Does accidentally starting the car in gear have any impact on the vehicle?
2 Answers
It depends on the situation. Normally, if the clutch is fully depressed, starting the car in gear won't have any impact. However, if the clutch is not depressed or not fully engaged, directly starting the car can damage the starter, brake system, and may cause the vehicle to lurch forward, increasing the risk of an accident. When starting on a steep slope, engaging the first gear is necessary to prevent the vehicle from rolling back, but the clutch must still be depressed while starting. Additional information: For manual transmission vehicles, it's recommended to depress both the clutch and brake pedals when starting. Depressing the clutch pedal while starting is equivalent to starting in neutral, as it cuts off the power transmission, and strictly speaking, it won't harm the vehicle.
That day I accidentally started the engine while the car was in gear, and the sudden lurch scared me half to death. This kind of situation can have serious consequences. Starting the engine without shifting back to neutral can cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly, posing a risk of accidents. It’s especially common in automatic transmission cars—if the starter forcibly engages and power connects to the transmission, the wheels may move, damaging the car and potentially injuring people. Mechanically, the starter motor’s gear and the transmission flywheel can collide harshly, leading to wear or even breakage. Repeatedly doing this shortens the starter’s lifespan, and repairs are costly. Manual transmission cars face the same issue—starting while in gear can cause the car to jerk forward violently. It’s best to develop good habits: always confirm the gear is in neutral or park before starting the engine to avoid disasters. Newer cars may have safety locks, but never rely solely on them. I always double or triple-check before driving off to stay safe.
