, the wedge block locks, preventing the outer race from rotating.

[LaBrody]

I think it's really unnecessary to deliberately press the clutch when in neutral gear. Neutral itself means the engine and transmission are disconnected, so pressing the clutch at this time actually serves no practical purpose. Having driven manual transmission for so long, I've noticed many novice drivers habitually press the clutch while in neutral at red lights. This habit accelerates clutch wear. Especially in areas with frequent traffic jams, pressing the clutch every time at a red light can cause the release bearing to fail prematurely. Plus, keeping your foot on the clutch is tiring; it's more comfortable to simply release the clutch and press the brake. However, there's an exception to note: if you want to shift into neutral before the car has completely stopped, it's safer to press the clutch slightly to prevent gear grinding in the transmission.

[McEllie]

I remember when I first started driving, I wasn't clear about this issue either. Later, after asking a mechanic, I learned that in neutral gear, the clutch is completely relaxed, just like an unplugged power cord. Pressing the clutch in this state not only wastes effort but also keeps the release bearing constantly working, which can shorten the clutch's lifespan over time. Once, at a repair shop, I saw a taxi driver replacing his clutch assembly because he always kept the clutch pressed while waiting in neutral. Additionally, extra caution is needed when parking on a slope; keeping the car in neutral with the clutch pressed can lead to rolling, so using the handbrake is safer. In short, remember this tip: except when shifting gears, keep your foot off the clutch pedal the rest of the time.

[AnnaLynn]

I also struggled with this question when learning to drive at the driving school. The instructor directly told me the answer: You don't need to press the clutch when shifting to neutral, as this is a fundamental operating principle of manual transmissions. The clutch only engages during the moment of gear shifting. When the gear is already in the neutral position, the power transmission has long been cut off. Some experienced drivers like to press the clutch in neutral to rest their feet, but this habit actually increases wear. What you really need to pay attention to is the starting procedure: press the clutch - shift to first gear - slowly release the clutch while applying throttle—this is the standard process. Additionally, for temporary short stops, use neutral plus the foot brake; for longer stops, engage the handbrake to free both feet.