Is Fully Depressing the Clutch Equivalent to Neutral Gear?

[LaIvan]

Fully depressing the clutch has the same effect as engaging neutral gear, so depressing the clutch fully is equivalent to neutral gear. The specific reasons are as follows: 1. Neutral gear disengages the meshing of the driving gear and driven gear in the transmission, while the clutch is not yet disengaged. At this point, the engine's power is not transmitted to the car, and the car will stop. 2. Fully depressing the clutch cuts off the power transmission between the engine and the transmission, preventing the vehicle from moving forward, which has the same effect as neutral gear. Additional information: 1. Manual transmission cars have a clutch, while automatic transmission cars do not. 2. Coasting in neutral gear is not recommended during downhill driving. This is because the vehicle might not be able to re-engage the gear after shifting out of neutral, making it impossible to use engine braking. During downhill driving, prolonged use of the brakes can cause them to overheat and fail, whereas engine braking helps with vehicle deceleration. Depressing the clutch while coasting does not disengage the gear, so there is no risk of being unable to re-engage the gear. If engine braking is desired, simply release the left foot from the clutch.

[JacksonRose]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of manual transmission experience, I think many people misunderstand pressing the clutch pedal to the floor as being in neutral. When I fully depress the clutch, the engine power is indeed cut off, and the car barely moves, gliding smoothly as if in neutral. But the key point is that the gears remain engaged. For example, when parking on a slope, if I keep the clutch depressed and release the gear, the car may roll backward or lurch forward, which is extremely dangerous. In true neutral, the gears are completely disengaged, and the car stays firmly stationary. In daily driving, I'm accustomed to briefly pressing the clutch for starting or shifting gears. However, for prolonged stops, like waiting at a red light for more than 30 seconds, I recommend shifting to neutral to protect the clutch and extend its lifespan. Keeping the clutch depressed for extended periods only accelerates wear and increases repair costs. Safety first—don't cut corners! Develop good habits to avoid accidents.

[StHolden]

From a technical perspective, pressing the clutch pedal all the way down does indeed cut off the power transmission from the engine to the wheels, making the car feel as smooth as being in neutral when stationary. However, I must point out that neutral gear means the gears in the transmission are completely disengaged with no connection, while pressing the clutch only temporarily disconnects the power through a mechanical switch, with the gears still meshed. Think of the clutch like a light switch at home: pressing it all the way turns off the light, while neutral is like removing the bulb itself. Why do some people think they're equivalent? Because at idle speed, there's no power input, and the engine sound quiets down. But the difference is significant, especially when starting on a slope—if you release the clutch too quickly, the car might lurch forward and potentially hit a wall. I recommend beginners use the foot brake in combination to avoid relying solely on the clutch. Regularly check the clutch plates and repair them promptly if any unusual noises are detected. Don’t take risks while driving—attention to details ensures safety.

[LiamDella]

When I was learning to drive, I also wondered if pressing the clutch would be the same as shifting to neutral. The instructor told me it's not exactly the same. Pressing it all the way cuts off the power, and the car coasts as if nothing's wrong, but the gear is still engaged—like staying in first gear while holding the clutch. If you suddenly release the pedal, the car might lurch forward, which can be startling. Neutral means the gear lever is in the middle, all gears are disengaged, and the car is truly free. For safety, avoid holding the clutch down for too long, especially on slopes, as it can lead to loss of control. I learned that briefly using it on flat roads is fine, but for longer stops, shift to neutral or use the handbrake. Developing good habits helps avoid trouble.