Is it necessary to depress the clutch to start the car?

[LeDominic]

For the safety of yourself and passengers, it is recommended to depress the clutch when starting the engine. Additional information: 1. Depressing the clutch primarily prevents the car from suddenly lurching forward during startup, thereby avoiding accidents. This is especially crucial when starting on uphill or downhill slopes. Failure to depress the clutch could lead to unintended vehicle movement, potentially causing accidents. Therefore, the primary reason for depressing the clutch in manual transmission vehicles is safety. 2. Moreover, depressing the clutch during startup also protects the engine. Without depressing the clutch, the engine operates under excessive load, which can cause damage. While occasional instances may not cause immediate harm, prolonged neglect can gradually lead to engine issues. Hence, to safeguard the engine and prolong your vehicle's lifespan, it is advisable to depress the clutch when starting.