Should the Clutch Be Depressed When Starting a Manual Transmission Engine?
3 Answers
Yes, it should be depressed. The reasons are as follows: Safety: Depressing the clutch before starting a manual transmission vehicle helps enhance safety. Double Protection: Although the brake pedal is usually depressed when starting the vehicle, depressing the clutch at the same time can cut off the engine's power output to the vehicle, acting as a "double protection" along with the braking mechanism, especially if the gear was not shifted into neutral when parking. Prevents Stalling: When starting the vehicle on a slope, to prevent the engine from stalling due to excessive load and excessively low RPM during startup, the clutch should be depressed first to facilitate the "clutch semi-engagement" during startup.
I remember when driving a manual transmission car, you have to press the clutch every time you start the engine. This is not unnecessary but for safety considerations. When the clutch is pressed, the engine is disconnected from the wheels, so the car won't suddenly lurch forward or backward when starting, especially if the gear is in first or reverse. Once I forgot to press it, the car jerked violently, which was terrifying, and it almost scraped the wall. Later, I looked it up, and professionals said this would increase the load on the starter and could potentially burn out components. Over time, after developing the habit of pressing the clutch, starting became smoother, and even fuel consumption stabilized. Don't cut corners for convenience; safety comes first. Remember to coordinate your feet properly before starting the car.
When I first started learning manual transmission, the instructor always nagged about pressing the clutch when starting the car, which I found a bit troublesome. But during one practice session, I forgot to press it, and the car suddenly lurched forward. Luckily, no one was around, but the dashboard lights went crazy, and the instructor immediately yelled to stop. He said this could easily strain the starter motor or cause stalling accidents. Now, when driving my own car, whether in neutral or in gear, I always press the clutch before ignition. After forming this habit, the car feels more responsive, especially when starting on steep slopes with better anti-slip effects. I recommend beginners practice this early on—don’t overlook the details, as it protects the car and saves repair costs.
